Perfect Pan-Seared Steak

Follow these few simple rules to end up with spectacular steakhouse steak in your own home: 1) Leave steaks out at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before cooking, which allows the steaks to cook more evenly. 2) Don’t be afraid of high heat, especially when using a cast-iron skillet—a good sear gives the steak a nice caramelized surface and rich flavor. 3) Let the steak have a good rest (5 to 10 minutes) before slicing—this gives the juices a chance to settle among the steak.

August 24, 2015

Ingredients

SERVINGS: 2-4 Serving(s)

1 (1½- to 2-inch-thick) rib eye or T-bone steak
Vegetable oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
Few sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary, optional

Instructions

Let steak sit at room temperature 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.

NOTE: If you just remembered those steaks were in the fridge and you really need to get dinner on the table, don’t fret about this step—your steak will be just as delicious.

Pat steak dry with paper towels, coat lightly with oil, then season the steak very generously with salt and pepper.

Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a castiron skillet over high heat until the oil is just starting to smoke. Add steak to the hot skillet and cook until a brown crust starts to form on the underside of the steak, about 1 minute. Flip steak over and cook 1 minute more. Continue flipping every 30 seconds until a nice crust forms, about 4 minutes.

Add butter and herbs (if using) to the skillet and continue to cook, basting the steak with the pan juices and flipping the steak often until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak registers 120° to 125°F for medium rare, or 130°F for medium. Steak should be medium rare at this time ... continue to cook a minute more on each side for medium.

Transfer steak to a plate or cutting board and pour pan juices over. Allow the steak to rest for at least 5 minutes before serving or slicing.