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Perfect Cast Iron Seared Steak Recipe for Restaurant-Quality Flavor at Home

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This recipe delivers a perfectly seared ribeye or New York strip steak with a caramelized crust and juicy interior, replicating restaurant-quality flavor at home using simple ingredients and a cast iron skillet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (10-12 oz / 280-340 g) ribeye or New York strip steak, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick
  • Kosher salt or sea salt (coarse salt preferred)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon high smoke point oil like grapeseed or avocado oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed
  • A few sprigs of thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring the steak to room temperature for about 30-40 minutes (20 minutes minimum if pressed for time).
  2. Pat the steak completely dry with paper towels and generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  3. Preheat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until smoking hot, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon of high smoke point oil and swirl to coat the pan evenly.
  5. Place the steak in the skillet and sear for 3-4 minutes without moving it to build a crust. Flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes.
  6. Reduce heat to medium and add butter, smashed garlic, and thyme or rosemary sprigs. Tilt the pan and baste the steak repeatedly with the melted butter.
  7. Check doneness aiming for medium-rare at 130-135°F (54-57°C). For thicker steaks, finish in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 4-6 minutes after searing.
  8. Remove the steak and rest it loosely tented with foil for 5-10 minutes to let juices redistribute.
  9. Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.

Notes

If the steak browns too quickly, lower the heat. Cook steaks one at a time to maintain heat and crust quality. Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking. Resting the steak is crucial for juiciness. Butter basting with garlic and herbs adds flavor and moisture. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based alternatives or extra oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: steak, cast iron skillet, seared steak, ribeye, New York strip, restaurant-quality steak, easy steak recipe, pan seared steak

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/perfect-cast-iron-seared-steak-recipe-for-restaurant-quality-flavor-at-home/