Olivia Carter
If you want to impress your guests and satisfy your own taste buds, there’s nothing better than a perfectly cooked New York steak. When it comes to cooking this delicious cut of beef, using a cast iron skillet is the secret to achieving that mouthwatering crust and juicy center.
First, make sure your New York steak is at room temperature, as this allows for even cooking. Pat dry the steak with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper, or your favorite steak seasoning, to enhance the flavors.
Next, preheat your cast iron skillet over high heat. It’s important to get the skillet smoking hot, as this will help create a nice sear on the steak. Add a small amount of oil to the skillet, just enough to coat the bottom. You can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or even butter for added richness.
Once the skillet is hot and the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned New York steak in the pan. Be cautious of any splattering oil. Let the steak cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes, or until a crust forms on the bottom.
Using tongs, flip the steak over and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time according to your desired doneness. Remember, the exact timing will depend on the thickness of your steak and the heat of your stove.
After cooking, remove the New York steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board or plate for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a tender and flavorful steak.
Finally, slice the steak against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides. Whether you prefer mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, this New York steak cooked in a cast iron skillet is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party.
Preparing the Steak
Before cooking the New York steak in a cast iron skillet, it’s important to properly prepare the steak. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and tender result:
- Remove the steak from its packaging and pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning adhere to the steak and prevent any excess moisture from creating steam during cooking.
- Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also add any other desired seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or a steak rub.
- Allow the steak to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will ensure more even cooking.
- While the steak is resting, preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. You want the skillet to be hot before adding the steak.
- Once the skillet is heated, add a small amount of oil or butter, just enough to coat the bottom of the skillet.
By properly preparing the New York steak before cooking, you’ll enhance its flavors and create a delicious caramelized crust on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Now that the steak is ready, it’s time to cook it in the cast iron skillet!
Seasoning the Steak
Seasoning the steak is an important step to enhance its flavor. Before cooking, generously season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper. The salt will help bring out the natural flavors of the meat, while the pepper adds a subtle spice.
Choosing the Right Salt
When seasoning your steak, it is important to choose the right type of salt. Kosher salt or sea salt work best for adding flavor to a steak. These types of salt have larger grains, which help to evenly distribute the seasoning and enhance the flavor throughout the meat.
Table salt, on the other hand, has a finer texture and can easily overpower the steak if used in excess. Additionally, table salt often contains additives, such as iodine, which can affect the taste of the steak.
Applying the Seasoning
Once you have chosen your preferred salt, evenly sprinkle it over both sides of the steak. Use your hands to gently press the salt and pepper into the surface of the meat, ensuring that it adheres well. Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Alternatively, you can also season the steak with additional spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, or dried herbs. These spices can add a depth of flavor and complement the natural taste of the New York steak.
After seasoning, place the steak on a plate or cutting board and cover it with plastic wrap. Let it rest for at least 10 minutes to allow the salt to dissolve and the flavors to meld together.
| Tips: |
|---|
| • Use approximately 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper per pound of steak. |
| • Experiment with different seasonings to find your preferred flavor profile. |
| • Be sure to season both sides of the steak for maximum flavor. |
Preheating the Cast Iron Skillet
Before cooking your New York steak in a cast iron skillet, it’s important to properly preheat the pan. Preheating ensures that the steak cooks evenly and develops a perfect sear on the outside.
To begin, place the cast iron skillet on your stovetop over medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to heat for about 5 minutes, or until it becomes hot to the touch. Heating the skillet slowly and evenly will help prevent hotspots and ensure that the entire surface is ready for searing.
While the skillet is heating, season your steak with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasonings. This will give the steak more flavor and enhance its natural juices during cooking.
When the skillet is hot, add a small amount of cooking oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil. Coat the entire surface of the skillet with the oil to prevent the steak from sticking.
Allow the oil to heat for a minute or two, or until it begins to shimmer and slightly smoke. This indicates that the skillet is at the perfect temperature for searing the steak.
Once the skillet is properly preheated, carefully place the seasoned steak in the middle of the hot skillet. Be cautious when placing the steak in the skillet, as the oil may splatter. Use tongs or a spatula to gently press the steak into the surface of the skillet, ensuring maximum contact for a good sear.
Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness. Flip the steak only once during cooking to avoid losing too much moisture.
After the cooking time is complete, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the steak to a cutting board. Allow the steak to rest for a few minutes, which allows the juices to redistribute and ensures optimal flavor and tenderness.
Now that you know how to properly preheat a cast iron skillet, you’re ready to cook a delicious New York steak! Enjoy your perfectly seared, juicy steak right at home.
Cooking the Steak
1. Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the steak to cook more evenly.
2. Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is well seasoned and hot before adding the steak.
3. Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add any other seasonings or rubs of your choice.
4. Add a tablespoon of oil to the hot skillet and swirl it around to evenly coat the bottom.
5. Carefully place the steak in the skillet and let it sear for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until a brown crust forms. Flip the steak only once, using tongs to avoid piercing it and releasing the juices.
6. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to check the doneness of the steak.
7. Once the steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the skillet and transfer it to a cutting board or plate. Allow the steak to rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
8. While the steak is resting, you can prepare a simple sauce or compound butter to enhance the flavor. This is an optional step, but it can take your steak to the next level.
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Steak
Use a hot skillet: Make sure your cast iron skillet is well heated before adding the steak. A hot skillet will help to sear the steak and create a flavorful crust.
Do not overcook: Pay attention to the internal temperature of the steak and remove it from the heat once it reaches your desired doneness. Overcooking can result in a dry and tough steak.
Let it rest: Allowing the steak to rest after cooking is essential to retain its juiciness. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Experiment with seasonings: While salt and pepper are classic choices, don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings. Try different spice blends, herbs, and marinades to add unique flavors to your steak.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to cook a delicious New York steak in a cast iron skillet that is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor.
Checking the Doneness
After searing both sides of the steak, it’s time to check the doneness to ensure that it is cooked to your desired level of tenderness.
1. Using a Meat Thermometer
One of the most accurate ways to check the doneness of a steak is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, away from the bone, to get an accurate reading.
For rare steak, the internal temperature should be around 125°F (52°C). Medium-rare steak should have an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C), while medium steak should be around 145°F (63°C). If you prefer your steak well done, it should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
2. The Finger Test
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can use the finger test to check the doneness of your steak.
- Rare: Gently press the fleshy part of your palm near the base of your thumb. The steak should feel as soft as the area around your thumb.
- Medium-rare: Touch your thumb to your index finger and press the fleshy part again. It should feel slightly firmer than rare, similar to the area between your thumb and index finger.
- Medium: Touch your thumb to your middle finger. The fleshy part should feel firm, just like the area between your thumb and middle finger.
- Well done: Touch your thumb to your pinky finger. The steak should feel very firm, like the area below your pinky finger.
If the steak feels too soft or too firm for your desired level of doneness, you can adjust your cooking time accordingly.
Resting and Serving the Steak
Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it’s important to let it rest before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and results in a more flavorful and tender steak.
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and loosely tent it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This rest time will also help the steak retain its juices when you cut into it.
While the steak is resting, you can prepare any additional side dishes or sauces to complement your meal. Consider serving the steak with classic steakhouse sides like mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, or a fresh green salad.
When the resting time is up, remove the foil and use a sharp knife to slice the steak against the grain. This ensures a more tender bite. Each slice should be about 1/2 inch thick.
Arrange the slices on a serving platter or individual plates. If desired, you can drizzle any pan juices from the cast iron skillet over the sliced steak for extra flavor.
Finally, serve the New York steak immediately while it’s still hot. Enjoy the delicious, juicy, and perfectly cooked steak with your chosen accompaniments. It’s a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress!
Remember, cooking a New York steak in a cast iron skillet takes some practice, but with the right technique and a little patience, you can achieve restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own home.
So go ahead, gather the ingredients, heat up that cast iron skillet, and get ready to cook a delicious New York steak that will make you proud!
Tips and Variations
When cooking New York steak in a cast iron skillet, there are a few tips and variations you can try to enhance the flavor and texture of the steak. Here are some suggestions:
1. Seasoning Options
While a simple seasoning of salt and pepper can be enough to enhance the natural flavors of the steak, you can also experiment with other seasonings. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or a steak seasoning blend.
2. Marinating the Steak
If you want to infuse the steak with additional flavors, you can marinate it before cooking. A classic marinade for New York steak includes a combination of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, and herbs such as rosemary or thyme. Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator before cooking.
3. Cooking Time and Temperature
Cooking time and temperature can vary depending on the thickness of your steak and how well-done you prefer it. For a medium-rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of around 135°F (57°C) using a meat thermometer. Remember to let the steak rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
4. Searing with Butter and Herbs
To add richness and aroma to your steak, consider searing it with butter and herbs. After searing one side of the steak, flip it and add a knob of butter and some fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to the skillet. Baste the steak with the melted butter and herbs while cooking the other side.
5. Serving Suggestions
New York steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Some popular options include mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. You can also top the cooked steak with a compound butter or sauce, such as a red wine reduction or a creamy peppercorn sauce, to add an extra layer of flavor.
| Tips | Variations |
|---|---|
| Use a cast iron skillet for even heat distribution | Try different seasoning combinations |
| Let the steak reach room temperature before cooking | Marinate the steak for additional flavor |
| Allow the steak to rest after cooking | Experiment with different cooking times and temperatures |
| Sear with butter and herbs for added richness | Pair the steak with various side dishes |
FAQ
What is the best type of steak to cook in a cast iron skillet?
The best type of steak to cook in a cast iron skillet is a New York steak. It is a tender, flavorful cut of beef that cooks well on high heat.
How should I season the New York steak before cooking?
Before cooking the New York steak, season it generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices or herbs to enhance the flavor, such as garlic powder or rosemary.
What is the best way to cook a New York steak in a cast iron skillet?
The best way to cook a New York steak in a cast iron skillet is to start by preheating the skillet over high heat. Once the skillet is hot, sear the steak on each side for a few minutes to create a nice crust. Then, transfer the skillet to the oven and continue cooking the steak to the desired level of doneness.
