How Do I Care For My Cast Iron Skillet
Once used, hand wash in warm water skip the washing-up liquid and use a bristled brush ensuring the pan has cooled down thoroughly after cooking.
Plunging a hot pan into water is a bad idea as the cast iron can warp. Dropping it could see it crack or break, so handle with care, especially when hot.
Rust is the enemy, but this is simple to prevent once you get into skillet-saving habits. You wont be able to put them in the dishwasher or bung them back in a cupboard, damp from the draining board. Any rust spots that do appear can be rubbed away with fine-grade sandpaper before cleaning.
When cooking with acidic foods, such as citrus fruits or vinegars, give your skillet a further protective seasoning by wiping with some oil on kitchen paper to make a light coating that will help protect it from damaging chemical reactions.
What Is The Best Steak To Cook In A Skillet
A New York Strip is my favorite steak, and its perfect for cooking on the stove top. It is a boneless, meaty cut of beef that is always tender, with just the right amount of fat to keep it juicy and delicious. A boneless ribeye or filet mignon are also great candidates for a good sear in the skillet.
Bruntmor 13 Inch Cast Iron Grill Pan
This 13 Inch Square Cast Iron Grill Pan is durably constructed from cast iron and features easy-to-use grease drain pour spouts and large loop handles.
Plus, it gets better with time using it regularly will season the pan and create more flavor over time.
And if youre worried about delicate foods sticking, simply wipe the pan down with a light coating of oil before cooking.
Best of all, the grill pan is ready to use right out of the box thanks to its pre-seasoned construction.
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How To Cook Steak In A Cast Iron Skillet
Want a big ol juicy steak without the hassle of starting your grill? Learn how to cook steak in a cast iron skillet for next time a craving hits and youre out of charcoal!
My wife NEVER orders steak at a restaurant. Its not because shes a cheapskate , its because she knows that I can make better at home. Im not be cocky, I swear Thats what she tells everyone herself.
Why would I spend $30 on a steak dinner when my husband can make me a better steak at home for 10 bucks?!
And shes rightstill not being cocky
As a former Executive Chef at a high-end steakhouse, Im used to cooking all cuts of meat over an open flame. But sometimes Im just feeling plain lazy, and I dont want to fire up the grill.
A perfectly cooked steak doesnt HAVE to come from the grill! You can cook steak in a cast iron skillet to rival any steakhouse! Just be sure to follow these easy steps and youll be eating your favorite cut of meat in no time even if the wind is blowing 80 mph outside and grilling just isnt an option
Why Use A Cast Iron Skillet For Steak
A cast iron skillet is the best tool for cooking steak, first and foremost, for its taste. A cast iron skillet allows you to achieve an incredibly high temperature, which is how you get that nice seared crust on the outside while leaving the inside juicy and tender. Cast iron skillets retain their heat, which allows for more even cooking, and they are naturally nonstick.
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Best Cast Iron Skillet For Steaks In 2021
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Cast iron skillets are well known to be durable and incredibly versatile than any other kitchenware. They excel in both performance and resistance when it comes to various cooking styles. Also, these types of skillets are not only considered to be the safest pans to cook with but also known for their long lifespan if properly maintained.
Cast iron cookware is by far one of the most ideal and versatile skillets for steaks since It excels in both heat retention and even heat distribution to cook and sear any type of steaks you desire.
Are you in a hurry?
If you don’t have enough time to read through this article, use the links below to quickly find our top picks for you on Amazon.
- Best Versatile Cast Iron Skillet: Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Skillet
Whip Up A Quick Sauce
Remove the pan from the heat, add a glug or two of flavorful liquid to the pan, and, using a wooden spoon, stir the liquid, scraping up the browned bits clinging to the surface of the pan.
Add one tablespoon of butter, stir until melted, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Pour into a small serving dish. Eat with the steak.
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What Can A Cast Iron Skillet Be Used For
These hardy and versatile pans can be used for a whole host of different dishes or used in place of your frying pan, roasting tray or pie dish.
Create golden-crusted chicken thighs for this pan-fried chicken in mushroom sauce or try our aubergine, halloumi and harissa skillet bake. These pans are ideal for one-pot dishes like frittatas, our one-pot thai green salmon or this protein-packed butter bean, chorizo and spinach baked eggs. But cast iron skillets arent just reserved for savoury dishes swap out your cake tin and make strawberry, almond and polenta skillet cake or this sticky ginger skillet parkin. How about a classic tarte tatin? Or impress kids and adults alike with this indulgent giant cookie.
