How to Cook a Steak in a Cast Iron Skillet with Butter

Learn how to cook a juicy, flavorful steak in a cast iron skillet with a perfect sear. This easy recipe uses four simple ingredients and you will get a perfectly cooked steak every single time!

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly cooked steak—juicy, flavorful, and at the ideal doneness. You don’t need a fancy grill to achieve steakhouse quality at home. 

With a cast iron skillet and a few simple steps, you can have a juicy steak in less than 20 minutes.

Here’s why you’ll love this stovetop method

• Simple is Best: Forget complicated marinades or brines. This method relies on the steak’s natural richness and a good sear to deliver incredible flavor.
• Cast Iron Sear: The high heat of the cast iron skillet creates a beautiful brown crust that seals in all the steak’s delicious juices
• Perfectly Done: By controlling the cooking time and using a meat thermometer (optional but highly recommended), you can achieve your desired level of doneness—from rare to perfectly juicy, medium-rare, or well done.
• Quick and Easy: This method requires minimal ingredients and just a few steps. No more slaving away in the kitchen – you can have a restaurant-worthy steak on your plate in under 20 minutes.

Cast Iron Skillet Steak Ingredients

The ingredient list for this cast iron steak recipe is simple. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Thick-cut Steak: Ribeye, T-Bone, or New York strip work best (skip leaner cuts like flank steak).
• Butter: Unsalted butter for searing.
• Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste.
• Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, or garlic

Special Tools (affiliate links): Large Cast Iron Skillet | Cutting Board | Steak Knife | Meat Thermometer

How to cook steak in a cast iron skillet

Cast iron skillets offer a convenient and foolproof method for achieving delicious steak at home. This guide will walk you through the steps for searing a perfect steak in your cast iron skillet.

1. Prep and Season: Remove the steaks from the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Pat them dry and generously season with salt and pepper on both sides.

2. Sear: Heat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add butter and let it melt. Place the steaks in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes per side for a nice sear.

3. Baste: After the sear, add the minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme to the pan. Let them sizzle for a few seconds to release their fragrance. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the melted butter and herb mixture over the steaks.

4. Rest: Remove the skillet from the heat and tent the steaks loosely with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more tender and flavorful steak.

5. Serve: Slice the steaks against the grain and serve with the pan juices, if desired.

Cast Iron Skillet Steak Cook Time

Doneness	Internal Temperature (°F)	Estimated Cooking Time per Side (Medium-Thick Steak)
Rare	120°F	2-3 minutes
Medium-Rare	130°F	3-4 minutes
Medium	135°F	4-5 minutes
Medium-Well	140°F	5-6 minutes
Well Done	150°F	6-7 minutes

Recipe Tips

• Season Generously: Salt and freshly ground black pepper are your steak’s best friends. Don’t be shy – season both sides generously for maximum flavor impact.
• Room Temperature: Take your steak out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows it to come to room temperature, ensuring even cooking throughout.
• Allow it to Rest: After searing and cooking your steak, let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

What to Serve with Steak

When it comes to pairing with a perfectly cooked cast iron skillet steak, you have a world of options! Here are some classic ideas to consider:

• Potatoes: These are a steakhouse staple for a reason! Mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or crispy fries all complement the richness of the steak.
• Rosemary Garlic Dinner Rolls: Infused with garlic and herbs, these rolls add a touch of savory flavor to your meal.