On 5 Jan 2005 21:57:31 -0800, "kitamaria" > wrote:

>I am a recovering vegetarian and would like to learn how to cook a
>really good steak. I just bought some new All-Clad cookware hoping
>that better cookware would do the trick. The last time I cooked steak
>(a long time ago) it came out really really tough. After 7 years of
>vegetarianism, I am sure craving a good steak. Any suggestions?

Best is on the grill over hardwood charcoal.

If you're limited to inside cooking, the method that works well for me
is pan searing both sides of the steak on a cast iron skillet with
very little oil over very high heat -- probably 3 minutes first side
and 2 minutes second side. Transfer the steak to under the broiler and
finish to your desired doneness. Just a couple of minutes per side for
rare/med. rare, longer if you like it (ick) well done.

I like to top the steak with a garlic/shallot butter or gorganzola
sauce but plain is fine.

I use in order of preference good quality (i.e. not supermarket)
ribeye, New York, or T-bone for the tenderest, most flavorful steaks.
If you're not having steak every day, it's worth paying a bit more to
get a good one every once-in-a-while.