Most kinds of fish have light, delicately textured flesh that's fragile and requires careful handling during the cooking process. A few species, such as shark, are exceptions to that broad rule, combining a mild flavor like other fish with a firm, meaty texture reminiscent of a good steak. This makes shark steaks very grill-friendly, but they're also excellent when pan-seared in a skillet.
Step 1
Pre-warm a heavy skillet over moderate heat for at least 5 minutes, while you prepare the shark steaks. This preheating is optional, but it means your pan's temperature will quickly rise once you turn up the heat.
Step 2
Lay your shark steaks on a clean cutting board and carefully pat them dry with clean paper towels. Use a sharp knife to trim away any loose pieces of flesh or skin left behind from the cutting process.
Step 3
Turn the heat under your skillet to medium-high. Season the shark with salt and pepper or your favorite spice rub, then brush or spray it lightly with a high-temperature oil such as safflower oil, grapeseed oil or extra-light olive oil.
Step 4
Place the steaks in your skillet, taking care not to crowd them. If you're preparing several, use two skillets to ensure adequate space.
Step 5
Sear the steaks at high temperature for the first minute, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the steaks, and cook for a further 3 to 4 minutes on the second side. The steaks should be just barely medium-rare in the middle when perfectly cooked.
Step 6
Remove the shark steaks from your skillet and let them rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.