Using a cast iron skillet to grill steak is one of the best ways to cook your favorite cut of meat. Unlike other pans, the cast iron evenly distributes heat to create a consistent sear throughout the entire steak.

Additionally, the cast iron helps to temper the hot spots that occur with other cooking methods, allowing for more even cooking and a better crust on your steak’s surface.

Sear the Steak

A cast iron skillet is the best tool for grilling steak because it’s naturally nonstick, retains heat, and gives a better sear than a stainless steel pan. It also goes from stovetop to oven with ease.

When the steak is seasoned, add it to the hot pan and let it sizzle until it starts to brown. Then flip it and cook it on the other side for 4 minutes without touching it.

To make the best steak, start with a good steak that’s at least 1-inch thick (boneless ribeyes are easiest, but bone-in ribeyes can be hard to sear evenly). It’s important to get a dry steak that won’t hold moisture from excess juices on the outside of the meat as this will prevent the caramelization process from occurring.

After searing the steak, transfer it to the oven and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches your desired doneness (we prefer 140deg F medium-rare). For best results, fully thaw your steaks before beginning this step, and double check that they’re cooked through using a thermometer.

Cook the Steak

Cooking steak on a cast iron skillet gives you a nice sear without using too much oil. This method also helps render white fat that can be found on some steak cuts.

Start by heating your skillet over high heat until it’s very hot and then add the steak to the pan. Be sure to let the skillet get hot enough that it’s smoking before adding the meat, which will give you a very good sear.

After the steak has been in the skillet for about 2 minutes, flip it over and continue cooking on the other side until there is a rich, deep brown color on the cooked surface. This will take about 2 more minutes.

When the meat is a nice medium-rare, remove it from the skillet and finish it in the oven. This gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the steak, making it super tender and juicy.

Finish the Steak

Cooking steak on a cast iron skillet is a great way to give your steak a flavorful and crisp crust. It also gives you the option of finishing the steak in the oven.

The key is to make sure your pan is hot before you put the steak in it. A little oil in your pan will help conduct the heat of the pan to your steak faster.

Season your steak liberally with salt and pepper before placing it in the hot pan. Let it sizzle for a few minutes and then flip it carefully with tongs.

After cooking for about 4 minutes on one side, you should see the forming of a nice crust. This is the perfect time to add a pat of butter on top of your steak. This will help it to caramelize and get a more nutty flavor.

Serve the Steak

Griddling a steak on a cast iron skillet is the perfect way to create a flavorful crust. The heat of the iron will help to sear the steak and give it a rich brown color.

To ensure that the steak cooks evenly, it’s important to prepare the meat before placing it in the skillet. This will allow the internal temperature of the meat to rise to optimal cooking temperatures.

Once the steak is cooked, it should be removed from the skillet and set on a plate to rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak making it tender and delicious!

While the steak is resting, make a pan sauce from the leftover pan drippings. This is a great way to turn the delicious caramelized bits in your skillet into a sauce that compliments your steak.