Resting a steak after cooking is just as important as seasoning and grilling. Allowing the meat to rest helps retain juices, making every bite tender and flavorful. The resting time depends on the steak’s size and thickness. Many Melbourne steak restaurants follow strict resting guidelines to ensure their steaks are juicy and delicious. A well-rested steak will not lose moisture when sliced, keeping it tender and tasty.
Here are five tips on how long to let a steak rest after cooking, depending on its size.
Small steaks need five minutes
Thin steaks, such as flank, skirt, and filet mignon, require a short resting time. A general rule is to let them rest for about five minutes. Since they cook quickly, they do not need much time to redistribute their juices. Resting for too long may cause them to cool down too much before serving.
Medium-sized steaks rest for seven to ten minutes
For steaks like ribeye, New York strip, or sirloin, a slightly longer resting time is needed. These cuts are thicker and need around seven to ten minutes to settle. Many Melbourne steak restaurants use this method to ensure their steaks remain moist and tender. Resting allows the muscle fibers to relax, keeping the steak from drying out when cut.
Thick steaks require ten to fifteen minutes
Porterhouse, T-bone, and tomahawk steaks are thick and require more time to rest. A ten to fifteen-minute resting period allows the juices to spread evenly throughout the meat. Without enough resting time, thick steaks can lose too much juice when sliced. A warm plate or foil tent helps maintain heat while resting.
Large roasts need twenty to thirty minutes
When cooking a whole beef tenderloin or prime rib, patience is key. Large roasts require at least twenty to thirty minutes of resting time. The larger the meat, the longer it needs to retain its juices properly. This step ensures the roast stays moist and flavorful when carved. Covering it loosely with foil prevents heat loss without trapping steam.
Use the one-minute per 100g rule
A simple way to determine resting time is to use the one-minute per 100g rule. This method applies to all steak sizes and ensures proper juice retention. It prevents under-resting, which leads to dryness, and over-resting, which cools the steak too much.
Final words
Letting steak rest properly improves texture and taste. By following these resting times, steak lovers can enjoy juicy, flavorful meat every time.
