24 star shares kitchen secrets for the perfect steak
Summary
– Kiefer Sutherland calls himself a “challenged chef” but has mastered a simple steak recipe
– Uses basic seasoning, fast searing, and oven finish for juicy results
– Shares tips like using a timer and minimizing stovetop mess
Kiefer Sutherland, best known for his role as Jack Bauer on 24, recently shared his favorite steak recipe, offering fans a glimpse into a different side of his life. Though he calls himself a “challenged chef,” Sutherland has developed a reliable method for preparing a steak that he claims rivals some of the best restaurant cuts.
Speaking in a YouTube video, Sutherland explained that his interest in cooking started when he became a parent. His biggest fear was accidentally undercooking food for his children. Wanting to avoid risks, he turned to friends for guidance and slowly built up basic skills in the kitchen. Over time, those skills evolved into a practical approach he now uses regularly.
Sutherland keeps his steak recipe straightforward. He begins by preheating his oven to 450 degrees. While the oven heats up, he seasons the steak generously with salt, cracked black pepper, a dusting of Lawry’s seasoning salt, and Italian seasoning. Instead of complicating the flavors, he believes in keeping the seasoning simple to avoid mistakes and allow the steak’s natural flavor to shine through.
Once seasoned, the steak is flipped onto aluminum foil to clean the workspace. He stresses the importance of preparing all necessary utensils beforehand to avoid scrambling during the cooking process. Heating a frying pan until hot but not smoking, Sutherland adds olive oil and sears the steak on both sides, searing the edges for full flavor coverage.
He tosses rosemary and garlic into the pan to boost the flavor profile while searing. After developing a strong sear, the pan goes directly into the oven. Sutherland recommends seven and a half minutes for a medium-rare steak, or eight minutes for those who prefer a slightly more done interior.
Another clever tip he shared is placing tin foil around the stovetop before cooking. This helps prevent oil splatter and makes cleanup easier afterward. He also insists on using a timer rather than relying on guesswork, ensuring that the steak finishes perfectly every time.
Once the steak comes out of the oven, Sutherland doesn’t immediately cut into it. Instead, he rests the steak on two spoons to create airflow underneath. This technique allows the meat to continue cooking gently while sealing in the juices, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final product. Resting the steak for about five minutes is crucial to achieving the best texture.
From start to finish, Sutherland’s steak takes roughly 10 minutes of active cooking time, making it delicious and highly practical for home cooks. His approach focuses on preparation, timing, and simplicity — key principles he credits with his success in the kitchen.
Sutherland has also hinted that steak is just the beginning of his home-cooking ventures. He has shared recipes like beef in oyster sauce and continues to show a real passion for food that’s straightforward, satisfying, and easy to master. While he may still call himself a “challenged chef,” his growing list of kitchen hacks proves otherwise.
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