Olivia Carter
There’s something special about cooking a bone-in steak in a cast iron skillet. The sizzle of the hot metal as it sears the meat, the rich aroma that fills the kitchen, and that unmistakable flavor that can only come from cooking with cast iron. If you’ve never tried it before, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps of how to cook a delicious bone-in steak in a cast iron skillet.
Why Cook Steak in a Cast Iron Skillet?
There are several reasons why cooking a bone-in steak in a cast iron skillet is a great idea. First of all, cast iron retains heat extremely well, allowing you to get a nice sear on the outside of the steak while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The even distribution of heat also ensures that the steak cooks evenly, preventing any overcooked or undercooked spots. Additionally, cooking with cast iron adds a unique depth of flavor to the steak that you just can’t achieve with other types of pans.
So, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of cooking a bone-in steak in a cast iron skillet.
How To Cook A Perfect Bone-In Steak
Step 1: Choose a high-quality bone-in steak from your local butcher or grocery store. Look for a cut that has visible marbling and is at least 1 inch thick.
Step 2: Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking. This will help the steak cook more evenly.
Step 3: Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes. You want the skillet to be hot, but not smoking.
Step 4: Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add any other desired seasonings, such as garlic powder or rosemary.
Step 5: Place the steak in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare. If you prefer a different level of doneness, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Step 6: For a nice sear, press down on the steak with a spatula during cooking to ensure good contact with the skillet.
Step 7: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the temperature should be around 130°F (54°C).
Step 8: Once the steak reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and ensures a juicy, tender steak.
Step 9: Slice the steak against the grain and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly cooked bone-in steak!
Preparation and Seasoning
To prepare and season a bone-in steak for cooking in a cast iron skillet, follow these steps:
1. Choose a bone-in steak: Select a high-quality bone-in steak, such as ribeye or T-bone, from your local butcher or grocery store.
2. Take the steak out of the refrigerator: Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the steak cook more evenly.
3. Pat the steak dry: Use paper towels to pat the steak dry on all sides. Removing excess moisture from the steak will help it sear properly.
4. Season the steak: Generously season the steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add any other desired seasonings, such as garlic powder or rosemary.
5. Let the steak rest: Allow the steak to rest for at least 10-15 minutes after seasoning. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat and enhance its taste.
6. Preheat the cast iron skillet: Place the cast iron skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Heat the skillet for about 5-7 minutes until it is hot and evenly heated.
7. Add oil to the skillet: Once the skillet is hot, add a high smoke point oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, to the skillet. Swirl the oil around to coat the bottom of the skillet.
8. Sear the steak: Carefully place the seasoned steak into the hot skillet. Allow it to sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side until a golden brown crust forms.
9. Flip the steak: Use tongs to flip the steak and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes. This will help achieve a nicely seared crust on both sides of the steak.
10. Transfer to the oven: If desired, you can transfer the skillet with the seared steak to a preheated oven to finish cooking to your desired level of doneness.
11. Rest and serve: Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and juicy steak. Serve the bone-in steak hot, and enjoy!
Remember to use caution when handling hot cast iron skillets and always use oven mitts or pot holders to protect your hands.
Heating the Cast Iron Skillet
Before you start cooking your bone steak, it is important to properly heat your cast iron skillet. The process of heating the skillet is crucial in achieving a delicious and perfectly cooked steak.
Preheat the Skillet
First, place the cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. It is important to preheat the skillet for at least 5 minutes to ensure that it gets hot enough to sear the steak properly.
While preheating the skillet, you can brush the bone steak with a little bit of olive oil. This will help to prevent the steak from sticking to the skillet and add a nice flavor to the meat.
Test the Heat
To check if the skillet is hot enough, you can sprinkle a few drops of water onto the surface. If the water droplets sizzle and evaporate almost immediately, the skillet is ready for cooking. If the water just sits there without sizzling, allow the skillet to heat for a few more minutes.
Another method to test the heat of the skillet is by using the “sizzle test”. Place a small piece of the bone steak or a small slice of onion onto the skillet. If you hear a loud sizzling sound, it means the skillet is hot enough for cooking.
Important: It is crucial to ensure that the skillet is evenly heated. This is because an uneven heat distribution can result in uneven cooking of the bone steak.
Once the skillet is hot enough, you are ready to cook your bone steak! Remember to handle the hot skillet with oven mitts or potholders to avoid any burns.
Heating the cast iron skillet properly is a crucial step in cooking a bone steak to perfection. Make sure to follow these steps to ensure that your steak is seared perfectly and has a delicious crust!
Cooking the Steak
Once your cast iron skillet is heated and your steak is ready to go, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these steps to ensure a perfectly cooked bone-in steak.
1. Preparing the Steak
Before cooking, season your steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add any additional seasonings or rubs of your choice.
2. Searing the Stea
Place the seasoned steak into the hot cast iron skillet. Allow the steak to sear without moving it for about 4-5 minutes, or until a good crust has formed on the bottom side.
Using tongs, flip the steak over to sear the other side. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the desired level of doneness is achieved. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C).
3. Resting the Steak
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and place it on a cutting board or a plate. Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it. This resting period helps the juices redistribute and ensures a tender and flavorful steak.
4. Serving the Steak
After resting, cut the steak against the grain into thick slices. Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly cooked bone-in steak.
| Steak Doneness | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F (52°C) |
| Medium Rare | 135°F (57°C) |
| Medium | 145°F (63°C) |
| Medium Well | 155°F (68°C) |
| Well | 160°F (71°C) |
Resting and Serving
After cooking the bone steak in a cast iron skillet, it is essential to let it rest before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Resting the Steak
Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board. Tent the steak loosely with foil to keep it warm and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the muscle fibers to relax and retain the natural juices.
Serving Suggestions
When serving the bone steak, you can choose to slice it against the grain for a more tender bite. This means cutting across the lines of muscle fibers to maximize tenderness. Alternatively, you can serve the steak as a whole and let your guests carve their own portions.
Pair the bone steak with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. The flavors of the steak can be enhanced with a simple sauce or compound butter, like garlic butter or a red wine reduction.
Remember to savor the delicious bone steak by eating it slowly, appreciating the flavors and textures that cast iron cooking brings out. Enjoy!
FAQ
What is a bone steak?
A bone steak is a steak with the bone still attached. It is also known as a T-bone steak or a porterhouse steak.
Why would I want to cook a bone steak in a cast iron skillet?
Cooking a bone steak in a cast iron skillet allows for even heat distribution and helps to create a delicious crust on the steak. The cast iron skillet also retains heat well, allowing for a perfect sear on the outside of the steak.
How should I season a bone steak before cooking?
Before cooking a bone steak, it is important to season it with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning. You can also add other spices or herbs to enhance the flavor.
What is the best way to cook a bone steak in a cast iron skillet?
To cook a bone steak in a cast iron skillet, start by preheating the skillet over medium-high heat. Add some oil to the skillet and place the steak in the hot skillet. Cook the steak for a few minutes on each side, depending on the desired level of doneness. Once cooked, let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.
Can I cook a bone steak in a cast iron skillet if I don’t have a grill?
Absolutely! Cooking a bone steak in a cast iron skillet is a great alternative to grilling. The skillet allows you to achieve a similar char and flavor as grilling.
