So, when should you season your steak? Well, the answer is, it depends on the type of steak you're cooking and the level of flavor you're looking for. If you're cooking a thick, juicy ribeye, you'll want to season it at least 30 minutes to an hour before cooking to give the flavors time to penetrate deep into the meat. It's like letting a good wine breathe, allowing the flavors to mature and develop.
On the other hand, if you're cooking a thin, delicate sirloin, you might only need to season it 15-20 minutes before cooking to avoid overpowering the meat. It's all about finding that sweet spot, where the flavors are balanced and the meat is tender and juicy. Think of it like tuning a guitar, getting the strings just right so the music flows smoothly.
Steak Internal Temperature Chart at Laura Ford blog
Now, you might be wondering, what happens if you season your steak too early or too late? Well, if you season it too early, the acidity in the seasonings can start to break down the meat, making it tough and mushy. On the other hand, if you season it too late, the flavors might not have time to penetrate the meat, leaving it tasting bland and uninteresting. It's like trying to have a conversation with someone who's not really listening, the flavors just aren't connecting.