What is Quick Steak? A Guide to Fast Cooking Tender, Juicy Steak

What is Quick Steak?

Quick steak refers to cooking steak in a short amount of time while still achieving delicious results. Typically “quick” steak meals can be made in 30 minutes or less. With the right techniques and ingredients, you can enjoy tender, juicy, flavorful steak any night of the week without spending hours at the stove.

Benefits of Quick Steak Recipes

Faster Weeknight Dinners

Quick steak recipes are perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without the wait. Get food on the table fast even after a long day.

Great for Batch Cooking

Cook quick steak in batches for meal prep. Use in salads, tacos, sandwiches, and more throughout the week.

Versatile Ingredients

Steak works well in many global cuisines. Quickly adapt it for fajitas, philly cheesesteaks, teriyaki bowls, and so much more.

Satisfying Meals Without the Effort

Tasty steak meals are possible on a weeknight without slowing you down. Perfect for busy home cooks without sacrificing flavor.

Choosing the Best Cuts for Quick Steak

Flank Steak

Flank steak is a lean, budget-friendly cut that cooks fast when sliced thin against the grain.

Skirt Steak

Skirt steak has lots of rich beefy flavor and becomes tender quickly over high heat.

Flat Iron Steak

This shoulder cut has good marbling for tenderness and juiciness. Cooks fast when thin.

Top Sirloin

Lower in fat than some cuts but still flavorful. Slices nicely for quick cooking.

Hanger Steak

Hanger steak has robust flavor and a tender, lean texture perfect for speedy meals.

Prep and Cooking Methods for Fast Steak

Pick Thinner Cuts

Choose cuts like flank or skirt steak and slice against the grain into thin 1⁄4-inch strips.

Tenderize the Meat

Use a meat mallet or fork to break down tough muscle fibers before cooking.

Cook Over High Heat

Use high heat from grills, broilers, or pans to quickly cook the exterior while leaving the inside tender.

Partially Freeze Meat

Partially frozen steak slices more thinly. Freeze for 1 hour before slicing against the grain.

Marinate Quickly

A 30 minute marinade adds lots of flavor fast. Use oil, acids, and spices/herbs.

15 Quick and Easy Steak Recipes

1. Steak Fajitas

Slice flank steak into strips and cook with onions, bell peppers, and Mexican spices. Wrap in tortillas with toppings.

2. Philly Cheesesteak

Thinly sliced steak gets cooked with onions, mushrooms, and green peppers then piled into a hoagie roll.

3. Steak Tacos

Quickly cook sliced skirt or flank steak and serve in warmed corn tortillas with salsa and toppings.

4. Thai Steak Salad

Toss thinly sliced grilled steak with fresh greens, herbs, veggies, noodles, and a Thai peanut dressing.

5. Steak and Potato Stir Fry

Sear steak strips quickly in a pan before adding potatoes, onion, and veggies. Toss in soy sauce.

6. Steak Cobb Salad

Top chopped salad greens with seared steak, bacon, hard boiled eggs, avocado, tomato, and blue cheese.

7. Open Faced Steak Sandwiches

Quickly cook steak slices and serve over thick slices of toasted bread topped with caramelized onions.

8. Steak and Vegetable Skewers

Skewer steak slices with veggies and pineapple. Brush with a teriyaki marinade and grill 3-5 minutes.

9. Blackened Steak Salad

Dredge steak strips in Cajun seasoning and sear in a hot pan. Slice and add to a bed of fresh salad greens.

10. Steak Quesadillas

Sear thin slices of steak with onions and peppers. Add to a tortilla with cheese and cook until melted.

11. Asian Steak Lettuce Wraps

Sauté steak strips in an Asian marinade. Serve wrapped in cool lettuce leaves with sliced veggies.

12. Steak Breakfast Burritos

Chopped steak, eggs, cheese, and potatoes wrapped in a tortilla make an easy handheld breakfast.

13. Mediterranean Steak Salad

Grilled strips of nicely marbled steak served atop mixed greens, veggies, olives, and feta cheese.

14. Teriyaki Steak Rice Bowl

Seared steak tossed in homemade teriyaki sauce served over a bed of steaming rice and veggies.

15. Italian Steak Pinwheels

Pound thin steak slices, spread with sun-dried tomato pesto, roll up, and secure with toothpicks to create hearty pinwheels.

Tips for Juicy, Tender Quick Steak

With quick steak meals, follow these tips to ensure tender, juicy results:

- Let steak sit at room temp 15-30 minutes before cooking

- Pat steak dry thoroughly before seasoning or cooking

- Use thick steaks for grill or broiler, thin slices for pan searing

- Preheat cooking surface very hot before adding steak

- Flip steak only once during cooking

- Allow steak to rest 5+ minutes before slicing into it

Conclusion

Quick steak dinners are totally possible any night of the week with the right preparation. Look for naturally tender thin cuts of steak. Partially freezing or pounding the meat makes slicing easier. Use high heat and resist the urge to flip constantly. Allow the steak to rest before digging in and enjoy delicious results in 30 minutes or less.

FAQ

1. What steak is easiest to cook quickly?

Flank, skirt, or flat iron steak are naturally thin cuts that cook the quickest. They can be cooked in a pan in just 3-6 minutes per side.

2. How long does it take to cook steak in a pan?

In a very hot pan, steak can be cooked in about 6-10 minutes total. Cook each side for 2-5 minutes depending on thickness until browned and cooked to desired doneness.

3. Can you cook frozen steak quickly?

It's best not to cook frozen steak in a hurry, as it will likely end up overcooked externally while still cold inside. Defrost first in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.

4. What temperature do you cook steak at for fajitas?

Cook flank or skirt steak over high heat to just medium doneness, around 135°F internally, for fajitas. This keeps the meat tender and juicy when sliced thinly.

5. What cut of steak is used for Philly cheesesteaks?

Traditionally, thinly sliced ribeye or top round steak is used for Philly cheesesteaks. Skirt steak also works well since it stays tender when cooked quickly.