Cooking a great steak at home doesn’t require a grill or specialised equipment. With a good frying pan, the right heat, and simple technique, you can achieve a beautifully seared crust and a tender, juicy centre. Whether it’s a quick midweek meal or a relaxed weekend dinner, pan-frying steak is a reliable and rewarding method.
A quality frying pan with even heat distribution makes all the difference, helping you achieve consistent results without burning or uneven cooking.
Why Pan-Frying Is One of the Best Ways to Cook Steak
- Creates a rich, golden crust
- Allows precise heat control
- Ideal for small kitchens and everyday cooking
- No special equipment required
- Perfect for finishing with butter, garlic, and herbs
Heavy-base frying pans retain heat well, which is essential for properly searing steak without cooling the pan too quickly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Steak of your choice (ribeye, sirloin, scotch fillet, rump)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1–2 tablespoons high smoke-point oil
- Optional: butter, crushed garlic, rosemary or thyme
How to Cook Steak in a Frying Pan (Step-by-Step)
1. Bring the Steak to Room Temperature
Remove the steak from the fridge 20–30 minutes before cooking. This helps the meat cook evenly.
2. Pat Dry and Season
Pat both sides dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the Frying Pan
Place the pan over medium-high heat and allow it to become very hot before adding oil. A hot pan is essential for developing a proper crust.
4. Add Oil and Place the Steak in the Pan
Add the oil and swirl to coat the base. Carefully place the steak into the pan — you should hear an immediate sizzle.
5. Sear Without Moving
Cook for 2–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness and preferred doneness. Avoid moving or pressing the steak, as this prevents proper browning.
6. Add Butter and Aromatics (Optional)
During the final minute of cooking, add butter, garlic, and herbs. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the steak to enhance flavour.
7. Rest the Steak
Transfer the steak to a plate and rest for at least 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender steak.
Steak Doneness Guide
- Rare: 48–50°C (cool red centre)
- Medium Rare: 54–56°C (warm red centre)
- Medium: 60–63°C (pink centre)
- Medium Well: 65–68°C (slight pink)
- Well Done: 70°C+ (fully cooked)
Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to achieve your preferred level of doneness.
Best Frying Pans for Cooking Steak
- Scanpan Frying Pans – Durable non-stick surfaces with excellent heat control.
- Pyrolux Frying Pans – Strong, efficient pans that heat quickly for everyday steak cooking.
- Valira Frying Pans – Lightweight pans with responsive heat performance.
- Chasseur Frying Pans – Heavy cast iron pans ideal for deep browning and flavour development.
- Flonal Frying Pans – Italian-made non-stick pans known for even cooking.
Explore our full range of frying pans to find the right pan for cooking steak at home.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes
- Add garlic butter just before serving
- Pair with sautéed mushrooms or steamed greens
- Enjoy with chips for a classic steak and fries
Final Thoughts
Cooking steak in a frying pan is simple, fast, and consistently rewarding. With the right heat, seasoning, and resting time, you can achieve restaurant-quality results at home without needing specialised equipment.
