Cast Iron Skillet Steak is what needs to be on your kitchen table for dinner tonight. This is a restaurant-worthy entree that’s easy to make and is sure to satisfy everyone who is treated to it. Follow my simple steps for the best steak dinner!

Steak is sliced and served next to mashed potatoes on a white plate.


Cast Iron Skillet Steak

There’s something about preparing a steak in a cast iron skillet that just makes it so drool-worthy. Maybe it’s the way that the skillet perfectly browns the steak without burning it, or maybe it’s the way the steak always stays so perfectly juicy… Whatever magic is at work in a cast iron skillet, I’m grateful for it! Oh, and not to mention, using this method is also one of the easiest ways to prepare a steak, too!

I feel like cast iron skillets get a bad rep for being high maintenance. And while they may not be able to toss into the dishwasher, they come with plenty of other benefits – like making this perfectly cooked steak!

You don’t always need a grill on your back porch to make best steak ever, as it turns out. For all you apartment-dwellers out there that don’t have a grill, this one’s especially for you.

Now when you head to the store and pick a steak, make sure to grab a New York strip! It’s a lean cut of steak that sears to perfection in the cast iron skillet.

With the additions of a little bit of olive oil and butter, richness is added to the lean meat and makes it perfectly juicy. You’re going to love how easy to make this juicy steak is! And yes, it’s so worth having to clean the cast iron skillet.

Two steaks are cooked with herbs and butter in a black cast iron skillet.

How to Make Steak in a Skillet

  1. Coat the meat. Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and coat both sides with 1/2 the olive oil.
  2. Rest. Sprinkle with kosher salt and allow to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  3. Heat the skillet. Preheat a cast iron skillet over high heat for 5 minutes. 
  4. Add oil. Add the remaining oil to the pan.
  5. Pat dry. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and place the steaks in the skillet.
  6. Cook. Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes until a golden brown crust has formed.
  7. Make it buttery! Flip the steak and top each with 1/2 tablespoon butter.
  8. Cook. Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the desired degree of doneness. 
  9. Cover. Remove the steaks from the pan to a plate or platter and cover with foil.
  10. Rest, then enjoy. Rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving. 
cast iron skillet with silicon handle sleeve

This Cast Iron Skillet from Lodge is my favorite cookware. A true workhorse in the kitchen, this pan is priced under $30. A must have in your cooking arsenal.

This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

Sauce is being drizzled over steak on a plate.

Why Rest a Steak

This rest period is important for two big reasons! The first being just that the meat will be hot and you don’t want to burn your mouth. Secondly, the juices in the meat need time to spread throughout the steak. If you slice into the meat too soon, you’ll lose the majority of the juices on the cutting board and your meat will be dry.

Serving Suggestions

As you can see in the photos here, I always love a classic plating of steak and potatoes! Here are just a few of my favorite potato side dishes to serve with this show-stopping entree.

Steak Temperature

This is a hot topic for debate, as everyone likes their steak cooked to a different degree! Using a meat thermometer will ensure you get it just right. Here are the temperatures to aim for, depending on how well done you like your steak cooked.

Medium rare – 135˚F

Medium – 140˚F

Medium well – 145˚F

Steak and potatoes are served with fresh thyme on a blue and white plate.

More Steak Recipes

For more easy steak dinner ideas, follow us on Instagram and Facebook!

Two steaks are cooked with herbs and butter in a black cast iron skillet.

Get the Recipe: Cast Iron Skillet Steak Recipe

The BEST way to cook a steak….this Cast Iron Skillet Steak is seared to perfection leaving you with a tender, juicy steak that's worthy of the finest steakhouse.
No ratings yet

Ingredients

  • 2 1- pound New York Strip Steaks, approximately 1 inch thick
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil, divided
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Equipment

  • skillet

Instructions 

  • Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and coat both sides with 1/2 the olive oil.
  • Sprinkle with kosher salt and allow to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  • Preheat a cast iron skillet over high heat for 5 minutes.
  • Add the remaining oil to the pan.
  • Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and place the steaks in the skillet.
  • Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes until a golden brown crust has formed.
  • Flip the steak and top each with 1/2 tablespoon butter.
  • Continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the desired degree of doneness.
  • Remove the steaks from the pan to a plate or platter and cover with foil.
  • Rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting and serving.

Notes

Leftover steak makes a great sandwich for lunch.
 
Calories: 673kcal, Protein: 48g, Fat: 17g, Saturated Fat: 8g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 14g, Cholesterol: 272mg, Sodium: 177mg, Potassium: 1065mg, Calcium: 78mg, Iron: 5mg