Few things are as satisfying as a perfectly cooked steak, and using a cast iron skillet ensures a beautiful, even sear that locks in the juices, creating a crusty exterior with a tender, flavorful interior. This recipe is straightforward but requires attention to detail to get that restaurant-quality steak at home. The key is to use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, get it smoking hot, and let the steak develop a deep crust before flipping. Simple seasoning allows the steak’s natural flavors to shine, making it an ideal choice for a special occasion or just an indulgent dinner.
Ingredients:
- 2 ribeye or New York strip steaks, about 1 ½ inches thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Preparation:
- Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heating the Skillet:
- Place a cast iron skillet over high heat and allow it to get very hot. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The skillet is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates almost immediately.
- Cooking the Steak:
- Add the olive oil to the skillet and swirl to coat. Carefully place the steaks in the skillet, laying them away from you to avoid oil splatter.
- Cook the steaks without moving them for about 3-4 minutes, or until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom.
- Adding Butter and Aromatics:
- Flip the steaks using tongs. Immediately add the butter, smashed garlic cloves, and thyme or rosemary to the skillet.
- Tilt the skillet slightly and spoon the melted butter and aromatics over the steaks continuously for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time based on your preferred doneness.
- Resting:
- Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy steak.
- Serving:
- Slice the steaks against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked cast iron steak with a glass of red wine or a classic steakhouse side dish like garlic mashed potatoes or creamed spinach.