What To Look For In A Steak
Ideally, you want your steak to be an inch and a half thick with a generous amount of marbling. Marbling is exactly what it sounds like. Your steak should be a bright red and pink, broken up by strands of white fat. The white throughout the meat is called marbling. A sign of a fresh, good steak is a bright color, loads of marbling , and fresh in smell. Fresh meat should never have a smell. If it smells like anything, toss it out.
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Reasons Why You Should Consider Using A Cast Iron Skillet To Cook Steaks
Cast iron skillets are an excellent choice to aim for in order to cook a perfectly seared steak. This material helps to retain the heat longer than any other type of materials while securing an even distribution to create a juicy browned steak. Also, this type of skillets are enhanced to provide high resistance against corrosion and rust thanks to the enameled surface which usually can be either ceramic or porcelain.
Cast iron skillets are versatile and can be used almost everywhere whether over firewood, grills or gas stoves, etc. Here are 8 reasons why you should start using cast iron skillets:
Faq About How To Cook A Steak In A Pan
Do you put oil in a cast iron skillet when cooking steak?
Yes, you should put some oil in a cast iron skillet when cooking steak. You dont need a lot of oil, but you will need some to get a good sear on the steak and to make sure the steak doesnt stick.
Is it better to cook steak with butter or oil?
Oil is best for cooking steak. Oil has a higher smoke point than butter so its best to start your steak with oil and add butter at the end if youre looking for the flavor of butter!
Why did my steak stick to my cast iron skillet?
Steak sticks to cast iron when it doesnt have enough oil in the pan to cook in or because its not seasoned well enough.
How long do you pan fry steak per side?
Pan frying steak will depend on the size of the steaks but usually, 5-6 minutes on each side of the steak is enough.
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How To Season A Cast Iron Skillet
Seasoning your cast iron skillet will keep it slick and nonstick. Many cast iron skillets now come pre-seasoned, which is very convenient. However, you may find that you have to re-season it after a few years or if it becomes damaged. The best oil to use is flaxseed oil, but other vegetable oils are acceptable. Avoid animal fats.
Here are some steps for properly seasoning your cast iron skillet:
Oamceg Square Cast Iron Skillet
The OAMCEG Square Cast Iron Skillet is a top-quality skillet made of natural materials with no synthetic coatings or chemicals, so you can rest assured that your food is healthy and safe.
Plus, the more you use it, the better the seasoning will be.
Not to mention, the Nonstick Coating makes it easy to clean after cooking. Anyone who gets this Iron Skillet today will enjoy delicious, healthy meals on a hot skillet every day!
Also Check: What’s The Best Steak You Can Buy
How To Cook A Cast Iron Skillet Steak
Get the skillet nice & hot. Heat oil in cast iron skillet on stove top over medium heat until the oil is hot and shimmery.
Let it sizzle in the skillet. Add 1/2 tsp salt to the skillet. Cover one side of the steak with 1/2 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of pepper. Place the steak seasoned side down in the hot skillet. While the steak is cooking on its 1st side, season the top with the rest of the salt & pepper. You can rub them in if you like. For medium steaks, cook for 4 minutes before flipping.
Flip it Once. After cooking for 4 minutes, flip the steak to cook it on other side. Cook it for another 4 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to double check internal temperature. The steak should be about 140° Fahrenheit.
Give it a Rest. Remove your steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting or serving it.
Did You Make This Recipe
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Recipe & Food Styling by Jess Larson, Plays Well With Butter | Photography by Rachel Cook, Half Acre House.
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How To Cook A Steak In A Frying Pan
Cooking steak in a frying pan is effortless. Unlike grilling, pan-frying is easy. It only takes a few minutes and a few ingredients to cook the most delicious and juicy steak.
First, before you even start pan-frying steak, youll need to determine the doneness of the steak. You can do that with a probe thermometer which is the easiest way. Although its not ideal because it releases juices when sticking a thermometer into the meat. A great alternative is a finger test method. Most chefs rely on finger tests only and do not use thermometers. However, if you do not feel comfortable with the thinger test, use a thermometer.
Follow a step-by-step guide below on cooking any steak cut in a frying pan. Since we will be using beef cuts, the same cooking method applies to all types of cuts: rib-eye, t-bone, sirloin, fillet, rump, hanger, or any other cut of steak.
How Long To Cook Steak In A Cast Iron Skillet & Steak Doneness Temperatures:
The cook time for cast iron skillet steak varies greatly based on the temperature of your skillet, the thickness of your steak, & your desired level of doneness.
Nothings worse than spending a lot of money on a nice steak & accidentally overcooking it! Eliminate all of the guesswork by using an instant-read thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the steak.
A quick guide to steak doneness temperatures:
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Perfect Pan Seared Steak
Out of just about any food steak was always one of the most intimidating things for me to cook. I dont know what it was maybe the high price tag and how they can easily be overcooked but with a few simple tips steak can be a breeze to cook.
