Afelia’s Beef Steaks

To salt or not to salt. That was the question I asked myself the very first time my husband brought home some beef steaks as I looked into the best way to cook them, I had never cooked steaks before so I read up as much as I could on the topic. There was so much conflicting advice online that it made it hard to decide which method of cooking was the best; did I season the steaks well in advance or moments before cooking? Did I go heavy on the spices or did I keep it simple? In the end I put my trust in the experts and did it their way, SO, I didn’t season the steaks until just before I cooked them and I didn’t add anything other than salt, pepper, a little garlic and butter. Bad idea! Once cooked the steaks tasted bland and didn’t meet up to my expectations in terms of flavour, I vowed to use my own seasonings and technique the next time I cooked them and thus Afelia’s Beef Steaks were born.

Now I’m gonna be totally honest here and say I don’t have much experience when it comes to cooking times for a steak, I can count the number of times I’ve actually cooked steaks on one hand (it’s 3 to be exact, lol), so whilst I will be giving you advice on the timings I used, the technique and equipment you will need to cook the steaks, you may want to do some independent research on cooking times to make sure you get the steaks cooked the way you like. There are many variable factors ie. weight, thickness and doneness when it comes to steak, and it all boils down to your own personal preference.

Some people like their steaks pink and bloody, or ‘rare’ as it’s more well known (omg, yah mabud, lol), whilst others prefer it a little pink in the middle but brown on the outside, I guess this would be classed as ‘medium rare’ (I don’t mind it like this) and if you like it brown all the way through well then you like a ‘well done’ steak. I actually like my steaks to be in between medium rare and well done, which is classed as medium from some of the charts I have seen. There are other levels of ‘doneness’ when it comes to steaks, but I would say these are the most prominent ones so won’t go into depth about the others.

I like to think that I have a good and varied palate, so whilst I love my curries and heavily spiced food, I also appreciate dishes that contain fewer ingredients but are equally delicious. There is a big difference however between bland food which is tasteless, and food that is seasoned simply but flavoursome. I don’t feel the need to OD on the chilli sauce to make my food taste good but I DO want my food to be flavoursome with or without the chilli heat. I’m hoping that using my unique marinade will ensure that the steaks are bursting with flavour without the need for chilli sauce.

One thing I would advise is to make sure that you have a set of steak knives to hand because it makes a huge difference to the eating experience. Struggling to slice a thick tough steak with a blunt knife is no fun whatsoever and it will put you off cooking steaks at home again! I invested in some quality steak knives when they went on sale, purely because I didn’t want to fight to slice up my meat, lol! If you think you are likely to cook steaks every once in a while, try to keep an eye out for a set when they go on offer, Christmas is a good time to be on the lookout.

Here is a list of advice and pointers that will ensure you cook the steaks correctly.

  1. Marinate the steaks several hours before you intend to cook them or overnight where possible. Marinating ahead of time will ensure the spices have had time to penetrate the surface of the steaks and that they are well seasoned.
  2. Make sure you allow the steaks to come to room temperature before cooking them if you stored them in the fridge for a period of time or overnight. This will mean the steaks will cook evenly, otherwise the outside will cook and the centre of the steak will remain cold.
  3. Try to use a frying pan that can be heated to high temperatures in order to sear the steaks quickly, to lock in flavour and juices; stainless steel clad, tri-ply cookware or cast iron are ideal for this. I use a cast iron griddle pan which is ideal for searing steaks/meat. Non stick frying pans are NOT suitable for this purpose and should be avoided.
  4. Make sure you use an oil with an high smoking point, corn oil or sesame oil are good for this. Avoid using olive oil or butter as the olive oil has a low smoke point and butter will burn.
  5. For best results it is important to set a timer to ensure that the steaks are cooked equally on both sides, steaks cook quickly once in the pan and it can be easy to overcook them if you don’t time yourself. I made use of the timer on my phone and cooked my steaks for exactly 2 minutes on each side, as my steaks were between 1.5 and 2.5cm in thickness this resulted in different levels of ‘doneness’. This time will vary depending on how thick your steaks are and how you like them.
  6. Remember to rest the steaks AFTER cooking for 5 – 7 minutes to allow the meat to re-absorb some of the juices that will naturally be released. This will ensure a juicier steak and will mean the meat loses less juice when cut. I keep an enamel roaster on top of the hob, next to where I cook the steaks to place the steaks in as they are cooked one by one, this not only gives them time to rest but also helps to keep them warm. Try not to cover with foil as this will make the steaks steam and ruin the sear on the surface.

