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Cast Iron Steaks [A How-To Guide] 🥩

Published: · Updated: by · 4 Comments

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Nothing beats a juicy, tender steak straight from the cast iron skillet! This easy Cast Iron Steak recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal using five simple ingredients. Dive in, and we'll show you how to cook the perfect steak indoors without needing a grill!

Cast Iron Steak on a plate with Garlic Butter Mushrooms
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Preparation and cooking overview

You only need 20 minutes to prepare this cast iron skillet steak recipe. Start by seasoning the steak with Maldon salt. Next, sear it in a piping hot skillet for a quick minute on each side. Turn down the heat to add butter, garlic, and fresh herbs. Baste the meat with the butter until cooked through, and enjoy!

Chef's note

For a fun twist, deglaze the skillet by adding bone broth and scraping up all the tasty browned bits after cooking the steaks. The grease and remaining herb butter will make an incredible pan sauce. Drizzle this flavorful sauce over your steaks for the ultimate steakhouse experience.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 2 Servings

🥩 Ingredients for cast iron steak recipe

Cooking steak in cast iron requires only five simple ingredients:

  • 1 large boneless steak, 1 inch thick, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 1 sprig of fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, and oregano)
  • Maldon salt

Ingredient substitutions

  • Unsalted butter: Swap unsalted butter with ghee as a close substitute.
  • Fresh herbs: Feel free to use dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano.

Additional ingredients

Elevate the flavors of this simple steak recipe with these optional ingredients:

  • Parmesan cheese: For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle some Parmesan cheese atop during the last two minutes of cooking.
  • Bacon bits: Crisp up some bacon and sprinkle it over the cooked steak for a smoky crunch.
  • Cayenne pepper: If you're looking for fiery heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper at the last minute of cooking.

Cooking tools required

To make Cast Iron Steak, you will need the following kitchen tools:

  • Measuring spoon
  • Cast iron skillet
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Meat thermometer

How to cook a steak in a cast iron skillet: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Searing
  • Basting

Preparation steps

  1. Gather and measure all the ingredients.
  2. Take the steak out of the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature for even cooking.
  3. Peel the garlic cloves and crush them using the flat side of the knife.
  4. Pluck the leaves or sprigs from rosemary, thyme, and oregano stems.

Cooking steps

  1. Pat the meat dry with a paper towel and season liberally with salt.
  2. Heat the cast-iron skillet over high heat.
  3. Sear steaks for 1 minute on each side, then reduce heat to medium-high.
  4. Add in butter, garlic, and herbs.
  5. Flip every thirty seconds for 12 minutes (or to the desired doneness), and use a spoon to baste the steak with each flip.
  6. Let the steak rest for approximately five minutes before cutting or serving.

Chef's pro tip

Get your skillet piping hot before you add the steak. This will seal in the juices and result in a delicious crust. And after you remove the steak from the skillet, allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat, ensuring perfect steak.

What to serve with cast iron steak?

While this recipe is low carb, it is not necessarily high fat or moderate protein. So, to manipulate this comforting meal into fitting your macros, pair it with some of these side dishes:

  • Garlic Butter Mushrooms: The tender pairs well with buttery mushrooms, making up for a satiating meal.
  • Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: For a classic pairing, serve the steaks with cauliflower mash that not only imitates potato mash but is equally delicious.
  • Garlic Butter Green Beans: These simple yet tasty green beans fried with garlic and butter make up for a crunchy side dish.
  • Mediterranean Asparagus: The roasted asparagus offers a fresh, crunchy side dish, giving a true steak house experience.
  • Creamed Spinach: For a creamy side dish, serve the steak with sautéed spinach with a cheesy twist.

How to make it healthier?

  • Buy organic, grass-fed butter from your grocery store.
  • Use leaner cuts of beef to reduce the overall fat content.

Time-saving tips

  • Preheat your skillet while you are seasoning your meat. This way, you won't have to wait for the skillet to heat.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Pat the steak dry and season it a few hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store leftover steaks in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They will stay delicious for 2-3 days.

Reheating best practices

  • Microwave: Cover the leftovers loosely with a microwave-safe lid and heat for 1–2 minutes at 50% power.
  • Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the steak in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for 10–15 minutes.
  • Stovetop: Place steak in a skillet on low-medium heat. Flip occasionally and heat for 5-7 minutes, until warmed through.

Recipe wrap-up conclusion

This perfect Cast Iron Steak recipe offers the best steak you'll ever make! Prepare this gourmet-level dish with easy steps and five simple ingredients. Now, you can have a beautiful steak dinner at home!

Loved this recipe? Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out for you!

Don't forget to Season A Cast Iron Skillet with our simple guide!

Frequently asked questions

Yes, steak is keto-friendly! It's high in protein and fats and has zero carbs, making it an excellent option for those following a keto diet.

Place your skillet on high heat until it's smoking hot. Place the seasoned steak on the hot skillet and sear for about one minute per side. After the initial sear, lower the heat and flip the steak occasionally until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

Absolutely, cast iron is a fantastic choice for cooking steaks! It retains heat exceptionally well, allowing for a perfect sear and even cooking.

Ribeye steak, New York strip, and filet mignon are all excellent choices for cooking in a cast-iron skillet. These cuts tend to be fattier, which complements the high-heat searing process.

Your cast-iron skillet should be preheated to a high temperature, between 400-450°F (around 200-230°C). You'll know it's ready when the skillet starts to smoke slightly.

Rely on the internal temperature to determine the doneness level. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (60°C) for medium-rare.

📖 Recipe

Cast Iron Steak on a plate with Garlic Butter Mushrooms

Cast Iron Steaks

Cast Iron Steak, aka “The Best Steak You’ll Ever Make” || Making the perfect steak is easier than you might think, it does require more attention than the usual recipe, but it is totally worth it!
5 from 1 vote
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: beef steak, cast iron steak, keto steak dinner, steak dish
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Calories: 486kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 large boneless steak 1″ thick at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 1 sprig herbs rosemary, thyme, and oregano are all great options
  • Maldon salt
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Pat the meat dry with a paper towel and season liberally with salt.
  • Heat the cast-iron skillet over high heat.
  • Sear steaks for 1 minute on each side, then reduce heat to medium-high.
  • Add in butter, garlic, and herbs.
  • Flip every thirty seconds for 12 minutes (or to the desired doneness), and use a spoon to baste the steak with each flip.
  • Let the steak rest for approximately five minutes before cutting or serving.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Cast Iron Steaks
Amount Per Serving
Calories 486 Calories from Fat 333
% Daily Value*
Fat 37g57%
Saturated Fat 18g113%
Cholesterol 166mg55%
Sodium 91mg4%
Potassium 532mg15%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 35g70%
Vitamin A 350IU7%
Vitamin C 1mg1%
Calcium 45mg5%
Iron 3mg17%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. [object Object] says

    I rarely grill steaks anymore. This is THE best way to cook them!! Had my first one like this at Ruth's Chris. Best steak ever!!

    Reply

  2. Mart says

    Isn't 12 minutes too long? Usually, I take 2 minutes on each side for medium, but without flopping every 30 seconds.

    Reply

    • Alex Lester says

      !2 minutes is standard when flipping it so that it cooks evenly. If you have a method you like then by all means keep on using that! Sometimes, if I'm lazy I won't flip it but it usually takes 10-12 minutes anyways.

      Reply

  3. Mateo Pedersen says

    I’ve always made steak on the grill but figured I would give this a try after seeing it on pinterest. Followed the directions to a t and had perfectly cook steak! Served it with mashed potatoes + asparagus – delicious!

    Reply

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