Steak is a foolproof meal for when you're trying to impress. Paired with the right sides or sauces, it's a decadent dish that surprisingly isn't tricky to recreate.

Having said that, although there are only a few steps to cooking steak, there's a lot that can go wrong. Nobody wants to tuck into a dry, flavourless or chewy cut of meat so to help people out one expert has lifted the lid on how to cook the perfect steak. And it involves one additional step that makes all the difference. 

Former culinary school attendee Meg Sullivan says there are a few things that have stuck in her mind when it comes to preparing the perfect steak. 

Writing for Buzzfeed, she explained that taking the time to dry-brine your steak can make a world of difference when it comes to the flavour and texture. Although it might sound fancy, it's actually incredibly simple to do. And all you need is one ingredient: salt. 

She said: "Sprinkle salt on all sides of your steak 24–72 hours before steak night, then stash it in the fridge uncovered. This draws out moisture, deeply seasons the meat, and dries the surface for a better sear."

Salt also helps to tenderise steak, so being prepared and carrying out this step ahead of time will result in a much better-tasting cut of meat - something that your dinner guests will be very happy about. 

It's also crucial to remember to take the steak back out of the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for an hour, which will allow it to cook easier. And before you put it in the pan, use a paper towel to blot out any moisture - this is key for achieving that delicious sear. 

Allow it to sear undisturbed for a few minutes on each side, basting with butter and herbs if you like. When you've cooked it to your taste, let it rest for half the amount of time it was cooking, before serving up with your favourite sides.