Now that I have covered everything I feel you need to know, there should be no room for misteaks, hopefully everyone will enjoy this recipe and will want to beef friends with you! Oh come on, that was sear genius, lol, let’s begin!

Serves – 6

You will need: for Afelia’s Beef Steaks

6 large Beef steaks (weighing between 0.30 – 0.35kg each and ranged from 1.5cm – 2.5cm thickness)
2 tbsp English mustard
1 tbsp oil
1 tbsp honey
1 tbsp mixed herbs
1 tsp salt
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp curry powder (I used TRS Mild Madras Curry Powder)
1/2 tsp white pepper
extra oil as needed

Method:

Afelia's Beef Steaks

The beef steaks shown here ranged in weight from 0.30 – 0.35kg each. Some of the steaks weren’t very thick, (they ranged between 1.5cm to 2.5cm in thickness) and were more spread out. As you can see all of the steaks were larger than my hand, however once cooked the steaks do tend to shrink a little.

Afelia's Beef Steaks

To make the marinade for the steaks, to a large bowl add 2 tbsp of mustard, 1 tbsp of oil, 1 tbsp of honey, 1 tbsp of mixed herbs….

Afelia's Beef Steaks

….1 tsp salt, 1 rounded tsp curry powder, 1 rounded teaspoon garlic powder and 1/2 tsp ground white pepper.

Afelia's Beef Steaks

Mix all of the ingredients well to create a smooth paste.

Next add the beef steaks to the paste and smother them using your hands, it’s important to cover each steak with the marinade thoroughly.

Afelia's Beef Steaks

Continue adding the steaks to the marinade, this marinade is enough for 6 large steaks weighing between the amounts mentioned previously.

Once you have marinated the steaks leave in an airtight container covered somewhere cool for several hours or overnight, in this case refrigerate, I marinated these steaks during the day and cooked them in the evening.

Make sure you bring the steaks to room temperature a few hours before cooking them, this will ensure even cooking and won’t leave the steaks cold in the middle.

Afelia's Beef Steaks

Choose a suitable pan for cooking the steaks in and heat well.

I prefer to add oil to the pan and use a brush to coat the surface with a thin layer, rather than use an excessive amount.

Have your timer set and ready. Heat the oil and pan to smoking point and then add your steak, make sure you start the timer as you do so.

Afelia's Beef Steaks

Cook the steaks for 2 minutes either side.

As a rough guideline, the steaks that were 1.5cm thick cooked through completely ie. were ‘well done’ when cooked for 2 minutes either side. The steaks that were thicker were pink in the middle still ie. ‘medium rare’ when cooked for 2 minutes either side. Adjust these timings as necessary depending on the thickness and your personal preference.

Flip over after 2 minutes and cook for a further two minutes (don’t forget to reset the timer) on the other side.

Remove the steak from the pan once the time is up and leave it to rest in a dish for 5 minutes.

Afelias Beef Steaks

You will notice some juices being released from the steak and this is fairly common, when left to rest the juices will be re-absorbed into the steaks.

Continue to brush the pan with oil as necessary before you cook the remaining steaks. Remove any burnt bits from the pan as you go.

Afelia's Beef Steaks

Once your steaks have rested, serve them with sides of your choice, I chose a hot onion gravy, super creamy mashed potatoes and peas.

Savour every mouthful of your well seasoned and flavoursome steak!

Afelia's Beef Steaks

As you can see from this photo, this was one of the thinner steaks, and cooking for 2 minutes on either side resulted in an almost well done steak (there is a slight hint of pink in the middle), so adjust these timings as necessary.

