It was a sunny Saturday afternoon when Bibi skipped happily into Uncle Phong’s kitchen. The smell of garlic, butter, and herbs filled the air, making Bibi’s stomach growl with excitement. Today wasn’t just any day—it was steak day! And Bibi was going to help her favorite uncle cook his famous delicious steak.
Uncle Phong was already wearing his striped apron and flipping through a cookbook, but he smiled when he saw Bibi. “Ah, my little chef has arrived!” he said cheerfully. “Ready to learn the secret to the perfect steak?”
Bibi nodded eagerly. “Yes, Uncle Phong! I want to learn everything.”
First, Uncle Phong showed Bibi the different cuts of steak. He explained that today they’d be using ribeye because it was juicy and full of flavor. Bibi helped pat the steaks dry with paper towels, just like Uncle Phong said, “A dry surface gives you a better sear.”
Next came the seasoning. Uncle Phong handed Bibi a small bowl filled with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. “Be generous,” he said. “Steak loves bold flavors.” Bibi carefully rubbed the seasoning all over the meat, making sure every side was coated.
As the steaks rested, Uncle Phong heated a cast-iron skillet until it was smoking hot. He added a bit of oil, and then, with a sizzle, placed the steaks into the pan. “Listen to that sound,” he said. “That’s the sound of flavor.”
Bibi watched in awe as the steaks browned and crackled. Uncle Phong taught her to press gently with tongs—not a fork—so the juices wouldn’t escape. Then, he added smashed garlic, a sprig of rosemary, and a big spoonful of butter. As the butter melted, he tilted the pan and showed Bibi how to baste the steaks with a spoon.
“It smells soooo good!” Bibi exclaimed.
After a few minutes on each side, the steaks were golden brown and glistening. Uncle Phong used a thermometer to check the temperature. “Perfect medium-rare,” he said proudly.
They let the steaks rest on a wooden board while they prepared a simple side dish—mashed potatoes and a green salad. Bibi was in charge of mixing the dressing, which included olive oil, lemon juice, and a touch of honey. She tasted it and beamed. “It’s tangy and sweet!”
Finally, it was time to eat. Uncle Phong sliced the steaks thinly and placed them on a plate next to the mashed potatoes and salad. The meat was tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
Bibi took a bite and her eyes lit up. “Uncle Phong, this is the best steak I’ve ever had!”
Uncle Phong smiled and raised his fork. “You helped make it, so you deserve the credit.”
Bibi giggled. “Can we cook steak again next weekend?”
“Of course,” Uncle Phong said. “But next time, you’ll be the head chef.”
