Olivia Carter
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked steak, and one of the best ways to achieve that is by using a cast iron skillet. When it comes to cooking a medium well steak, it’s all about achieving that ideal balance of juicy, tender meat with a slight hint of pink in the center.
The first step in cooking a medium well steak is selecting a high-quality cut of meat. Look for a thick, well-marbled steak, such as a ribeye or New York strip, as these cuts tend to be more flavorful and tender. Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. It’s important to get the skillet nice and hot to create a delicious sear on the steak. While the skillet is heating up, season the steak generously with salt and pepper, or your favorite steak seasoning. You can also add a touch of olive oil to enhance the flavors.
Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the seasoned steak in the center of the skillet. Allow the steak to cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, flipping it once to ensure even cooking. This will typically result in a medium well steak, with a slightly pink center. However, if you prefer a more well-done steak, you can cook it for an additional 1-2 minutes on each side.
After cooking, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. This will ensure a juicy and flavorful steak. Serve your medium well steak with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes, and enjoy!
Step-by-Step Guide: Cooking a Perfect Medium Well Steak in a Cast Iron Skillet
If you’re looking to cook a delicious medium well steak, using a cast iron skillet is a great choice. The high heat retention and even heat distribution of a cast iron skillet will help you achieve a juicy and flavorful steak with a perfect medium well doneness.
Step 1: Selecting the Steak
Start by choosing a high-quality steak that is either ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak. Look for a piece of steak that is about 1 inch thick, as this will provide the best results when cooking to medium well.
Step 2: Seasoning the Steak
Before cooking, season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add any additional desired seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or steak seasoning.
Step 3: Preheating the Cast Iron Skillet
Place the cast iron skillet on the stovetop and preheat it over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. This will ensure that the skillet is hot enough to sear the steak and create a flavorful crust.
Step 4: Searing the Steak
Once the skillet is hot, add a drizzle of oil and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the skillet. Carefully place the seasoned steak in the skillet and let it sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This will create a nice brown crust on the steak.
Step 5: Checking the Doneness
To check the doneness of the steak, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak. For medium well, the internal temperature should read around 150°F (65°C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can also use the “finger test” to check the doneness.
Step 6: Resting the Steak
Once the steak reaches the desired medium well doneness, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This resting time will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Step 7: Slicing and Serving
After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. This will help ensure a tender bite. Serve the medium well steak with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Now you have a step-by-step guide to cooking a perfect medium well steak in a cast iron skillet. With these instructions, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious steak with a juicy and tender texture, perfect for any occasion.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
When it comes to cooking a medium-well steak in a cast iron skillet, choosing the right cut of meat can make a big difference in the final result. Different cuts of beef have different levels of tenderness and flavor, so it’s important to select a cut that will work well for this cooking method.
One of the best cuts for cooking a medium-well steak in a cast iron skillet is a ribeye. Ribeye steaks are known for their marbling, which is the fat that runs through the meat. This marbling adds flavor and juiciness to the steak, making it a popular choice for many steak lovers. Another good option is a New York strip steak, which is also known for its tenderness and flavor.
When choosing a cut of meat, look for steaks that are at least 1-inch thick. Thicker steaks are easier to cook to the desired level of doneness without overcooking the outside. It’s also important to look for steaks that have a good amount of marbling, as this will help keep the steak moist and flavorful during cooking.
If you’re unsure about which cut of meat to choose, don’t hesitate to ask your local butcher for recommendations. They can provide guidance based on your personal preferences and cooking method.
Overall, selecting a high-quality cut of meat is the first step to achieving a delicious medium-well steak in a cast iron skillet. Take the time to choose a cut that is known for its tenderness and marbling, and you’ll be well on your way to a mouthwatering steak dinner.
Preparing the Steak
Before you start cooking your medium well steak, it’s important to properly prepare it. Follow these steps to ensure your steak turns out perfectly cooked and delicious:
- Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help it cook more evenly.
- While the steak is coming to room temperature, season it generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder or paprika, for extra flavor.
- Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. It’s important to get the skillet nice and hot before adding the steak.
- Once the skillet is hot, add a tablespoon of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, to the pan. Swirl the oil around to coat the bottom of the skillet.
- Place the seasoned steak in the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes, or until a brown crust forms on the bottom.
- Using a pair of tongs, flip the steak over and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes, or until the desired level of doneness is reached. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the steak is 145°F (63°C) for medium well.
- Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make for a more tender and flavorful steak.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to prepare a delicious medium well steak using a cast iron skillet. Enjoy!
Seasoning the Steak
Before cooking your medium well steak in a cast iron skillet, it’s important to properly season it to enhance its flavor and ensure a delicious end result.
Here are the steps to properly season your steak:
1. Choose the right seasoning
There are many seasoning options available to enhance the flavor of your steak. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper for a classic taste, or experiment with different seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or herbs like rosemary or thyme.
2. Pat the steak dry
Before applying the seasoning, make sure to pat the steak dry using a paper towel. Moisture on the surface of the steak can prevent the seasoning from adhering properly and may result in a less flavorful crust.
3. Apply the seasoning
Sprinkle the desired amount of seasoning evenly on both sides of the steak. Gently press the seasoning into the meat to ensure it sticks well. Make sure to season the edges of the steak as well.
4. Let it rest
After seasoning the steak, allow it to rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the seasoning to penetrate the meat and enhance its flavor.
Following these steps will help you season your medium well steak properly, resulting in a flavorful and delicious dish when cooked in a cast iron skillet.
Preheating the Cast Iron Skillet
Preheating your cast iron skillet is an essential step in achieving a perfectly cooked medium-well steak. The proper preheating will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and develops a delicious crust.
First, place the cast iron skillet on your stovetop over medium-high heat. It’s important to heat the skillet gradually to avoid any potential damage or warping. This will also allow the skillet to distribute heat evenly.
While the skillet is heating, season your steak with salt and pepper, or any other desired seasonings. The preheated skillet will help the steak develop a flavorful sear.
Once the skillet is evenly heated and hot to the touch, add a small amount of cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil. Swirl the oil around the skillet to coat the bottom evenly. This will create a non-stick surface and prevent the steak from sticking.
Allow the skillet to preheat for a few more minutes until the oil begins to shimmer or you see small wisps of smoke. This indicates that the skillet is at the proper temperature for searing the steak.
At this point, carefully place the seasoned steak onto the hot skillet. Be mindful of any splattering oil. You should hear a sizzling sound as the steak makes contact with the skillet, which is a good sign that it’s properly searing.
Remember, the preheating process is crucial in cooking the steak to medium-well doneness. It ensures that the steak cooks evenly and develops a mouthwatering brown crust that seals in the juices.
Let the steak sear for a few minutes on each side, without moving it around too much. This will allow the crust to develop and add flavor to the steak. Use tongs or a spatula to flip the steak when it’s ready.
Cooking the Steak
Once your steak has reached room temperature, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these steps to cook the perfect medium well steak in a cast iron skillet:
Step 1: Preheat the Skillet
Place your cast iron skillet on the stove over medium-high heat. Allow it to preheat for at least 5 minutes. Preheating the skillet ensures that the steak will sear properly and develop a delicious crust.
Step 2: Season the Steak
Prior to placing the steak in the skillet, season it generously with salt and pepper. This will enhance the natural flavors of the meat.
Step 3: Add Oil to the Skillet
Add a high smoke point oil, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, to the preheated skillet. Allow the oil to heat up for a minute or two. The hot oil will help prevent the steak from sticking to the skillet.
Step 4: Sear the Steak
Place the seasoned steak onto the hot skillet. Sear the steak for about 3 minutes on each side until a golden brown crust forms. This will help seal in the juices and create a flavorful exterior.
Step 5: Check the Internal Temperature
Using a meat thermometer, check the internal temperature of the steak. For a medium well steak, the desired temperature should be around 150°F (66°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to get an accurate reading.
Step 6: Finish Cooking in the Oven
If the steak has not reached the desired temperature, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven. Cook the steak for another few minutes until it reaches the desired doneness. Keep a close eye on the steak to avoid overcooking.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Once the steak has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. After resting, slice the steak against the grain and serve immediately.
Following these steps will ensure that you achieve a perfectly cooked medium well steak in a cast iron skillet. Enjoy!
Resting and Serving the Steak
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Once the steak has reached the desired medium-well doneness, it is important to let it rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. To rest the steak, remove it from the cast iron skillet and place it on a clean cutting board or plate. Tent the steak loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. During this resting period, avoid cutting into the steak or pressing down on it, as this will cause the juices to escape and result in a drier steak. |
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After the resting period, the steak is ready to be served. Use a sharp knife to slice the steak against the grain into thin slices. This will help to further tenderize the meat and make it easier to chew. Transfer the sliced steak to a serving platter or individual plates. If desired, garnish the steak with fresh herbs or a drizzle of sauce for added flavor. Medium-well steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad. Serve the steak alongside these accompaniments for a complete and satisfying meal. |
FAQ
What is the best way to cook a medium well steak?
The best way to cook a medium well steak is to start by preheating a cast iron skillet on high heat for a few minutes. Then, season the steak with salt and pepper, and add some oil to the skillet. Place the steak in the skillet and cook it for about 4-5 minutes on each side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 150-155°F. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.
Can I cook a medium well steak in a cast iron skillet?
Absolutely! Cooking a medium well steak in a cast iron skillet is a great method. The cast iron skillet allows for even heat distribution and creates a nice crust on the steak. It’s important to preheat the skillet on high heat before cooking the steak and to use an oil with a high smoke point. Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 150-155°F for medium well. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
