This foolproof pan-seared steak recipe is perfect for those with ADHD because it requires minimal prep and active attention. The process is straightforward with clear visual and timing cues to help you stay on track, and the result is a restaurant-quality meal you can be proud of.
Perfect Pan-Seared Steak
Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus 30 minutes resting at room temperature)
Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye or NY strip steaks (1-inch thick, about 8-10 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
- Coarse salt and fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
- Remove steaks from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Pat them completely dry with paper towels.
- Just before cooking, season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed cast iron or stainless steel pan over high heat until very hot (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add oil to the pan and swirl to coat. When oil is shimmering, carefully place steaks in the pan.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving the steak (set a timer!). This develops a nice crust.
- Flip steaks and add butter, garlic, and thyme to the pan.
- Cook for another 3-4 minutes, occasionally tilting the pan and spooning the butter mixture over the steaks.
- Remove steaks from pan and let rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for ADHD Cooking Success
- **Set up all your ingredients and tools before starting - having everything within arm's reach prevents distraction and reduces stress.
- **Use timers for both the initial side and after flipping - this removes the need to keep track of time mentally and prevents over or undercooking.
- **The visual cue of oil shimmering and the timer beeping provide clear signals for when to act, making it easier to stay focused on the task.
- **Clean as you wait for the steak to rest - this builds in a productive activity during the waiting period and prevents task switching later.