How to Cook Steak on the Stovetop

Cooking steak on the stovetop can feel intimidating, but with the right techniques, it’s easy to create a steakhouse-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. The key to a perfect stovetop steak is achieving that crispy, flavorful sear while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Whether you’re a steak enthusiast or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of cooking the best steak right on your stovetop.

If you’re also interested in learning how to cook other meats, check out this detailed guide on Dutch Oven Pot Roast, which provides helpful tips for another hearty dish.

Why Stovetop Cooking is Ideal for Steak

Cooking steak on the stovetop allows for high heat, which is essential to achieving that beautiful, crusty sear. By using a heavy pan, such as a cast-iron skillet, you can evenly distribute heat and control the cooking process, ensuring the steak cooks to your desired doneness. Additionally, the stovetop method lets you infuse your steak with extra flavor through basting with butter, garlic, and herbs.

For more easy recipes that utilize stovetop techniques, check out this Air Fryer Grilled Ham and Cheese recipe, which offers a delicious and quick way to prepare a sandwich.

Essential Ingredients for the Best Steak

You only need a few key ingredients to cook a perfect stovetop steak:

Steak: Ribeye, filet mignon, T-bone, or New York strip.
Kosher salt: A must for seasoning the steak well.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a bit of bite to the flavor.
Olive oil: Helps achieve that perfect sear.
Butter: For basting and adding richness to the steak.
Garlic cloves: Smashes and lightly caramelizes during the cooking process.
Fresh herbs: Such as rosemary or thyme, for added fragrance and flavor.

Optional Additions:

Shallots: For a sweet and slightly tangy element.
Mushrooms: Sauté them in the same pan for a perfect steak topping.
Red wine or balsamic vinegar: To deglaze the pan and create a quick sauce.

For dessert inspiration after your steak dinner, try this Vanilla Buttercream Frosting recipe to top off your favorite cupcakes or cakes.

How to Cook Steak on the Stovetop: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Choose the Right Cut of Steak

To cook the best stovetop steak, selecting the right cut is essential. Cuts like ribeye, T-bone, or filet mignon are best for this method because they have the right balance of marbling and tenderness. Choose steaks that are at least 1 inch thick to ensure they cook evenly on the inside without overcooking the outside.

2. Let the Steak Reach Room Temperature

Before cooking, let your steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This step ensures even cooking, as a cold steak will cook unevenly, leading to an overcooked exterior and an undercooked interior.

3. Season the Steak Generously

Season both sides of the steak generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Salt helps to draw out the moisture and create that perfect crust when seared. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.

4. Preheat Your Skillet

Heat a heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet or stainless steel pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes. The pan should be extremely hot before you add the steak. A properly preheated skillet ensures a beautiful sear and helps to lock in the steak’s juices.

5. Sear the Steak

Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the pan and swirl to coat the bottom. Carefully place the steak in the skillet and press it down with tongs to ensure the surface makes full contact with the pan. Let the steak sear for 3-4 minutes without moving it. This allows the Maillard reaction to occur, creating that golden-brown crust.

6. Flip and Add Butter

Flip the steak and immediately add 2 tablespoons of butter, a few crushed garlic cloves, and fresh sprigs of rosemary or thyme to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to continuously baste the steak with the garlic and herb-infused butter. This step adds richness and flavor while keeping the steak moist.

7. Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
- Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Well-done: 160°F (71°C) or higher Remove the steak from the pan when it’s 5°F below your target temperature, as the steak will continue to cook while resting.

8. Let the Steak Rest

Transfer the steak to a cutting board and tent it with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender bite with every slice.

9. Slice and Serve

Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness, and serve with your choice of side dishes. Drizzle any remaining butter and garlic from the pan over the top of the steak for extra flavor.

For a perfect pairing, consider serving this steak with a side of vegetables. If you’re looking for inspiration, try this Ultimate Squash Casserole recipe to add a flavorful veggie dish to your meal.

Steak Variations You Can Try

1. Peppercorn-Crusted Steak

Add cracked peppercorns to the steak before searing for a bold, spicy crust that enhances the rich flavor of the beef. This variation is perfect when paired with a creamy peppercorn sauce made from heavy cream and Dijon mustard.

