How to Cook Amazing Steak in a Cast Iron Skillet

Learning how to cook steak in a cast-iron skillet is an essential life skill, in my opinion. It's quick, so delicious, so satisfying, and once you know what you're doing, very easy.

The best part is - you don't need a grill! YAY! But seriously, there are so many benefits to cooking steak in a cast-iron skillet; including, but not limited to:

• So much control over heat and temperature (therefore making sure you get it right, every time).
• It's so quick! Depending on the thickness of the steak, it can take between 5-10 minutes. And, if it's really thick, you can finish it off in the oven.
• Pan drippings! Cooking a steak in a cast-iron skillet means that you can use the amazing caramelized bits on the bottom of the to make an epic sauce.

Check out the cast iron steak web story here.

Steak in a cast-iron skillet is the meal that keeps on giving. It's quick, easy, satisfying and impressive.

Jump to:

• Why You're going to Love this Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Why Use Cast Iron?
• What cut of Steak should I Use?
• Ingredients
• How to Make Cast-Iron Steak
• Tips & Tricks
• Serving Suggestions
• 📖 Recipe

Why You're going to Love this Recipe

• Cooking with cast-iron is a true game changer. These pans are just so awesome on every level. Once they're hot, they stay hot, they can go in the oven (or even on a grill), and they never wear out. My dad has one that's been used for close to 100 years!).
• They create a fantastic sear/crust on the steak. That means we're big into the flavor.
• Being able to cook the steak at a high temperature, and quickly, means you're less likely to overcook it.
• You can use the fat and pan drippings left over to create a beautiful sauce, right in the pan, while you're steak is resting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Use Cast Iron?

Cast iron is a great method for cooking steak.

They're Hot

This might seem obvious, but hear me out. Cast-iron actually doesn't heat super evenly (this is a myth!), BUT, once it gets hot, it stays hot, unlike other cookware. This is idea, especially when you have a thick steak (like a filet mignon) that you need to finish in the oven.

The Sear

There's really nothing like the sear you can get on a steak with a cast-iron skillet. There just isn't. That flavor is top notch - and in my experience, it's something you can only get with cast-iron.

Sometimes it's Cold Outside

Honestly, there are days when firing up the grill just seems...unappealing. If it's raining/snowing/sleeting/hailing (I live in Canada, can you tell?) then the cast-iron is a fantastic option.

The Leftovers

I don't mean the actual steak leftovers, I mean what's left in the pan. Using a cast-iron makes sure you catch all the juice, fat, and seared bits from the steak. What are we going to do with these, you ask? We're making mushrooms sauce for the steak, obviously.

What cut of Steak should I Use?

Honestly, you can use whatever you like, but here are my top three, and why.

Sirloin

If you're new to cast-iron steak cooking, then this is the cut I would recommend. They're typically smaller, and boneless. This means that they will cook quickly (you likely won't have to transfer it to the oven), and evenly (because of the no bone situation).

Rib-Eye

Again, if you get a boneless one, this will be easier to cook. But come on, bone in rib-eyes are just SO DELICIOUS. Definitely harder to cook evenly though, and depending on the size, you may need to finish it in the oven (this is not a huge deal though).

Filet Mignon

A lean, thick, and tender cut of meat, filets are amazing in a cast-iron. You will, almost without question, need to finish these in the oven. But the texture you get between the perfect steak and the sear on the outside? To die for.

Ingredients

The ingredients for this recipe are very simple. And, most of them are optional flavor-wise. All you really need for the basics is steak, salt, pepper, oil and butter.

• Steak - I like to use boneless steaks, like a striploin or a filet. The cook super evenly!
• Salt & Pepper - essential seasoning. I'm a bit of a purist with my steaks, so I don't often add more seasoning. Feel free to add your favorite rub though.
• Oil and butter - for flavor and to keep the steak from sticking.
• Thyme & garlic - this will flavor the butter, and therefore the steak.

How to Make Cast-Iron Steak

Ok, let's walk through this step by step.

Step 1: Preheat your cast iron

This is really important. You definitely do not want to cook a steak in a pan that hasn't fully come up to temperature, otherwise you're not going to get that crust on the outside. Make sure you're heating your pan over medium-high heat, and it's basically smoking before you add the steak.

Step 2: Add your Oil

It should heat up pretty much immediately. Add the butter too.

Step 3: Add your steak & aromatics

Don't forget to season it first! And once you put it in the pan, don't move it. Just let it sear for 2-3 minutes. Add your thyme and garlic at this point.

Step 4: Flip and Baste

Once the steak has browned on one side, flip it over. Using your spoon, continuously spoon some of the cooking liquid over the steak, making sure it gets nice and flavorful.

Step 5: Rest

Check the temperature of your steak to make sure it's done to your liking. If it is, take it out of the pan to rest. If it needs a few more minutes, put it in the oven at 400F until it's cooked.

Step 5: Slice and Serve!

Tips & Tricks

• Make sure your steak is at room temperature before it hits the pan! It will cook more evenly this way.
• Use a meat thermometer. This is always my number one, go-to tool when cooking steaks. I'm not a professional chef. I don't pretend to know when a steak is done just by looking at it or feeling it. Seriously - do yourself a favor and just use it!
• Make sure your cast iron pan is HOT. We want to to cook these hot and fast, to make sure we don't overcook them in the middle.
• Don't ditch the pan drippings! Make a sauce with them!
• Make sure you have a good, full-bodied red wine on hand to pair it with.

Serving Suggestions

Here's one of my favorite menus with steak:

📖 Recipe