How and Why to 'Rest' Meat After Cooking?
Why You Should Let the Steak Rest After Cooking？
Recall the best steak you have ever eaten. In addition to the cooking method, seasoning method or the meat you choose, all delicious steaks have one thing in common: the rest time after the meat is cooked.It is important to let the meat rest for a few minutes after cooking, before using a fork and knife to stick into to maintain the moisture and heat inside.But why does this technique always result in a perfect juicy cut when you cut it? There is a scientific basis behind the tactics, but not everyone understands how it works.Below, we will delve into the benefits of letting the steak rest after cooking, and how long it takes for the steak to resteach time to create the perfect taste.
Why Let the Steak Rest?
When you cook steak at high temperature, you are heating up the muscle fiber and protein in the meat. The longer the meat is cooked, the more solidified the protein. This is why we usually use tongs or fingers to poke a piece of meat to measure its cookedness.As the fibers coagulate, they push the gravy toward the center of the incision. If you slice this piece of meat immediately after cooking, all the moisture in the middle will be poured out and you will lose a lot of flavor. This is a way to make hard meat, and it doesn’t look very tasty.However, when you let it rest after cooking, the temperature will slowly drop and the juice will have time to redistribute into the meat and be reabsorbed by the fiber.
How did it happen?As the temperature decreases, the contracted muscle proteins begin to relax.There is less pressure in the center of the steak, allowing the water to redistribute throughout the steak and be reabsorbed by everything from the center to the outer edge.When it comes time to cut the meat, you will see a delicious and moist steak that will melt in your mouth.
Worried that your steak will reach an unsafe food temperature when it is placed? There is no fear. Even if the meat is removed from the grill or stove, it will continue to cook for a while. If you want, you can even wrap it in some aluminum foil to absorb more heat.
How to Rest Steak
In order to get the proper rest your steak needs, please follow the steps below:
1.After cooking, remove the meat from the heat burner, from the oven, or from the kamado barbecue grill.
2.Transfer your meat to a warm plate. You can also use a cutting board.
3.Make a tent with aluminum foil to retain a little heat.
4.Let it sit for an appropriate time (see below).
5.Remove the aluminum foil and slice it.
6.Timely service and enjoyment!
How Long Should the Steak Rest?
The purpose of resting steak is to reduce the amount of juice lost when cutting meat. If you can stand for long enough, your meat will retain these juices and you will bite into a soft, delicious, and juicy steak.How long you keep the meat depends on the size and thickness of the meat you cut. As a general guide, the larger the steak, the longer you should wait for it to rest and reach the proper internal temperature.
If you are not sure how big your meat is compared to other meats, the rule of thumb is to let the steak sit for at least five minutes (definitely no less than three minutes). However, if you have just grilled a whole steak, you should let it sit for at least 10 minutes-20 minutes, or even longer.
In addition, these guidelines may help:
※ If you are in a hurry, it will take at least 5 to 7 minutes.
※ If you know your wound is very thick, give it at least 10 minutes.
※ If you know your wound is very thick, give it at least 10 minutes.
※ You can rest for 10 minutes per pound.
※ The time you can take the meat to rest is half of the cooking time. If the meat is thicker, you can rest it the same time as it took to cook.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the perfect steak is an art that requires a little expertise and skill. If you want to impress your friends, partner and even yourself with delicious steaks as soon as possible, please make sure to set aside a proper time for the meat to rest before serving.