So, you’ve grilled the perfect steak; it is nicely charred, cooked just to your liking, and ready to devour. But wait– don’t touch that knife just yet. If you slice into it now, you’re not just cutting meat, but you’re cutting short the final, crucial step in achieving that juicy, tender result: resting.

Yes, letting your steak rest after cooking might sound like an optional afterthought, but it’s actually a game-changing part of the cooking process. Resting allows the juices, temperature, and texture of the meat to settle into a more balanced, flavourful state. In other words, it’s how you turn a good steak into a great one.

The Science Behind Resting Meat

When you cook a steak, the high heat causes the muscle fibres and proteins to tighten up, pushing the meat’s juices toward the centre. Think of it like squeezing one end of a water balloon where everything shifts to the opposite side. If you cut into your steak immediately, all that moisture comes pouring out, leaving you with a dry slice and a plate full of flavour that should’ve stayed inside.

By letting the steak rest, typically for 5 to 7 minutes (or longer for larger cuts), those tightened muscle fibres relax. The juices redistribute evenly throughout the meat and are reabsorbed. As a result, when you finally slice into it, you get a beautifully moist and tender bite in every mouthful.

Another key benefit of resting meat is managing “carryover cooking.” After the steak is removed from heat, the internal temperature continues to rise slightly due to residual heat travelling from the outside to the centre. This process helps finish cooking the steak without overdoing it. For a medium-rare finish, it’s best to pull the meat a few degrees before the target temperature, letting the rest take it the rest of the way.

The amount of temperature rise depends on the thickness of the cut. A small steak might increase by 1,5°C, while a larger roast could go up by as much as 9°C. Resting ensures your steak reaches perfect doneness, without accidentally tipping into overcooked territory.

How to Rest a Steak the Right Way

Resting doesn’t require much equipment or expertise. Simply move your steak from the grill or pan onto a clean, warm plate or cutting board. Then loosely “tent” it with aluminium foil, not too tight, or you risk steaming the crust. Let it sit for several minutes before slicing, and you’re good to go.

A general rule of thumb: rest your meat for half the amount of time it was cooked, or roughly 5 minutes for every inch of thickness. Larger cuts like roasts might need 10–20 minutes.

Experience the Ultimate Steak at Lawry’s The Prime Rib Jakarta

Of course, if you’d rather skip the cooking altogether and enjoy steak done to perfection, Lawry’s The Prime Rib Jakarta is your destination. This renowned fine dining restaurant is widely considered the best place for fine dining in Jakarta, and for good reason.

From USDA prime rib to beautifully marbled cuts, Lawry’s serves exceptional quality steaks prepared with masterful technique, including proper resting, of course. Whether you’re exploring the elegant offerings on the Lawry’s menu or planning a special occasion, the experience is elevated by impeccable service and opulent ambiance.

Planning a party, business meeting, or private event? Lawry’s can accommodate up to 200 guests in style, making it the ideal venue for intimate dinners or grand celebrations. And with online reservations available, booking your next visit is just a click away.