Olivia Carter
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked steak, and using a cast iron skillet in the oven is one of the best ways to achieve that juicy, flavorful result. The combination of the intense heat from the skillet and the even heat distribution of the oven ensures that your steak will be cooked to perfection every time.
Before you get started, it’s important to choose the right cut of steak. Look for a thick, well-marbled cut like a ribeye or a New York strip. The marbling is what gives the steak its flavor and tenderness, so don’t be afraid of a little fat. When it comes to seasoning, keep it simple. A generous sprinkle of salt and pepper is all you need to enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
To cook your steak in the oven with a cast iron skillet, start by preheating your oven to a high temperature, around 450°F (230°C). While the oven is heating up, place your cast iron skillet on the stovetop and turn the heat to high. Let the skillet get smoking hot – this will give your steak a delicious sear.
Once the skillet is hot, carefully place your seasoned steak in the center of the skillet. You should hear a sizzling sound as soon as the steak hits the pan – this is the sound of a perfect sear. Let the steak sear for about 2 minutes on each side, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven.
Preparing Your Steak
Before you start cooking your steak in the oven with a cast iron skillet, it’s important to properly prepare the meat. The following steps will ensure that your steak is flavorful and cooked to perfection.
1. Choose the Right Steak
For the best results, choose a steak that is at least 1 inch thick. A thicker steak will retain its juices and be more tender when cooked. Look for a well-marbled cut, such as ribeye or New York strip, for a flavorful and juicy steak.
2. Season the Steak
To enhance the natural flavors of the steak, season it generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other spices or herbs of your choice to add more flavor. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat.
3. Preheat the Oven
While the steak is resting, preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature will ensure a nice sear on the outside of the steak while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
4. Preheat the Cast Iron Skillet
Place the cast iron skillet in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes to allow it to heat up. This will help create a nice sear on the steak when it is added to the skillet.
5. Pat the Steak Dry
Before cooking the steak, make sure to pat it dry with paper towels. This step helps ensure a good sear by removing any excess moisture from the surface of the meat.
6. Oil the Steak and Skillet
Lightly brush or drizzle some oil on both sides of the steak. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or any high smoke point oil. Then carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and place it on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
7. Sear the Steak
Using tongs, carefully place the steak in the hot skillet. Allow it to sear for 2-3 minutes without moving it. This will help form a crust on the outside of the steak. Flip the steak and sear for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side.
8. Finish in the Oven
Once both sides of the steak are seared, carefully transfer the skillet back into the preheated oven. Cook the steak for about 6-8 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time to your desired level of doneness.
9. Let the Steak Rest
After cooking, remove the skillet from the oven and let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to become more tender.
Follow these steps to prepare your steak before cooking it in the oven with a cast iron skillet, and you’ll be rewarded with a delicious and perfectly cooked steak.
Choosing the Right Cut
When it comes to cooking steak in the oven with a cast iron skillet, the first step is choosing the right cut of beef. The cut of steak you choose will determine the cooking time and the level of tenderness and flavor you can expect. Here are some popular cuts of steak that work well for oven cooking:
Ribeye: Known for its marbling and rich flavor, ribeye is a popular choice for steak lovers. Its high fat content makes it juicy and tender.
New York Strip: This cut comes from the loin area of the beef and is known for its tenderness and intense beef flavor. It has less marbling than ribeye but is still very flavorful.
Tenderloin/Filet Mignon: This is the most tender and leanest cut of beef. It lacks the intense flavor of ribeye or New York strip but makes up for it in tenderness.
Sirloin: Sirloin is a versatile cut that can be cooked in a variety of ways. It has a good balance of tenderness and flavor, making it a popular choice for steak lovers.
Flat Iron: This lesser-known cut is gaining popularity due to its tenderness and rich flavor. It is well-marbled and comes from the shoulder area of the beef.
When selecting your steak, look for ones that have a good amount of marbling, as this will contribute to the juiciness and flavor. Additionally, consider the thickness of the steak, as thinner steaks will cook faster than thicker ones.
Regardless of the cut you choose, cooking steak in the oven with a cast iron skillet will result in a delicious and tender steak that is sure to impress your guests.
Seasoning Your Steak
Before cooking your steak, it’s important to season it properly to enhance its flavor. Seasoning a steak is simple and can be done with just a few ingredients:
- Salt: Sprinkle a generous amount of salt on both sides of the steak. This will help to bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
- Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a nice kick of flavor to your steak. Grind some pepper on both sides of the meat.
- Garlic Powder: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some garlic powder on both sides of the steak. This will give your steak a delicious garlic aroma.
Once you’ve seasoned your steak, gently press the seasonings into the meat with your fingers. This will help the flavors to penetrate the steak, giving it a more intense taste.
Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the seasonings to absorb into the meat.
Remember, seasoning your steak is important as it adds depth and enhances the natural flavors of the meat. Don’t skip this step!
Cooking Your Steak
1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Place a cast iron skillet in the oven while it preheats.
2. Remove your steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure even cooking.
3. Season your steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also add your preferred steak seasoning for extra flavor.
4. Take the hot cast iron skillet out of the oven using oven mitts. Place it on the stovetop over high heat.
5. Carefully place the seasoned steak into the hot skillet. You should hear a sizzling sound. This means the steak is searing properly.
6. Sear the steak for about 2 minutes on each side. This will help create a flavorful crust.
7. Once both sides are seared, transfer the skillet with the steak back into the preheated oven.
8. Cook the steak in the oven for about 6 to 8 minutes for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer a more well-done steak.
9. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, it should be around 135°F (57°C).
10. Once the steak has reached your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
11. Serve your perfectly cooked steak with your favorite sides and enjoy!
12. Remember to always handle the hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
Preheating the Oven
Before cooking your steak in the oven, it’s essential to preheat the oven to the proper temperature. This step ensures that your steak cooks evenly and achieves the desired level of doneness.
Start by setting your oven to 450°F (230°C) and allowing it to heat up for at least 20 minutes. This high temperature is ideal for achieving a juicy and tender steak with a nicely seared crust.
While waiting for the oven to preheat, take the opportunity to prepare your cast iron skillet. Place the skillet in the oven while it’s heating up. This allows the skillet to heat evenly and ensures that it will be hot enough to sear the steak properly.
Remember to use oven mitts or a heatproof glove when handling the hot skillet. Once the oven reaches the desired temperature and the skillet is adequately heated, you’re ready to move on to the next step of cooking your steak in the oven with a cast iron skillet.
Heating the Cast Iron Skillet
Before you begin cooking the steak, it’s important to properly heat your cast iron skillet. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and develops a delicious crust.
First, place the cast iron skillet in the oven and preheat it to a high temperature, such as 450°F (230°C). Let the skillet heat up for at least 20 minutes to ensure that it reaches the desired temperature.
While the skillet is heating in the oven, you can take this time to season your steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Allow the steak to come to room temperature to ensure it cooks evenly.
Once the skillet has reached the desired temperature, take it out of the oven using oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves. Be careful as the handle will be very hot.
Place the skillet on a stove burner over high heat. Allow the skillet to heat up on the stovetop for a few minutes to ensure it maintains its high temperature.
During this time, you can drizzle a small amount of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, onto the skillet. Use a brush or a paper towel to evenly spread the oil across the surface of the skillet.
Once the skillet is heated and the oil is evenly distributed, it’s ready for cooking the steak. Proceed to the next step in your recipe to continue cooking your delicious steak in the oven with a cast iron skillet.
Cooking Techniques
When it comes to cooking steak in the oven with a cast iron skillet, there are a few techniques that can help you achieve the perfect result. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Preheating the skillet
Before you start cooking your steak, it’s important to preheat your cast iron skillet in the oven. This will help ensure that the skillet is evenly heated and will create a nice sear on the steak.
2. Seasoning the steak
Prior to cooking, make sure to season your steak with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices or herbs. This will enhance the flavors of the meat and add an extra layer of deliciousness to your steak.
3. Searing the steak
To achieve a perfect sear on your steak, heat your skillet on the stovetop over high heat until it’s smoking hot. Remove the skillet from the heat and carefully place your seasoned steak in the skillet. Return the skillet to the stovetop and sear each side of the steak for a few minutes until a brown crust forms.
4. Finishing in the oven
Once you’ve achieved a nice sear on both sides of your steak, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven. Roast the steak in the oven at a high temperature until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to perfection.
By following these cooking techniques, you’ll be able to cook a delicious and tender steak in the oven with a cast iron skillet. Remember to let your steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum flavor.
FAQ
What is the best temperature to cook steak in the oven?
The best temperature to cook steak in the oven is 450°F (230°C). This high temperature helps to create a delicious crust on the outside of the steak while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
How long should I cook a steak in the oven?
The cooking time for a steak in the oven depends on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. As a general guideline, for a 1-inch thick steak, you can cook it for about 10-12 minutes for medium-rare, 12-14 minutes for medium, and 14-16 minutes for medium-well. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Do I need to preheat the cast iron skillet before cooking steak in the oven?
Yes, preheating the cast iron skillet is an important step when cooking steak in the oven. Place the skillet in the oven while it is preheating to ensure that it gets hot and helps to create a nice sear on the steak. Preheating the skillet also helps to distribute the heat evenly during cooking.
