There’s something undeniably special about a perfectly cooked steak, and a cast iron skillet makes it easier to achieve that delicious sear. With tender, juicy meat and a crispy crust, cast iron steak is an absolute showstopper. The combination of high heat and the skillet’s incredible heat retention creates an unmatched flavor that rivals even the best restaurant steaks.
A memorable moment for me was the first time I seared a ribeye steak in my cast iron skillet. The sizzling sound, combined with that alluring aroma wafting through the kitchen, made me realize I could replicate the restaurant experience right at home. There’s no need for complicated steps or fancy ingredients; it’s all about elevating quality meat with simple seasoning and butter. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a luxurious meal, this recipe for cast iron steak is sure to impress. Let’s dive into this flavorful journey together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 90 minutes with minimal prep time.
- Irresistible Flavor: The buttery garlic herb topping elevates the steak’s natural flavors.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: A beautiful crust and rich colors make this steak a feast for the eyes.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for a romantic dinner, family gathering, or casual weeknight meal.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Tailor it with gluten-free or paleo-friendly ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt: Enhances the steak’s natural flavors; kosher salt is preferred for its larger grains.
- 1 tablespoon freshly cracked ground black pepper: Adds a spicy kick; freshly cracked offers better flavor than pre-ground.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides a mellow garlic flavor; can be substituted with fresh garlic if desired.
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar: Balances the seasoning with a hint of sweetness; you can use granulated sugar if necessary.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle heat; skip for a milder taste.
- 1 tablespoon steak seasoning: Combine with the other spices for extra flavor; feel free to use your favorite blend.
- 2 ribeye steaks, ~1.5 lbs.: Richly marbled and flavorful; a great choice for cast iron skillet cooking.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature: Elevates the dish with richness; use unsalted for better flavor control.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme: Fresh herbs add brightness; substitute with dried thyme if fresh isn’t available.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Provides a fresh, aromatic touch; adjust according to your garlic preference.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided: Helps create that beautiful sear; use a high smoke point oil like grapeseed if preferred.
How to Make Cast Iron Steak
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Prepare the Steak Seasoning: In a jar or small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon kosher salt, 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon light brown sugar, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, and 1 tablespoon steak seasoning. Mix well to create a flavorful blend.
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Dry the Steaks: After removing the ribeye steaks from the refrigerator, use a paper towel to blot both sides of each steak dry. This step is important for achieving a good sear.
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Season the Steaks: Generously season both sides of the steaks with the steak seasoning blend, using about 1 tablespoon per side. Massage the seasoning into the meat, ensuring complete coverage.
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Let the Steaks Rest: Place the seasoned steaks on a plate to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This helps them cook evenly.
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Make the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix 4 tablespoons of room temperature unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Set this delicious blend aside.
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Heat the Skillet: Preheat a large cast iron skillet over high heat for about 5 minutes until extremely hot.
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Add Olive Oil: Once the skillet is hot, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, allowing it to shimmer.
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Sear the First Steak: Working one steak at a time, place it in the skillet. Sear for about 3 minutes without moving it, then flip and sear for another 3-5 minutes depending on your desired doneness. Instantly add half of the garlic herb butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt and baste the steak for added flavor.
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Rest the First Steak: Once cooked to your liking, transfer the steak to a clean plate or cutting board. Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
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Repeat for the Second Steak: Wipe out the skillet to remove any residue, then repeat the previous steps for the second ribeye steak.
Storing & Reheating
Leftover cast iron steak can be stored at room temperature for up to two hours. For longer storage, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it should stay fresh for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will last for up to 3 months. When reheating, warm it gently in a skillet over low heat or in an oven at 300°F until heated through to protect its tender texture. Be mindful that reheating may slightly diminish its original juiciness, so a little broth or butter can help refresh its flavors.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid Moisture: Always pat the steaks dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect sear.
- Room Temperature Steak: Start with steaks that have been allowed to reach room temperature for even cooking.
- Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook one steak at a time to avoid lowering the skillet’s temperature.
- Customize It: Experiment with different herbs or spices in the butter for a unique taste profile.
Cooking a cast iron steak can truly feel like a restaurant experience right from your kitchen. With its quick prep time and ability to yield astonishing flavors, it’s perfect for date nights, family gatherings, or even a quick weeknight dinner. The beautiful crust paired with the buttery herb topping will make every bite memorable. Don’t hesitate to step into this culinary adventure! The world of sizzling cast iron steaks awaits.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ribeye steaks are perfect for their marbling and flavor, you can easily substitute them with cuts like strip steak or sirloin. Just be mindful that different cuts may have different cooking times for optimal doneness.
How do I know when my steak is done?
A meat thermometer is your best friend here! For a medium-rare steak, look for an internal temperature of about 130°F, while medium is around 140°F. If you prefer it well-done, aim for around 160°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also use the touch test method to gauge doneness.
Can I make the garlic herb butter ahead of time?
Sure! You can prepare the garlic herb butter up to three days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook your steaks. For a fun twist, you could even freeze it and slice off pieces as needed.
What should I serve with cast iron steak?
This steak pairs beautifully with a range of sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple fresh salad. Feel free to get creative based on what you enjoy or have on hand!
Print
Cast Iron Steak
This Cast Iron Steak delivers irresistible flavor with simple prep. Featuring tender ribeye, fresh herbs, and delicious garlic butter, it’s perfect for quick dinners and food lovers looking for a homemade treat.
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly cracked ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon steak seasoning
- 2 ribeye steaks, ~1.5 lbs.*
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
Instructions
- Mix the steak seasoning ingredients in a jar or small bowl.
- Remove the steaks from the fridge and dry both sides with a paper towel.
- Season each side with about 1 tablespoon of steak seasoning, massaging it in.
- Let the seasoned steaks rest on a plate at room temperature for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Prepare the garlic herb butter by mixing butter, thyme, and garlic in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Heat a large cast iron skillet on high heat for about 5 minutes until very hot.
- Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
- Place one steak in the skillet and sear for 3 minutes, then flip and sear for an additional 3-5 minutes.
- Add half of the butter mixture to the skillet, spooning the melted butter over the steak until cooked to your liking.
- Transfer the steak to a clean plate or cutting board, letting it rest for 15 minutes before serving.
- Wipe the skillet and repeat steps 7-9 for the second steak.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Allowing the steak to rest before cooking enhances its flavor.
Searing in a cast iron skillet creates a delicious crust and locks in juices.
Let the cooked steak rest after searing to improve tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Steak
- Calories: 700
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 55g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 30g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 50g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
