Cooking Steak in Cast Iron Skillet
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Want to learn how to cook Cast Iron Steak perfectly? Learn how to get the ultimate sear + restaurant quality steak by cooking in your cast iron skillet!
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If you’re wanting a delicious, perfectly cooked steak- you have to try this recipe for cast iron steak!
Now I’ll be the first person to tell you that my favorite way to enjoy steak is grilled, with sides of asparagus and Texas Roadhouse Rolls.
But after living in an apartment without a grill for 2 years, I can confidently say we’ve found a way to make them equally as delicious in a cast iron skillet!
Cast Iron Skillet Steak
Making cast iron steak is easy, delicious, and quick. Depending on the size/thickness of your steak, you probably won’t need more than 15 minutes. Here’s how we do it!
How To Cook A Steak In A Cast Iron Skillet:
In order to make perfect steaks in the cast iron, you’ll need:
- a good cast iron skillet (make sure it’s seasoned! Here’s a link to the one we have. )
- steak
- ghee
- garlic cloves
- rosemary
- salt and pepper
You can find substitutions for all of these ingredients below in the green shaded box.
Heat ghee, season steaks, sear.. and you’re good to go! I’ve included super specific instructions below 🙂
We love this instant-read thermometer for checking the internal temperature to make sure your meat is cooked thoroughly!
Tips for Cooking Steak in Cast Iron Skillet
- Have your steaks at room temperature – If your steaks are cold, it will take them longer to cook and you run the risk of not cooking the steaks through the center
- Make sure to heat your skillet– DON’T put your steak in oil that isn’t hot. You will not get a good sear on it!
- Allow steaks to rest– Once your steaks have cooked, allow them to rest for a few minutes before slicing + eating. This ensures they cook fully throughout!
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you should put some oil in a cast iron skillet when cooking steak. You don’t need a lot of oil, but you will need some to get a good sear on the steak and to make sure the steak doesn’t stick.
Oil is best for cooking steak. Oil has a higher smoke point than butter so it’s best to start your steak with oil and add butter at the end if you’re looking for the flavor of butter!
Steak sticks to cast iron when it doesn’t have enough oil in the pan to cook in or because it’s not seasoned well enough.
Pan frying steak will depend on the size of the steaks but usually, 5-6 minutes on each side of the steak is enough.
Why cook a steak in cast iron skillet?
Cooking a steak in a cast iron skillet is great for a few reasons. Many people don’t have a grill and a cast iron is the closest way to get that crispy outer edge and flavor of a grill without it. Cast iron pans are naturally seasoned with use and provide a unique flavor to steaks
Is a cast iron skillet the best way to cook a steak?
Yes! Cast iron pan are great for cooking steaks. They cook evenly and add lots of flavor.
How long does it take to cook a steak in a cast iron skillet?
How long you cook your steak in a cast iron will depend on the thickness and how well done you like your steak! Cook times will vary from 10-20 minutes. This chart provides very helpful info how long you should cook your steak depending on thickness/how done you’d like it.
How do you cook a medium steak in a cast iron pan?
To cook a medium steak an average size steak will next about 4-5 minutes on each side.
How do you sear a steak in a cast iron pan?
To sear a steak in cast iron, first heat oil or butter until melted. You can test the heat of the pan by sprinkling water in it. If it sizzles, it’s ready for the steak. Gently place the steak in the pan and allow it to sear for at least 2 minutes on each side until it’s browned and crisp. Flip + repeat.
Steak Times, Temperatures and Degrees of Doneness
You can use this method to cook any type of steak – filets, ribeyes, strips.. etc. However, cooking time will vary depending on the steak you get and the thickness. Here’s a link to a great chart with cooking temps/times.
What is the best steak for a cast iron skillet?
I recommend ButcherBox steaks. They’re seriously SO delicious! They have an awesome deal going on right now for free ground beef and $10 off.
If you’re curious about ButcherBox, I wrote a ButcherBox Review which gives a ton of insight on the service + my thoughts on it!
Cook Times for Steak
The most accurate way to cook a steak would be to measure the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It’s not necessary but it helps ensure consistency!
Here’s a link to a great chart with cooking temps/times. We don’t usually use a thermometer because we have done it so many times we know by looking on the outside!
Steak in Cast Iron Skillet
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon ghee
- 1 lb ButcherBox Grass Fed Strip Steaks (2 8 oz steaks)
- 4 cloves garlic
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Places steaks on a plate. Pat steaks dry with paper towel.
- Season steaks on each side with salt and pepper.
- In your skillet, heat ghee. You can test the heat by sprinkling a few drops of water in the pan. When the water sizzles, the oil is hot.
- Once pan is hot (it must be hot!!) add in steaks to the pan. Lay garlic cloves and rosemary along side/in between the steaks.
- Sear the steak on each side for about 4 minutes, flip + sear for additional 4 minutes for medium (sear for 5 minutes on each side for well done).
- Try to baste the steak with the ghee as it cooks by tipping the pan and using a spoon to scoop the juices + spoon over the steak.
- Remove steaks from skillet and place on a plate. Cover + allow to rest for 3 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Have your steaks at room temperature – If your steaks are cold, it will take them longer to cook and you run the risk of not cooking the steaks through the center
- Make sure to heat your skillet– DON’T put your steak in oil that isn’t hot. You will not get a good sear on it!
- Allow steaks to rest– Once your steaks have cooked, allow them to rest for a few minutes before slicing + eating. This ensures they cook fully throughout!
I made my porterhouse steak this way and it was amazing! I used a homemade herb butter and this will be my go-to method for steaks since I don’t have a grill!
So glad you liked it! Thank you so much!
I’ve always made steak on the grill but figured I would give this a try after seeing it on pinterest. Followed the directions to a t and had perfectly cook steak! Served it with mashed potatoes + asparagus – delicious!
So happy to hear that, Loretta!