How To Cook Steak in Cast Iron Pan
By Kristin Lohse
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April 18th, 2024
How to cook a steak in a cast iron frying pan?
Cooking your steak in a cast iron pan is one of the best ways to get that beautiful, sweet caramelised sear we’re all looking for! Cast iron is a fantastic choice for the ‘maillard reaction’ which is what gives that rich crunch. And sears your meat really well, so that the inside is still extraordinarily juicy.
Here’s how to cook a fantastic steak, using your cast iron frying pan:
- First, let your steak reach room temperature. This helps it cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat a heavy pan, preferably cast iron, over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil with a high smoke point, like canola or grapeseed. Once the oil shimmers, place the steak in the pan. Avoid moving it to get a good sear.
- For a 1-inch thick steak aiming for medium-rare: Cook for about 4 minutes on one side. Flip it over and cook for another 3 minutes. Adjust timing for your preferred doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F, or 57°C.
- After cooking, let the steak rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. This redistributes the juices. Serve your pan-cooked steak with sides of your choice.
How long to cook steak on cast iron
This depends on the thickness of your cut of meat, and how well or rare you like to eat your steak. Here’s our simple summary of perfect steak times, for a one-inch thick piece of steak:
- Rare: Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Medium-rare: 3-4 minutes per side.
- Medium: 4-5 minutes on each side.
- Well-done: Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, then lower the heat and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Always preheat your cast iron skillet or frying pan to a high temperature before adding the steak. This method seals in flavours and gives the steak a nice crust.
Remember to let your steak rest for a few minutes after cooking. This step redistributes the juices inside, making your steak moist and flavorful.
Use a meat thermometer for precise cooking.
Here are the internal temperatures for perfectly cooked steak:
- Rare: 125°F, or 52°C
- Medium-rare: 135°F, or 57°C
- Medium: 145°F, or 63°C
- Well-done: 160°F+, or 71°C+
Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the steak cut and exact thickness. Start with these guidelines and adjust as needed.
Read more about cooking temperatures, in our guide to meat cooking temperatures.
How to cook a steak in a cast iron skillet with butter
Cooking steak with butter in a cast iron skillet adds richness and flavour. Start by letting your steak reach room temperature. This helps it cook evenly. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat your skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, place your steak in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side. Don't move it; a golden crust will form.
- Flip the steak. Add a tablespoon of butter, some garlic cloves, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the skillet. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly. Spoon the melted butter over the steak repeatedly. This bastes the steak, adding flavour and moisture.
- Continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare. Adjust the time based on your preferred doneness.
- Once done, let the steak rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This ensures juices redistribute, keeping the steak moist and tasty. Serve hot, drizzled with the buttery pan juices. Enjoy a delicious, butter-enhanced steak from your cast iron skillet.
How long to cook steak in cast iron for medium-rare
For a medium-rare steak in a cast iron skillet, timing is key.
- Start with a steak at room temperature for even cooking.
- Preheat your skillet on high heat until very hot.
- Season your steak on both sides with salt and pepper.
- Place the steak in the skillet.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on the first side. You're aiming for a deep, golden crust.
- Flip the steak. Cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. This method works for a steak about 1-inch thick.
For the best results, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature for medium-rare should reach 135°F, or 57°C. After cooking, let the steak rest for 5 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute, making your steak juicy and flavourful.
Why does my steak stick to the cast iron pan?
If your steak sticks, there are three things to consider initially:
- Was your steak dry when it went into the pan? Excess moisture prevents a good sear, causing sticking. Pat down your steak with a paper towel before placing in the oiled pan.
- Secondly, did you try to move it too soon? Food will naturally start to release from a well oiled pan, once the Maillard reaction (the golden crust forming) has happened.
- Was your pan hot enough? It’s really important to have a properly heated up pan before you put your steak in. Then when the steak has created it's crust(the Maillard reaction) it will release on its own.
Lastly, it’s possible your pan may not be seasoned well enough. Proper seasoning creates a non-stick surface. However it’s important to remember that seasoning will not immediately create a non-stick surface. It takes multiple seasoning sessions and time using the pan before it will have a really slick non-stick surface.
READ: How To Season Cast Iron Pans
Is it better to cook a steak on a grill or a cast iron pan?
Cooking steak on a grill or in a cast iron pan depends on your preference.
- A BBQ grill gives steak a smoky flavour and classic grill marks. But you won’t get the full golden crust that happens when you cook on cast iron.
- A cast iron pan provides even heat and a perfect sear. It's ideal for creating a crust and capturing the steak’s juices.
How do you cook a 2-inch thick steak in a pan?
Season your steak generously with salt and pepper. When the pan is hot, add a tablespoon of oil with a high smoke point, like canola or grapeseed. Carefully place your steak in the pan. Cook for about 4 minutes on one side. Don’t move it; this helps create a crust.
Flip the steak gently. Cook for another 3-4 minutes for a medium-rare finish. Add a knob of butter, some garlic cloves, and a sprig of thyme to the pan in the last minute of cooking. This adds flavour.
After cooking, rest your steak on a cutting board for about 10 minutes. This lets the juices redistribute. Slice against the grain and serve. Remember, cooking times can vary based on your stove and the exact thickness of the steak. