Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1Remove steak from refrigerator and let come to room temperature (30 minutes)
- 2Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides
- 3Heat cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking
- 4Add 1 tbsp high-heat oil to the pan
- 5Carefully place steak in pan and sear 3-4 minutes per side
- 6Add 2 tbsp butter, garlic, and herbs in the last minute
- 7Continuously baste steak with the aromatic butter
- 8Check internal temperature reaches 120-160°F / 50-70°C (rare to well done)
- 9Remove from pan and let rest 5 minutes before slicing
Expert Tips for Pan-Searing
- Ensure proper ventilation - cast iron gets very hot
- Cast iron retains heat best for even searing
- Don't move steak until it's ready to flip
- Save the pan drippings for a quick pan sauce
Beef Steak Temperature Guide
| Doneness | Temperature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120°F / 50°C | Cool red center, very soft texture |
| Medium Rare | 130°F / 55°C | Warm red center, tender and juicy |
| Medium | 140°F / 60°C | Warm pink center, slightly firmer texture |
| Medium Well | 150°F / 65°C | Light pink center, firm texture |
| Well Done | 160°F / 70°C | Brown throughout, firm texture |
Beef Steak Safety Guidelines
Important food safety practices when handling and cooking beef steak.
Cook to proper internal temperature
Use food thermometer
Remember
When in doubt, use a food thermometer. It's the only reliable way to ensure your beef steak is safely cooked and delicious.
Other Ways to Cook Beef Steak
Grilling
Grilling Beef Steak
Cook Time
10min
Grill Temperature
High
450-500°F / 232-260°C
Internal Temperature
120-160°F / 50-70°C
Rare to Well Done
Read the guide
Smoking
Smoking Beef Steak
Cook Time
1h
Smoker Temperature
225°F / 105°C
Internal Temperature
120-160°F / 50-70°C
Rare to Well Done
Read the guide
Broiling
Broiling Beef Steak
Cook Time
10min
Broiler Temperature
500°F / 260°C
Internal Temperature
120-160°F / 50-70°C
Rare to Well Done
Read the guide
Sous-vide
Sous-vide Beef Steak
Cook Time
1h30min
Cooking Temperature
130°F / 55°C
Internal Temperature
120-160°F / 50-70°C
Rare to Well Done
Read the guide
Reverse-Searing
Reverse-Searing Beef Steak
Cook Time
40min
Pan Temperature
275°F / 135°C
Internal Temperature
120-160°F / 50-70°C
Rare to Well Done
Read the guide
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