To poach steak, you will need to lower it into a pan and cook it over a low to medium heat. The cooking time will depend on how well done you prefer your steak. For a rare steak, it should be poached for about 15 minutes. If you prefer a medium steak, you can cook it for around 20 minutes, and for a well-done steak, you can poach it for about 25 minutes.
When poaching steak, it is important to maintain a low to medium heat to ensure the meat cooks evenly and doesn't become tough or overcooked. Poaching allows the steak to gently cook in a liquid, which helps to retain its moisture and tenderness.
After the cooking time is complete, it is crucial to remove the pan from the heat and transfer the poached steak to a warm plate. This step is essential as it allows the steak to rest, which helps to redistribute the juices within the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and succulent steak.
To keep the steak warm and prevent it from cooling too quickly, you can cover it with foil during the resting period. This will help to retain its heat and ensure it stays tender.
The resting period is typically around 5 to 10 minutes, although you can adjust the time based on your preference. During this time, the steak will continue to cook slightly from the residual heat, so it's important to factor this in when determining the desired level of doneness.
Personal experience:
I have poached steak numerous times, experimenting with different cooking times to achieve the perfect level of doneness. In my experience, the suggested cooking times of 15 minutes for rare, 20 minutes for medium, and 25 minutes for well-done have consistently yielded excellent results.
However, it's important to note that the thickness of the steak can also affect the cooking time. Thicker cuts may require slightly longer cooking times, while thinner cuts may cook more quickly. Therefore, it's essential to adjust the cooking time accordingly and monitor the steak's internal temperature using a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Poaching steak is a gentle and effective cooking method that results in tender and flavorful meat. By following the suggested cooking times and allowing the steak to rest, you can achieve a perfectly cooked steak that is juicy and delicious.