Perfecting the Art of Cooking Steak

Cooking steak perfectly is an art. You don’t want it too rare, but you definitely don’t want to overcook it. The secret to a perfectly cooked steak lies in using a cast iron skillet. This method results in a perfectly browned, crisp crust and a juicy, evenly cooked interior. Thanks to America’s Test Kitchen for sharing this great recipe.

Ingredients for Cast Iron Steaks with Herb Butter

• 2 (1-pound) boneless strip steaks, 1 1/2″ thick, trimmed
• Kosher salt and pepper
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons minced shallots
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

Step 1: Prep the Steaks Sprinkle the entire surface of each steak with 1 teaspoon of salt. Let them sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes and up to 1 hour.

Step 2: Preheat the Skillet Adjust the oven rack to the middle position, place a 12-inch cast-iron skillet on the rack, and heat the oven to 500 degrees. In a bowl, combine the butter, shallot, parsley, chives, garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper; set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Steaks When the oven reaches 500 degrees, pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season with pepper. Using potholders, remove the skillet from the oven and place it over medium-high heat. Turn off the oven. Carefully add oil to the hot skillet and heat until just smoking. Cook the steaks without moving them until lightly browned on the first side, about 2 minutes. Flip the steaks and cook until lightly browned on the second side, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection Flip the steaks again, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook, flipping every 2 minutes, until the steaks are well browned and the meat registers 120 to 125 degrees (for medium-rare), about 7 to 9 minutes. Transfer the steaks to a carving board, dollop 2 tablespoons of herb butter on each steak, tent with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Slice the steaks 1/2 inch thick and serve.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked steak with a delicious herb butter finish!