Steak is a lip-smacking, filling, and fantastic source of high-quality protein and other crucial nutrients. It is no longer associated with being an unhealthy meal because it is packed with protein and important elements like iron and B vitamins.

‍Lean steaks are a tasty protein source when prepared nutritiously and accompanied by a platter of veggies.It can be intimidating to prepare steak because there are many rules to follow. However, getting the ideal steak is not too difficult.

For the healthiest steak meals, concentrate on cooking techniques that showcase the steak’s natural meaty flavor while avoiding adding excessive amounts of added fat or calories. Read on to learn the healthiest cooking techniques for steaks.

How Important is The Method of Cooking Meat?

Any fibrous connective tissue that may be difficult to chew and digest is broken down by cooking. Better nutrition absorption is another benefit of cooking. Furthermore, boiling meat properly eliminates dangerous bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli, which can result in food poisoning and illness or even death.

However, depending on the method and for how long meat is cooked, it may lose some of its antioxidant capacity. If not done the right way, the process of cooking meat can also cause nutrients to be lost.

Healthy Ways to Cook Steak

Roasted beef steak

Pressure Cooking

Due to its ability to cook food rapidly and efficiently compared to other techniques, pressure cooking, a type of moist heat cooking, has recently gained popularity. A pressure cooker is a pot with a tight-fitting cover and a safety valve that regulates the pressure of rising steam inside.Cooking time is reduced at higher temperatures.

The main benefit of pressure cooking is the substantial reduction in cooking time for meat and poultry. Additionally, compared to other cooking techniques, pressure cooking results in reduced cholesterol oxidation, giving meat flavor and tenderness while reducing nutrient loss.

Sous Vide

In sous vide cooking, meat is placed in an airtight plastic bag and heated to a specific temperature in a water bath for one to several hours. It is then quickly seared in a pan to create a brown crust. The lowest temperature range for cooking used by sous vide is 130–140°F (55–60°C). These cooking temperatures can aid in limiting the production of potentially hazardous compounds.

Additionally, the meat is said to be more tender and evenly cooked than meat cooked using other methods because the cooking time and temperature can be properly regulated.

Furthermore, all of the cooking liquids stay in the bag with the meat, improving the retention of B vitamins and other minerals. It can take up to an hour or longer to cook steak sous vide compared to grilling. On the other hand, the meat can be kept at the preferred temperature for a number of hours without risk.

Slow Cooking

Slow cooking is using a slow cooker, often known as a crock pot, to cook food for several hours. This is a sizable porcelain bowl with a glass lid that has been heated electronically. The low temperatures minimize the development of potentially hazardous chemicals.

The biggest advantage of slow cooking is its ease and convenience. Simply season the meat and throw it in the slow cooker in the morning. Allow the meat to cook for six to eight hours without having to check on it. Tougher cuts of meat, like brisket, become tender and flavourful through slow cooking. However, particularly with prolonged cooking durations, it can occasionally result in chicken and other delicate meats becoming too soft and mushy.

Roasting & Baking

Cooking techniques that preserve the most vitamin C include roasting and baking. Depending on the type and cut of meat, cooking times for roasting and baking can range from 30 minutes to an hour or more. However, up to 40% of B vitamins may be lost in the liquids that leak from the meat during prolonged high-temperature cooking. The loss of nutrients can be reduced by collecting these liquids and serving them with the meat; they are commonly referred to as au jus on menus.

Pan-Searing

Pan-searing cooks steak over high heat with little additional fat, similar to grilling. A small amount of extra-virgin olive oil helps prevent the steak from adhering to the pan and promotes crusting and caramelization on the surface and edges.

Simmering, Poaching and Stewing

Simmering, poaching, and stewing are similar moist heat methods of cooking. Although cooking times are generally longer than for many other cooking methods, temperatures are lower.

Lengthy cooking in liquids at temperatures above 200°F may cause meat proteins to toughen. Research has shown that cooking with moist heat at low temperatures can minimize the formation of AGEs. On the other hand, the lengthy cooking times for stewing and simmering can lead to a loss of B vitamins, nutrients that are typically high in meat and poultry.

Stir-Frying and Panfrying

Although these techniques employ intense heat, the short cooking durations preserve soft meat with flavor. These cooking methods also encourage the retention of nutrients and have a lower propensity than many others to trigger the oxidation of the cholesterol found in fatty meats. Heart disease is thought to be a risk factor for oxidized cholesterol.

Final Words

The healthiest methods of cooking meat are sous vide, pressure cooking, and slow cooking. However, there are benefits and drawbacks to each way of cooking meat. Due to the significant amounts of hazardous byproducts they produce, several of the most popular forms, such as deep-frying and grilling, are concerning.

Fewer of these chemicals are produced by poaching and other wet heat cooking methods at lower temperatures, although this can lead to vitamin loss. When possible, use healthy cooking techniques, including slow cooking, pressure cooking, and sous vide.

A delectable and healthy steak is built on a foundation of high-quality meat and the appropriate cut. Get in touch with Mr. Meat Master for a reliable supply of flavorful, healthy meat.Our products have unparalleled flavors and are guaranteed to have been raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics. Contact us by calling 1(833) 632-8627 or filling out our online form for more information today! Visit our website to learn more.