Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked steak. The secret to achieving that perfect crust and a juicy center is searing it on a cast-iron skillet. Cast iron skillets are a versatile piece of cookware that can withstand high temperatures and provide even heat distribution. In this article, we will guide you through the steps for cooking steak on a cast iron skillet.
If you’re new to cooking steak or cast-iron cooking in general, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with a detailed step-by-step guide.
Step-by-Step Guide
A. Preparing the Cast Iron Skillet
Before you start cooking your steak, you need to prepare your cast iron skillet. Here are the essential steps for seasoning and heating up your skillet:
- Season the skillet: To ensure your steak does not stick to the skillet, seasoning is essential. Season by rubbing oil or shortening on the skillet’s surface and bake in a preheated oven for an hour at 350°F.
- Heat the skillet to the right temperature: Heat the skillet over high heat for 10-12 minutes until it gets hot.
- Add oil or butter to the skillet: Once the skillet is hot, add oil or butter to prevent the steak from sticking and ensure a perfect crust.
B. Preparing the Steak
Next comes the preparation of the steak for the skillet. Here are the essential steps:
- Choosing the right cut of steak: The cut of steak you choose will determine the flavor and texture of the final product. Select a cut that works well for high-heat searing, such as ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon.
- Seasoning the steak: Use a generous amount of salt and fresh ground black pepper on both sides of the steak. For added flavor, use other herbs and spices that complement steak.
- Letting the steak come to room temperature: Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. A room temperature steak will cook evenly, giving you the perfect crust without overcooking the center.
C. Cooking the Steak
Now that your skillet and steak are ready let’s start the cooking process:
- Placing the steak in the skillet: Place the steak in the heated skillet with tongs. Cook until you have a crust on the steak, which should take approximately 3-5 minutes depending on the heat and thickness.
- Flipping the steak at the right time: Flip the steak and cook for another 3-5 minutes for medium-rare or longer for medium to well-done.
- Checking the doneness of the steak: The surest way to test the steak doneness is by using a meat thermometer or by checking its temperature with touch.
- Resting the steak before serving: Once the steak is cooked to the right temperature, remove it from the pan and allow it to rest for several minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices inside to redistribute and create a flavorful, juicy steak.
Tips and Tricks
Here’s how to elevate your cooking to the next level with these tips:
- Determining when the skillet is hot enough to cook: To see if the skillet is sufficiently hot, sprinkle some water on it; if it bounces and sizzles, the skillet is ready.
- Testing for doneness using touch and temperature: Touch can be an excellent indicator of how well a steak is done. If the steak is soft, it’s rare; if it springs back when you press it, it’s medium-rare, and if it’s firm, it’s well-done. Using a meat thermometer can help you get the perfect doneness every time.
- Preparing the steak ahead of time for better results: For more flavor and tenderness, marinade the steak overnight or at least a few hours in advance.
Recipe Roundup
From classic to unique, here are some of the best recipes to try on your cast-iron skillet:
- Classic Steakhouse-Style Pan Seared Ribeye
- Garlic Butter Steak Bites
- Blackened Cajun Cast Iron Ribeye Steaks
- Cast-iron Grilled Ribeye with Simple Spice Rub
- Cast Iron Skillet Steak with Herb Butter and Roasted Tomatoes
Specialty Techniques
Here are some specialized techniques to make your steak stand out:
- How to create a crusty sear: Use high heat and refrain from moving the steak too often.
- Cooking a rare steak on cast iron: Use high heat to sear the steak on both sides, then finish in the oven to achieve rare doneness.
- Basting the steak in butter for added flavor: After searing, add butter garlic and herb, and baste the steak for a few minutes.
Equipment Rundown
Here are some equipment pieces to make your steak-flipping process more comfortable:
- Types of skillets for different cooking styles: Choose skillets with different sizes, thickness and handle designs for more versatility.
- Best types of meat thermometers: Choose the thermometer which provides quick and accurate temperature reading.
- Additional equipment for extra flavoring: Using herbs like fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano can add different flavors to your steak.
Alternative Cooking Methods
While cast iron skillets provide the perfect method for searing steak, there are other cooking methods to try:
- Oven-Baking: This method is great for thicker steaks and can be seasoned with a specific herb or spice combination.
- Grilling: Grilling requires a slightly different set of skills and equipment, but it can also produce mouth-watering steaks with unique flavors.
- Sous-vide: This French cooking technique involves cooking the steak in a vacuum-sealed bag in a water bath before finishing on a skillet or grill.
Conclusion
With the right skillet, the perfect cut of meat, and these easy-to-follow steps, you can effortlessly cook the perfect steak. Experiment with different techniques, flavors, and cuts to make it your signature dish.