Its one of my husband and kids favorite foods so Ive been trying to cook it once a month and this method has been my favorite lately. I just cant get enough of that crispy browned exterior and that rich garlicy butter!
Plus, I love that this method is one you can use year round, including when your grill is covered with snow in the winter.
Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan
- Pre-Seasoned: yes
- Colors: black
Lodge Cast Iron was started by Joseph Lodge in 1896 in South Pittsburg and continues to expand. They are proud of their commitment to technology, quality and employees. Their website is a fountain of information, with use and care instructions and recipes for baking, grilling, camp cooking for all meals of the day. In addition to skillets, they offer a variety of cooking tools, such as griddles, covers, camp ovens and other accessories.
- Relatively lightweight for ease of use
- Ribbed bottom helps with low-fat cooking preferences
- Can be used on all cooking surfaces, including over a campfire
- The company is committed to producing no hazardous waste
- An industry veteran, the company has been making cookware since 1896they certainly know what theyre doing
- Proudly made in the USA
- The ribbed bottom seems like it may make it difficult to heat food evenly
- Only one size available
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Faqs About Cooking Steak
How long does it take to cook steak in a cast iron skillet?
The length of time needed to cook steak in a cast iron skillet depends on so many different factors like the cut of meat, the grade of meat, the beginning temp of the meat, and of course, how you prefer your steak cooked. But if you follow my guidelines above using the combination of stove and oven cooking, and you have a similar filet, then it should take approximately 10 minutes from start to finish.
What temperature do I need to cook my steak to?
The internal temperature of your steak will depend on the doneness that you prefer. Here is the temperature guide that I use to cook steak:
- Rare 110/115
- Medium Well 135/145
- Well Done Aint even going to go there
*DisclaimerFoodsafety.gov states that the SAFE minimum internal temperature of steak should be 145 degrees with a 3 minute rest time. Gotta tell you that!
What does Select, Choice, and Prime mean?
The USDA grades meat based on its fat content, or marbling. The more fat a steak has, the higher grade it will receive from the USDA. So heres a breakdown of the categories:
*You can read more about USDA beef grades here.
Is a cast iron skillet the best pan to use for cooking steak?
Yes! If you are going to cook a steak anywhere other than directly on a grill grate, then I would recommend a cast iron skillet.
Staub Cast Iron Frying Pan
Best non-stick skillet
It is an absolute pleasure to cook with this beautiful pan. It has all the appeal of the rough-and-ready iron skillets in our round-up but has a silky smooth black enamelled interior that makes ingredients glide around.
With the best non-stick abilities of all the pans we tried, eggs slid onto the plate straight from the pan, with a minimum amount of oil used. There was no need to top up the pre-seasoning before our first dish.
This heavy model was a generous depth and featured a holding bar stamped with the Staub logo opposite the handle, so transferring a pan stuffed with braised chicken and potatoes to the oven was made easier by being able to use two hands.
The matching Staub roasting pan weve tested also got top marks. This is a range for serious cooks looking for top-quality kit. It comes in black, grey, and red too.
Available from:
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Bruntmor Cast Iron Grill Pan
The Bruntmor Cast Iron Grill Pan is the perfect choice for any cooking style. The heavy pan has a large cooking surface and is ideal to use for the campfire, the oven, and the tabletop.
This grill pan is also suitable for frying bacon, chicken, and thick steaks.
The double-loop handles make it easy to handle and the pre-seasoned exterior ensures that your food will not stick to the pan.
How To Make It
Coat the meat. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and coat both sides with 1/2 the olive oil.
Rest. Sprinkle with kosher salt and allow to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Heat the skillet. Preheat a cast iron skillet over high heat for 5 minutes.
Add oil. Add the remaining oil to the pan.
Pat dry. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and place the steaks in the skillet.
Cook. Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes until a golden brown crust has formed.
Make it buttery! Flip the steak and top each with 1/2 tablespoon butter.
Cook. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the desired degree of doneness.
Cover. Remove the steaks from the pan to a plate or platter and cover with foil.
Rest, then enjoy. Rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.
Why do I need to let the steak rest before slicing and serving?
This rest period is important for two big reasons! The first being just that the meat will be hot and you dont want to burn your mouth. Secondly, the juices in the meat need time to spread throughout the steak. If you slice into the meat too soon, youll lose the majority of the juices on the cutting board and your meat will be dry.
What should I serve this seared New York strip steak with?
As you can see in the photos here, I always love a classic plating of steak and potatoes! Here are just a few of my favorite potato side dishes to serve with this show-stopping entree.
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