5.0 from 5 reviews
Afelia's Beef Steaks
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
Author:
Serves: 6
Ingredients
  • 6 large Beef steaks (weighing between 0.30 - 0.35kg each and ranged from 1.5cm - 2.5cm thickness)
  • 2 tbsp English mustard
  • 1 tbsp oil
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp mixed herbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp curry powder (I used TRS Mild Madras Curry Powder)
  • ½ tsp white pepper
  • extra oil as needed
Method
  1. The beef steaks shown here ranged in weight from 0.30 - 0.35kg each. Some of the steaks weren't very thick, (they ranged between 1.5cm to 2.5cm in thickness) and were more spread out. As you can see all of the steaks were larger than my hand, however once cooked the steaks do tend to shrink a little.
  2. To make the marinade for the steaks, to a large bowl add 2 tbsp of mustard, 1 tbsp of oil, 1 tbsp of honey, 1 tbsp of mixed herbs....
  3. tsp salt, 1 rounded tsp curry powder, 1 rounded teaspoon garlic powder and ½ tsp ground white pepper.
  4. Mix all of the ingredients well to create a smooth paste.
  5. Next add the beef steaks to the paste and smother them using your hands, it's important to cover each steak with the marinade thoroughly.
  6. Continue adding the steaks to the marinade, this marinade is enough for 6 large steaks weighing between the amounts mentioned previously.
  7. Once you have marinated the steaks leave in an airtight container covered somewhere cool for several hours or overnight, in this case refrigerate, I marinated these steaks during the day and cooked them in the evening.
  8. Make sure you bring the steaks to room temperature a few hours before cooking them, this will ensure even cooking and won't leave the steaks cold in the middle.
  9. Choose a suitable pan for cooking the steaks in and heat well.
  10. I prefer to add oil to the pan and use a brush to coat the surface with a thin layer, rather than use an excessive amount.
  11. Have your timer set and ready. Heat the oil and pan to smoking point and then add your steak, make sure you start the timer as you do so.
  12. Cook the steaks for 2 minutes either side.
  13. As a rough guideline, the steaks that were 1.5cm thick cooked through completely ie. were 'well done' when cooked for 2 minutes either side. The steaks that were thicker were pink in the middle still ie. 'medium rare' when cooked for 2 minutes either side. Adjust these timings as necessary depending on the thickness and your personal preference.
  14. Flip over after 2 minutes and cook for a further two minutes (don't forget to reset the timer) on the other side.
  15. Remove the steak from the pan once the time is up and leave it to rest in a dish for 5 minutes.
  16. You will notice some juices being released from the steak and this is fairly common, when left to rest the juices will be re-absorbed into the steaks.
  17. Continue to brush the pan with oil as necessary before you cook the remaining steaks. Remove any burnt bits from the pan as you go.
  18. Once your steaks have rested, serve them with sides of your choice, I chose a hot onion gravy, super creamy mashed potatoes and peas.
  19. Savour every mouthful of your well seasoned and flavoursome steak!
  20. As you can see from this photo, this was one of the thinner steaks, and cooking for 2 minutes on either side resulted in an almost well done steak (there is a slight hint of pink in the middle), so adjust these timings as necessary.

If you like the recipe please share with friends and family, also follow me on Facebook and Instagram. Questions? Leave a comment below or message me on Facebook.

 

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Comments 22

  1. Leena
    Reply

    Hi afelia

    Would I be able to use this recipe for lamb steaks at all?

    Thank you x

    9 September, 2021
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      Yes it would work too.

      10 September, 2021
  2. Roo
    Reply

    This has been a hit in my house since I first made it & ive made it a good few times. My kids seem to run to my plate when I’m having this & thoroughly enjoy it. I also have a family member who HATES steak because it reminds them of human flesh 🙄 LOL however once they had it they loved it and said it was nice nice. Looks like your recipe converted them lol.

    12 January, 2020
    • Tariq
      Reply

      I’ve cooked this recipe on 2 occasions now. The 1st came out perfect. Unfortunately the steaks were tough and chewy the second time around. I think it is due to not taking them out of the fridge in advance.

      Trying again tomorrow for Eid so in sha Allah it goes well.

      Juzakallah for sharing your amazing recipes!

      23 May, 2020
      • afelia’s kitchen
        Reply

        You’re most welcome…..yup, you need to bring out any chilled meats to room temperature before cooking, otherwise the inside stays cold and you risk overcooking it, I hope you had better success with your Eid attempt.

