The Best Way To Cook Steak? | Techniquely with Lan Lam

Cook’s Illustrated's Lan Lam delves into the cooking techniques and science behind some of our most innovative recipes. In the first episode, she shows you the best way to cook steak.

ABOUT US: Located in Boston’s Seaport District in the historic Innovation and Design Building, America's Test Kitchen features 15,000 square feet of kitchen space including multiple photography and video studios. It is the home of Cook’s Illustrated magazine and Cook’s Country magazine and is the workday destination for more than 60 test cooks, editors, and cookware specialists. Our mission is to test recipes over and over again until we understand how and why they work and until we arrive at the best version.

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[lanlam]

thanks for watching everyone! i had so much fun making this video. the cold sear is such a solid technique (thanks aj!) and i loved diving into the pro's and con's of the other methods.

[kristianmn]

Wow! I have been a chef/restaurateur for the past 27 years and this is easily the greatest new technique I’ve seen. Period. I love preparing steaks at home, but you are correct...hood has to be at max power, windows open, yet I STILL smoke up the house! Bottom line...how I do it at the restaurant simply doesn’t translate to the home kitchen. First attempt using THIS method and I’ll never do it any other way. See? You really CAN teach an old dog a new trick! Thank you!

[ixamedia]

Lan has to have her own channel! So clear, organized, plus I love her calm assured personality.

[butter]

She's THE BEST from this channel. Clear, eloquent, and scienc-y. Haha

I love a good traditional steak but the number of times I've set off my fire alarm and also the amount of cleaning you have to do after (I walk around barefoot and you can feel the steak grease on every surface within an 8ft radius) is 💀. I find cold sear almost like a spit roast, but you do still get a bit of a crust from the pan. And definitely a lot less messy.

[jonathanp]

It's been said by everyone else, but want to throw my hat in for support of Lan Lam. What a wonderful chef she is. She's well-spoken and makes the video super informative and engaging! Would absolutely love to see more of Lan Lam!

[LBurou]

I've never heard better explanations for cooking. This presenter's skills and background knowledge are remarkable. Thank you 🙂

[jimgarrett]

Until I watched this video, I was an ardent cast iron proponent, but I tried a cold sear this evening and, WOW, what a difference. Not only was cleanup so much easier, but the steak was absolutely the best that I have ever produced. I'm convinced!

[lc]

Lan is the best personality “food presenter” of the hundreds I’ve seen. This cold sear method hits all the buttons, from perfect sear to minimal clean up. Fabulous in every way. Only way to cook a steak. THANK YOU LAN.

[chrisdelgado]

This has turned out to be everything that I have ever wanted out of a cooking channel. Nothing silly; just good information and lots of it. ....and so nicely presented as well. Thank you so much.

[Bigdaddyinyourarea]

This video is pure gold.

I'm the average home cook that enjoys a steak cooked pink. Been buying all types of steak from cheap cuts to expensive japanese a5 wagyu ones and cooking them at home for the last decade or so. Cooked them the traditional way and ALWAYS had the problem of the uneven grey outside and pink middle. I tried this method and it has completely changed my life - will definitely use it for the rest of my carnivore years. Only thing I would do different from this video is at the end to blast the heat and get an even sear on all sides of the meat, not just the top and bottom.

[bsitqdm]

I love Lan Lam. Her methods and delivery of the message is easy to follow. I love that she explains the why. Thank you Ms Lam

[myer]

Thank you! I’m a single mom who thought me and my daughter would just have to go without steak unless bought at a restaurant but the way you cooked this is right up my alley!!! She’s going to love it 😍

[RocketSlug]

I really appreciate the overview of the other techniques for cooking a steak! This makes it a great reference to share with others, not just as a how-to

[dostevenk]

Love this new format, I hope this becomes a series! Lan Lam is a star!!

[angrypotato_fz]

I don't even eat steaks, but Chef Lan is delightful to watch and listen to :) I appreciate dealing with regular home cook pros and cons (like the smoke and cleaning aspect). Great video!

[nuvigroovi]

I tried this today and it was the best stove top steak I ever cooked. Straight out of the fridge. No need to wait until meat is room temperature.

I have cast iron and stainless steel but the non stick works great. No mess! Will be my go to method from now on!

[slowerpicker]

The presenter is engaging and informative! And unlike a lot of chemists who’ve gone from the lab to the kitchen, she gives us the science in a relaxed way that’s fully in the context of the problem — no “this is an example of” pontification.

[adrianbarac]

I've watched a stack of contradicting steak videos - and this would have to be the best I've seen. Terrific explainer, slickly produced... and it actually focuses on the CLEANING aspect! Subscribed.
PS: Tried this tonight - Best method yet:)

[prietom]

After this, definitely cold sear from now on. Ms. Lam is so delightful, great teacher, and fun to watch!

[arenli]

I’ve never watched a 10+ min cooking instruction video from end to end without skipping or 2x speed. I have now.