How to cook the perfect steak with a cast iron skillet

You don't have to head outside to your grill to get a perfectly tender and flavorful steak. In fact, many home chefs prefer the flavor they get from a cast iron skillet steak. Learn more about how to cook perfect steak in cast iron skillets and what types of meat to use.

How to Cook a Steak in a Cast Iron Skillet

If you're used to cooking steaks on the grill, you'll find that the steps for cooking steak in cast iron skillets follow many of the same principles. Here's how to do it:

  1. Remove your steak from the fridge 20 to 30 minutes before you plan to cook it. Sprinkle kosher salt on all sides.
  2. Preheat your cast iron skillet by placing it over high heat for at least five minutes before you start cooking. It should be smoking hot before you place the steak inside.
  3. Pat your steak dry with paper towels and sprinkle some kosher salt in the bottom of the skillet.
  4. Place your steak in the skillet. Allow it to sear. When it can be easily moved, flip it over to sear the other side.
  5. Test for doneness (medium rare is 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit).
  6. Take the steak out of the skillet and let it rest under tented aluminum foil for at least five minutes before you cut into it.

If you like your meat medium well, consider cooking steak in a cast iron skillet and oven. Placing it in an oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit after initially searing on both sides can prevent the outside from becoming too charred during a longer cooking time. Bear in mind that this should only be done for thicker cuts, such as USDA Prime Angus and not thin cuts such as Japanese Wagyu.

Tips to Make Your Steak More Flavorful

The recipe above produces an excellent steak, but if you want to try some advanced techniques, there are ways you can impart even more flavor and tenderness.

One optional way to boost the flavor factor in your steak is to dry brine it. To do this, add ½ to ¾ tsp of salt per pound to the exterior 2 to 24 hours before cooking. Let it sit in the fridge uncovered after applying the salt, then proceed with the rest of the steps in the recipe above.

Additionally, you can baste your steak with melted butter and herbs as it cooks. Repeatedly coat the butter onto the steak with a deep spoon or basting brush throughout the cooking process for the best results.

Premium Beef for Cast Iron Steaks

One of the great things about cast iron steaks is that you can use more delicate types of beef that wouldn't hold up well on a grill grate surface. If you want to try one of the finest types of beef for your cast iron cooking, choose high-quality steaks from a trusted resource like The Wagyu Shop.

Try these tips to make your next homemade steak dinner your finest one yet, all without having to fire up the grill.