Best Oil For Cooking Steak

Cast iron skillets are a popular choice for cooking because they gradually build up seasoning over use, they can be used both on the range and in the oven, and they're easy to clean and maintain. Cooking a steak on a cast iron skillet is ideal because it helps give your steak a flavorful and crisp crust. Additionally, with cast iron skillets, you have the option to finish your steak in the oven. In this article we'll cover cooking steak in a cast iron skillet, finding the optimal cooking times for steak, and answering your frequently asked questions about cooking steak.

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What Temperature Should You Cook Your Steak To?

Whether you prefer your steak rare, well done, or somewhere in between, this chart will show you the optimal internal temperature and cooking time, resulting in a perfectly done steak.

Doneness	Temp	Turning Point	1/2"	3/4"	1"	1 1/4"	1 1/2"	1 3/4"	2"
Rare	125°F	First Side	4 min	5 min	6 min	7 min	7 min	8 min	10 min
		Second Side	3 min	4 min	5 min	5 min	6 min	7 min	8 min
Medium Rare	135°F	First Side	5 min	6 min	7 min	8 min	8 min	9 min	11 min
		Second Side	4 min	5 min	6 min	6 min	7 min	7 min	9 min
Medium / Medium Well	150°F	First Side	6 min	7 min	8 min	8 min	9 min	9 min	12 min
		Second Side	4 min	5 min	6 min	7 min	7 min	8 min	10 min
Well Done	160°F	First Side	9 min	10 min	11 min	12 min	13 min	14 min	15 min
		Second Side	7 min	8 min	9 min	10 min	11 min	12 min	13 min

How to Prepare Your Steak

First, add oil to your cast iron skillet and begin heating it on high until the oil shimmers and begins to smoke slightly. While your pan is heating up, season both sides of your steak liberally with salt and pepper. Allow your pan to get good and hot, as this is key to keeping the meat from sticking to the skillet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Once you've seasoned the meat and heated your pan, you are ready to place your steak into the cast iron skillet. Be sure to do so gently to avoid making a mess or bruising the meat.

• 1.

  Pick the steak up by the bone to avoid tearing the meat and slowly lower it into the pan.

• 2.

  Flip your steak using tongs every few minutes. Make sure to also cook the sides. You can do this by pressing each of the steak's edges down against the skillet for a few seconds.

• 3.

  Use a spoon to baste your steak in the oil and its own juices.

• 4.

  Use a thermometer to check the temperature of the meat. This will help you cook your steak to the desired degree of doneness.

• 5.

  Place aromatics and a tab of butter in your cast iron skillet. Spoon your aromatics and generous amounts of butter over the meat as it cooks.

• 6.

  Remove your steak from the pan and allow it to rest on a plate or cutting board for 10 minutes.

• 7.

  If you need to cut the steak into smaller pieces, use a fork to hold it and a sharp chef's knife to slice from the meat's center out to its edges.

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about how to cook steak in a cast iron skillet:

How Do I Avoid Hot Spots in My Cast Iron Skillet?

While it is commonly assumed that using cast iron cookware produces even heat and consistent cooking, this is not always the case. Be sure to always choose a skillet that is the same size as the burner you are using to cook the steak, as this helps eliminate hot spots.

What Type of Oil Should I use for Cooking My Steak?

When cooking steak in cast iron skillets, you want to use a type of oil that has a high smoke point. For example, peanut oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, and avocado oil are ideal options for cooking steak due to their high smoke points.

How Hot Should My Cast Iron Skillet Be?

You don't need to worry about the specific temperature, but you do want your pan to be smoking hot, which is the point at which the oil begins to smoke. Depending on the thickness of your cast iron pan, this may take 5-8 minutes on high heat.

Should I Cook My Steak Covered or Uncovered?

We do not recommend covering steak while cooking it in a cast iron skillet as it will trap steam inside and prevent a crust from forming on your steak.

How Can I Prevent My Cast Iron Skillet from Smoking?

Some smoke is inevitable, but it shouldn't fill your kitchen. To reduce the amount of smoke, start with oil, rather than butter. We recommend around 1/2 cup for a 12-inch skillet. A few minutes before you finish cooking your steak, add butter and aromatics. Doing so will enhance the flavor and color of your steak without too much smoking and before the milk proteins in the butter begin to burn.

Should I See Fire?

You should never see fire when cooking in a cast iron skillet. If your pan catches fire, place salt or baking soda on the flames, remove your pan from the burner, and cover it with a lid.

Cooking steak in a cast iron skillet is ideal because it can help your steak develop a crispy and aromatic crust while the interior remains juicy and tender. Additionally, you can cook a perfect steak every time by following our simple steps and reading through our list of frequently asked questions.

Best Oil For Cooking Steak

Source: https://www.webstaurantstore.com/article/182/how-to-cook-steak-in-a-cast-iron-skillet.html

Posted by: oharaganow1988.blogspot.com

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