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Cast Iron Steak

Overhead view of two ribeye steaks searing in a black cast iron skillet with melted garlic herb butter, rosemary sprigs, and coarse seasoning bubbling around the edges.

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Juicy cast iron steak with garlic-herb butter and a deep stovetop sear for steakhouse flavor at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Instructions

Preparation

  1. Remove steaks from the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
  2. Pat steaks dry thoroughly with paper towels.
  3. Rub steaks on all sides with 1 tablespoon neutral-flavored oil.
  4. Season all sides evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.

Preheating the Skillet

  1. Place a dry cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Preheat for 5–7 minutes before adding any fat.

Searing the Steaks

  1. Add beef tallow or avocado oil to the hot skillet and heat until shimmering.
  2. Place steaks in the skillet and cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes.
  3. Turn steaks using tongs and cook the second side for about 4 minutes.

Basting and Finishing

  1. Reduce heat to medium-low.
  2. Add butter, rosemary sprigs, and smashed garlic cloves to the skillet.
  3. When the butter is melted, tilt the skillet slightly and spoon the melted butter over the steaks continuously.
  4. Continue basting until steaks reach the desired internal temperature, allowing for approximately a 5°F temperature rise during resting.

Resting and Serving

  1. Transfer steaks to a plate or cutting board.
  2. Tent loosely with foil and rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
  3. Spoon the melted butter, garlic, and rosemary from the skillet over the steaks when serving.

Notes

Substitutions
Avocado oil, vegetable oil, or clarified butter may replace beef tallow.
Fresh thyme may be used instead of rosemary.
Unsalted butter can be used; adjust salt to taste.

Pan Readiness
• The skillet is ready when it begins to smoke slightly or when a drop of water dances across the surface.

Personal Preference
Beef tallow is my personal preference over oil for steaks because of the savory, rich flavor it adds.

Other Steak Cuts That Work Well
New York strip
• Top sirloin
• T-bone
• Porterhouse
• Filet mignon
• Flat iron

Serving Suggestions and Pairings
• Serve with my Duck Fat Oven Roasted Potatoes, sautéed mushrooms, or my Wedge Salad.
• Pair with steamed vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or crusty bread.

Storage and Freezing
• Store cooked steaks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in a 275°F oven until warmed through.
• Freeze cooked steaks tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition