I can't seem to cook a steak right.
Just about anything, I'm willing to give it a go, and usually come out at least passable. But cooking steaks defeats me every time.
there is not enough band width to list all of the things i do terribly
but let me offer some steak cooking suggestions:
try to allow the raw steaks to sit out and get (close) to room temperature; good time to add seasoning, such as garlic and fresh pepper - but never salt
make sure your grill (or cast iron pan) is at high heat
place the seasoned raw steak on the grill
here is the key. NEVER turn it more than once. and do not poke it with a knife or fork
when the steak has nice grill marks on the first side, turn it over, this ONE time
cook it until the meat thermometer says 140 degree for medium. add 10 for medium well, plus another 10 for well
subtract 10 for medium rare and another 10 for rare
also important: let the steak "rest". preferably while covered (foil, pan lid, etc.), for about five minutes ... while you do the final prep to eat
if you want, this is a good time to place some butter on top, to add juiciness and a bit of flavor
ditto for burgers but internal temp should be closer to 160
if cooking stove top, use a cast iron pan that was preheated in a 400 degree oven
use high heat on the stove when cooking the steak
otherwise, cook the same as when grilling
and by now we can see one of the worst things for me to do is to stay on topic