        25 May, 2020
  3. Fahmida
    Reply

    I tried this recipe and it was fab Alhamdulillah easy to follow and tasted great. My husband loved it. JazakillahKhayr

    20 December, 2017
  4. Moontaha Akhtar
    Reply

    Perfect recipe. Perfect cook you are mashallah! Haha wish i could just copy it exactly like you! Anyways loving all your recipes so far that ive tried, keep up the good work x

    20 November, 2017
  5. Jasmine
    Reply

    Salam sis, can u recommend the best cut of beef for this recipe, i mean wht type like brisket or top side or any ? Sorry i got no clue aswell

    Thank u

    Btw, i love to follow all ur deshi recipe always came out perfect , great job sis

    9 October, 2017
  6. Zainab
    Reply

    Tried these beef steaks tonight using Afelia’s recipe. They turned out gorgeously juicy! My little toddler couldn’t get enough of it , and he’s being picky with food at the moment, but he couldn’t stop eating – so that says something! Will definitely be making this again! Thanks!

    16 September, 2017
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      That’s awesome, your two year old definitely has good taste buds! 😉 xx

      18 September, 2017
  7. Zara sheraz
    Reply

    I finally got chance to try one of your recipe! And I am in love with the way your recipe turned out because it was bloody delicious! Everybody loved the steak and I am definitely going to make it again and try more of your recipes! Thank you for sharing these amazing recipes!

    16 September, 2017
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      You’re welcome, thanks for trying out the recipe so soon. 😀 xx

      18 September, 2017
  8. Saira
    Reply

    Love watching your videos on instagram
    Where did you buy your pan from the one you are using to cook your beef steaks on?

    16 September, 2017
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      You can buy similar pans from Amazon, look for cast iron griddle pans. You will need to read the instructions to use this type of pan beforehand though, as you can’t use them straight away without seasoning the pan first. Look up what seasoning a cast iron pan means.

      16 September, 2017
  9. Hannah begum
    Reply

    Hi Afelia I’m trying these steaks today for dinner! Great post and appreciate all your recipes you really break it down into simple, wel illustrated steps!

    16 September, 2017
    • salma kapadia
      Reply

      Hi afelia ur steaks look scrumtious but cud you tell me wat type of beef steak
      U used asin was it flank or sirloin or watever other cut it was
      Thanks salma

      16 September, 2017
      • afelia’s kitchen
        Reply

        Sorry, I don’t know what cut of beef this was, my husband bought it from Asda, already cut and pre-packaged. I will try to find out for you though. x

        16 September, 2017
      • Roo
        Reply

        So my dear husband called me & told me he wants steak 🥩 for dinner and he bought it for us to have. I was like to him I’ve never cooked steak before how am I going to make it. Usually when I make something I haven’t already made I search up recipes etc. First thing I could think of was you lol. I remembered you had a steak receipe and onion gravy on your page. I looked at it in the past but have been scared to attempt it as I didn’t know about what steak to use what cut how long to cook etc etc. So I quickly looked at your ingredients and told him to buy those thankfully I had most of it at home already. So I marinated the steaks with your recipe and was scared ngl lol. I thought let me make one and see how it comes out. So I made one and had a little taste. And got my husband to try it. Ended up making two for my husband. I cooked it for 2 mins on each side however it was still pink in the middle and the steak wasn’t that thick so did it for extra min. Was still slightly pink but he didn’t mind. He liked it like that and really enjoyed it. I even warned him before I made him I’ve never made this so if it goes wrong you can’t blame me 😂 thank you for the recipe. Life saver. I have 2 pieces left which I have refrigerated and will make tomorow with sides.

        11 October, 2019
        • Roo
          Reply

          Sorry forgot to rate …

          11 October, 2019
        • afelia’s kitchen
          Reply

          Aww yay!! I’m so happy to hear you tried something new, even though it was daunting, and managed to nail it! Thanks for the amazing feedback. 🙂 xx

          11 October, 2019
          • Amna

            Hello afelia , recently landed on your Instagram page and I must say I am hooked, want to try so many of your recipes. I wanted to ask what is mixed herbs in the recipe? Is it mixed Italian herbs? Also can you elaborate more on the cut of steaks please? Like from which part of the animal should we get the steaks cut? Thanks

            25 April, 2021
    • afelia’s kitchen
      Reply

      You’re welcome!

      18 September, 2017

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