2. Steak with Red Wine Pan Sauce

After cooking the steak, deglaze the pan with red wine or balsamic vinegar, scraping up the browned bits to create a rich and flavorful pan sauce. Let the liquid reduce by half and finish with a pat of butter for a velvety sauce to pour over the steak.

3. Steak with Mushrooms and Onions

Once the steak is finished, use the same pan to sauté mushrooms and onions in the leftover butter and drippings. This earthy, flavorful side pairs beautifully with the rich taste of the steak.

Nutritional Benefits of Steak

Steak is not just a delicious dish but also packed with essential nutrients. Here are some key health benefits:

Protein: Steak is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is important for muscle growth and tissue repair.
Iron: Red meat is rich in iron, which helps your body produce hemoglobin and transport oxygen.
Zinc: Supports immune function and promotes wound healing.
B Vitamins: Provides a good amount of B12, which helps maintain healthy nerves and blood cells.

Customizing Your Stovetop Steak

Whether you’re following a specific diet or have personal preferences, here are ways to customize your stovetop steak recipe:

1. Keto and Low-Carb

For a keto-friendly steak dinner, serve your steak with creamed spinach or sautéed mushrooms cooked in butter. Skip starchy sides like potatoes and opt for low-carb vegetables.

2. Paleo

Make your steak paleo by using ghee instead of butter for basting. Serve with roasted root vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes for a complete meal.

3. Vegan

If you’re looking for a plant-based alternative, consider using a vegan steak made from plant proteins like seitan or tempeh. Use the same cooking method but adjust the heat and time to avoid overcooking.

FAQs About Cooking Steak on the Stovetop

1. What’s the best type of steak for cooking on the stovetop?

The best steaks for stovetop cooking are ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon, and sirloin. These cuts have a good balance of fat and tenderness, which helps achieve a flavorful sear and juicy interior.

2. How can I tell when my steak is done without a meat thermometer?

You can use the finger test to estimate doneness. Press the steak with your finger:
- Rare feels like the soft part of your palm under your thumb.
- Medium-rare feels like the base of your thumb when your hand is relaxed.
- Well-done feels firm, similar to the muscle at the base of your thumb when you make a fist.

3. Do I need to marinate the steak before cooking?

It’s not necessary to marinate a high-quality steak, as simple seasoning with salt and pepper allows the meat’s natural flavor to shine. However, if you prefer, you can marinate tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak for a few hours to tenderize them and add extra flavor.

4. How long should I let the steak rest before slicing?

After cooking, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a juicy, tender steak when sliced.

5. Can I use butter instead of oil to sear the steak?

You can use butter, but it has a lower smoke point than olive oil or vegetable oil, which can cause it to burn. It’s best to sear the steak in oil first and then add butter toward the end of cooking for flavor and basting.

6. Why does my steak smoke a lot during cooking?

Excessive smoke can occur if the pan is too hot or if you’re using oil with a low smoke point. Using a cast-iron skillet and oils like olive oil or avocado oil (which have higher smoke points) can reduce smoke. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the oil to overheat.

7. How can I keep my steak from drying out?

Avoid overcooking the steak by using a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Basting with butter toward the end of cooking also helps keep the steak moist. Additionally, letting the steak rest after cooking ensures the juices stay inside the meat rather than spilling out when cut.

8. Can I cook a frozen steak on the stovetop?

Yes, but it will take longer to cook and may not sear as evenly. For the best results, thaw the steak in the refrigerator overnight. If you must cook it from frozen, use a lower heat to allow the inside to cook through without burning the outside.

9. Should I cover the pan while cooking steak?

It’s not necessary to cover the pan while cooking a steak on the stovetop. Keeping the pan uncovered allows for better evaporation, which helps achieve a crisp sear. However, you can briefly cover the pan after searing if you want to slightly steam the steak and speed up the cooking process.

10. What’s the best pan for cooking steak on the stovetop?

A cast-iron skillet is the best choice for cooking steak on the stovetop because it retains heat well and evenly distributes it, helping to create a perfect sear. Stainless steel pans also work well, but avoid non-stick pans, as they don’t handle the high heat required for a good sear.

With the right technique and a few simple ingredients, cooking a perfect steak on the stovetop can be easy and rewarding. Master the sear, use butter to baste, and let your steak rest for juicy, flavorful results every time. Don’t forget to explore more recipes like Chicken Parmigiana to elevate your cooking game!