How to Cook a Steak in a Cast-Iron Skillet

One of the best and easiest ways you can cook a steak is using a cast-iron skillet. This method requires little work besides the preheating stage and a couple of flips. Once you learn how to master your cast-iron pan, you’ll be able to cook any cut of steak to perfection.

What is a cast-iron pan?

A cast-iron pan is, just as its name says, a pan made out of cast iron. This type of pan is virtually indestructible as long as you take care of it. They will last for generations when you properly season, clean, and thoroughly dry them. The main advantage of a cast-iron pan is its ability to retain heat. The high heat retention is what makes it perfect for searing a steak, since the heat continues to transfer into the meat instead of dissipating. 

How to cook a steak in a cast-iron skillet

How you cook your steak depends on the cut and thickness. Filets need additional fat and a slower cook time to not overdo it, while a fatty cut like a ribeye can hold up to high heat and fast cooking. 

How to cook filet mignon in a cast-iron skillet

The filet mignon is known for being the most tender (and expensive) cut of steak on a cow. It comes from the small end of the tenderloin, which is a rarely used muscle. This is the perfect cut if you want something that will melt in your mouth but is still lean. Try this method to cook a 6oz filet mignon.

1. Take out your steak ahead of time and season with kosher salt.
2. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place your cast-iron skillet on a burner on high.
3. Add 2tbsp of a high smoke point oil like peanut or canola to the pan and heat.
4. Place the filet in the pan and turn until all of the edges are seared.
5. Put a pad of butter and 1tbsp. of chopped rosemary in the pan and coat the steak in it.
6. Take a quick temperature check and then place the pan in the oven.
7. If you are within 10°F of your desired temperature, it just needs a few minutes to finish. Otherwise, check every 5 minutes.
8. Remove the steak from the pan and allow to rest for 10 minutes before cutting.

How to cook ribeye in a cast-iron skillet

If the filet is the most tender and lean cut of meat, the ribeye is the fattiest and most flavor-filled. You want a 2in-thick, bone-in ribeye for this recipe to really amp up the flavor.

1. Remove your steak from the fridge and season with kosher salt.
2. Heat up your cast-iron pan on a burner as hot as it will go.
3. Add a splash of canola or peanut oil and let it get hot.
4. Place the steak in the pan and flip every 2-3 minutes until it has a well-developed crust, about 10 minutes.
5. Reduce the heat to low and place 3tbsp of butter along with chopped garlic, rosemary, and thyme in the pan.
6. Spoon the butter mixture over the steak for an additional minute per side.
7. Check for the desired temperature then remove from the pan.
8. Allow it to rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

How to cook strip steak in a cast-iron skillet

A strip steak isn’t as tender as a filet or as fatty as the ribeye, but some say it’s the perfect mix of the two. Try a reverse-sear to get your steak to the perfect internal temperature before it is seared. It is best to use a 2in-thick steak for this recipe. 

1. Remove your steak from the fridge and season with kosher salt.
2. Preheat your oven to 275°F.
3. Place a probe thermometer in the steak and place it on a rack on a baking sheet.
4. Bake the steak until it hits an internal temperature of 110°F.
5. Place the steak on a plate and tent with foil.
6. Heat up your cast-iron pan on the stove on high.
7. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel and then put it in the skillet.
8. Sear for 1 minute on each side until browned.
9. Remove from pan and allow to rest before serving.

How long do I cook a steak in a cast-iron skillet?

How you like your steak affects how long you need to cook it. It may range from just a couple of minutes to over 10 minutes. Every steak will be different depending on its thickness or if it is bone-in. The most important thing to do is to check it with a thermometer to get the exact temperature instead of going by time. Follow this chart for a scale of finished temperatures.

• 120°F – Rare
• 130°F – Medium-rare
• 140°F – Medium
• 150°F – Medium-well
• 160°F – Well-done

Additional tips for cooking a steak in a cast-iron skillet

Try a few of these additional tips to take your steak to the next level. 

• Take your steak out of the fridge an hour before cooking. This lets it come up to room temperature which means it will cook more evenly.
• Salt your steak at least an hour ahead of time. This allows the salt to penetrate into the meat. You can even salt it a few days ahead of time for extra flavor. Use kosher salt instead of table salt, as it penetrates the meat better.
• Top the steak with compound butter. This is made from butter mixed with things like garlic, shallots, rosemary, or thyme.
• Start with oil, finish with butter. Butter will burn if you sear your steak in it. Add some at the end for a flavorful finish.
• Add fresh black pepper after cooking. Pepper burns easily, so add a pinch after the steak is done.
• Allow your steak to rest when it’s done. If you cut it right away, all of the juices will run out. 

Final thoughts on how to cook a steak in a cast-iron pan

It isn’t hard to learn how to cook a steak in a cast-iron pan. You just need to master the cooking time and temperature for all cuts of steak. Once you learn how to do this, you can the grill in favor of this method. You can purchase everything from the cut of steak you want to the cast-iron pan itself on Instacart. Choose from same-day pickup or future delivery at checkout.

Grab it now on Instacart:

Lodge 12" Cast Iron Skillet (each)

Schnucks Tenderloin Fillet Mignon (1 each)

Garlic (each)

New York Strip Steak ()

Aluminum Foil ()

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt (3 lb)

McCormick Pure Ground Black Pepper (2 oz)

Instacart

Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 80,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.