Steak thickness can affect the doneness and end result of cooking your steak. I have had better-tasting steaks simply because they are cut thicker.
The thickness of the steak will cause the steak to cook faster or slower throughout depending on its thickness. Thinner-cut steaks will cook through faster than thicker-cut steaks.
If you are looking for the tastiest steak possible then you probably are gonna want to cook it close to medium rare in doneness. The best way to have a tasty medium rare steak is to have it cut thick so you can put a good sear on the outside without overcooking the middle.
Why steak thickness matters
Steak thickness is important because it determines how fast or slow the steak will cook. Being aware of this fact and how thick your steak is will help you to not overcook or undercook your steak.
Not everyone wants a medium rare steak so having a steak that is cut really thick might not be the best for you. If you like your steak done medium well to well done then a thinner cut steak should suffice.
What happens if the steak is too thick or too thin?
If your steak is cut too thin or too thick then the steak will likely be either overcooked or undercooked. For someone who likes their steaks well-done, they will want to have a thinner steak. For someone who likes their steaks rarer, they will want a thicker steak.
Should steak thickness depend on how it is being cooked?
It is easier to cook a thin steak well-done and it is easier to cook a thick steak medium-rare. So you must choose your steak thickness depending on how done you like your steak.
Although, you can absolutely cook a thin steak medium-rare and a thick steak well done. It’s just easier if you have the thickness appropriate for the correct doneness that you want.
Does the cut of steak matter for thickness?
No the cut of steak does not matter whether it is thicker or thinner. Each cut of steak can do well thick or thin. However, some cuts of steak may be normally cut thicker like the ribeye.
It depends on your butcher and how they normally cut each cut of steak. You can always request to cut your steak at a different thickness than what is available. Just ask your butcher! You are paying for the steak and you might as well get it cut how you like.
How to cook a thin steak?
A thin steak that is cut less than 1/2 an inch will cook fast. You have to be aware of how long you cook it to make sure that you do not overcook it.
Here is a list of how to make a thin steak medium-rare so that the steps are clear:
- Salt steak and let it come to room temperature
- Heat a pan on medium-high heat
- Cook your steak for about 3 minutes per side
- Let steak rest for about 5-10 minutes
What you are trying to do is to sear the outside of the steak with the hot pan. This will leave the inside of the steak a nice medium-rare. If you want medium steak cook for about 4 minutes on each side and for a medium-well steak you will do about 5 minutes on each side.
Obviously, everyone’s cooking is different and this is just an average amount of time. Check the steak to make sure it is cooked the way you like it after cooking for this amount of time.
How to cook a thick steak?
A thick steak is any steak larger than 1/2 inch thick. These steaks do not cook fast internally and they usually require to be broiled after they are seared.
Here is a list of how to cook a thick steak:
- Salt steak and let it come to room temperature
- Turn oven on and heat to 425 degrees Fahrenheit
- Heat a pan on medium-high heat
- Cook your steak for about 3 minutes per side
- Put steak into the oven for five minutes for medium-rare and 10 minutes for medium-well
- Let steak rest for about 5-10 minutes
Just like before, these are average times and may not be exact to your situation. Check your steak temperature for doneness.
Conclusion
I just recently started to eat thick steaks as well as eating my steak medium-rare. You get the most flavor when your steak is medium-rare, and it is usually not as bloody as you think it is.
There is a big difference in the way you should cook a thick steak compared to a thin steak. A thin steak could be fully cooked just by searing it, you most likely don’t need to broil it either.
Whatever thickness of steak that you like, whether it is thick or thin you will need to cook it accordingly. Although, I highly recommend thick steaks that are cooked medium-rare.