Juicy Cast Iron Pan-Seared Steak: A Flavorful Oven-Finished Delight
Indulge in the rich flavors and tender textures of a perfectly cooked steak with our Cast Iron Pan-Seared Steak recipe. This culinary masterpiece combines the robust sear of a cast iron skillet with the gentle finishing touch of the oven, resulting in a steak that’s crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a comforting meal, this easy-to-follow recipe will elevate your dinner experience. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a steak that’s restaurant-quality, all from the comfort of your home!
Cast Iron Pan-Seared Steak (Oven-Finished)
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Steaks:
- Take the steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will help finish cooking the steaks to your desired doneness.
- Sear in Cast Iron:
- In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place the steaks in the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes, or until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Add Flavor:
- Once the steaks are seared, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, crushed garlic, and fresh herbs (if using) to the pan.
- Baste the steaks with the melted butter and aromatics by tilting the skillet and spooning the mixture over the top of the steaks for about 1 minute.
- Finish in the Oven:
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Cook the steaks for an additional 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired doneness (use a meat thermometer for precision: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium).
- Rest the Steaks:
- Once cooked to your preference, remove the skillet from the oven and transfer the steaks to a cutting board. Let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy steak.
- Serve:
- Slice the steaks against the grain and serve with your choice of sides. Drizzle with any leftover pan juices for an added burst of flavor.
