To cook a steak in a cast iron skillet, first let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes and season both sides with salt and pepper. Next, heat your skillet over medium-high until very hot, add oil, and sear the steak without moving it for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Finally, rest the steak 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain to keep it juicy. Keep going to discover tips for perfect flavor and presentation.

Preparing Your Steak

Before you start cooking, make certain your steak is at room temperature by letting it sit out for 20 to 30 minutes. This step is vital when learning how to cook steak in cast iron skillet because it guarantees even cooking and better flavor.

Choose a thick-cut steak like ribeye or New York strip, about 1 to 1½ inches thick, for the best results. When preparing your steak, pat it dry with a paper towel to remove moisture, which helps create a great crust.

Generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper at least ten minutes before cooking. Finally, drizzle a high-heat oil like avocado or canola on the steak to enhance flavor and prevent sticking during searing.

Searing the Steak in Cast Iron

Anyone can master searing steak in a cast iron skillet by following a few key steps. First, preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until hot and shimmering. Generously season both sides of the steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Add 2-3 tablespoons of high-smoke point oil, like avocado or canola, and let it heat just below its smoke point. Place the steak in the pan and sear without moving it for 3-4 minutes to form a rich brown crust. Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes.

To learn how to cook a steak in a cast iron pan perfectly, check for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F for medium-rare, basting with butter and herbs during the last minute.

Resting and Serving Your Steak

Although the steak looks ready straight from the skillet, you’ll want to let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes so the juices can redistribute.

Let your steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking to ensure juicy, flavorful results.

This resting period is vital for juicy, flavorful results when learning how to cook steak in iron skillet. When resting and serving your steak, slice it against the grain to keep it tender and enjoyable. You can enhance flavor by topping the steak with flavored butter.

For a complete meal, serve it alongside garlic green beans or roasted Brussels sprouts. Present your steak whole or sliced on a cutting board to impress guests visually. Following these steps guarantees your steak isn't only delicious but also beautifully served, making your cooking efforts truly shine.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve seen how easy it is to cook a steak in a cast iron skillet, don’t worry if you think it’s too complicated or messy. With just three simple steps—prepping, searing, and resting—you’ll get a juicy, flavorful steak every time. Plus, cast iron locks in heat perfectly, giving you that restaurant-quality crust at home. Give it a try; once you do, you’ll wonder why you ever hesitated!