How to cook steak?

[Mischief Managed]

We probably have 100lbs of stored antelope and elk steaks/fillets (backstraps?) stored in our deep freezer. DH hunts, and I only cook the hamburger stuff in casseroles and meatloafs because that is all I know how to cook with. I also know how to cook it in slow cookers, but I want to cook it a different way!
We don't have a grill so I can't grill our steaks.

Can someone tell me some delish (and maybe fast) recipes that I can use to cook steak? The steaks never turn out well when I do them over the stove in a pan, what could I be doing wrong?

TIA

 

[taxlady]

Do you have a gas or an electric range? What kind of pan are you using?

 

[TATTRAT]

If you are "doing it wrong", I bet it is a much more simple fix than you may imagine. high heat, a good sear, and finish in the oven if necessary. Antelope/Elk are typically really lean, so I wouldn't go over medium with them.

A quick guide to feeling your way through temps:

Science of Meat: Finger Test for Doneness | Exploratorium

And let them rest! Don't just serve and cut into em, let them rest!

As for seasoning, with a nice game cut, decent salt, fresh cracked pepper, and when finishing in the pan, add a pat of butter, chopped garlic, and fresh thyme/rosemary and simple spoon baste the steak in the rendered juice and butter/herb mix. Feeling "fancy", deglaze with brandy or red wine, or even some nice bourbon, then do the butter baste.

 

[powerplantop]

This would be a good place to start. http://honest-food.net/wild-game/venison-recipes/

 

[Greg Who Cooks]

Can someone tell me some delish (and maybe fast) recipes that I can use to cook steak? The steaks never turn out well when I do them over the stove in a pan, what could I be doing wrong?

The forum had a recent discussion on pan cooking (or broiling) steaks that would provide a wealth of information for you. You should read it:

What's the best method to cook a steak indoors?

With 100 pounds of steaks I suspect you're going to get awfully tired of steak before that's all cooked, so maybe you should consider cutting some of them up into cubes and making stew.