Why Can't We Get Steak Right?

[chakka35]

My wife an I are both pretty good cooks but we simply can't cook a steak without its turning out tough. We have tried all the ways recommended on the pack or in recipes - for example put it into a very hot frying pan for just a few minutes each side - too many to list here. Is there something we're missing?

[humbersloop]

Eddie, I bloody despair when I watch people stabbing any meat with a fork to turn it

press test for steak - in order, touch your thumb with your first, middle, ring and little finger and press against the fleshy base of your thumb for each one. That gives you the feel for the press texture of, in order, rare, medium rare, medium and well done steak

[EDDIE51]

This is what you mean by the 'press test' humbersloop
I have had several chefs show me how to do it.
http://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/meat/activity-fingertest.html

[humbersloop]

exactly the one

I think some people who might be a bit iffy about prodding food in their own kitchen may not realise how much things get mauled and proggled in top flight ones

[EDDIE51]

I've lost count of the times I've seen steak or other food dropped on the floor but just picked up and served to the customer. 'As long as the customer doesn't see' is the rule.

[boingo]

I take my steak out of the fridge and bring it up to room temperature before I cook it. That's when I can afford it anyway!

[ebayfan]

We always grill our steaks, either sirloin or fillet mostly bought
from a butchers. I spread it with butter and when it is starting to
cook turn it over and put more butter on the other side, grill for
about 3/4 minutes turn it over again and finish grilling the other side
then serve with salad and chips. Use garlic butter if you like garlic.
Serve a few mushrooms and onions to add to a tasty meal.

[chakka35]

What a lot of informative answers! Thank you all very much.

[atalanta]

You don't salt it before cooking, do you ?

[chakka35]

No. Should we?

[ebayfan]

No salt needed until it is on your plate, but salt is not good for you !! they say.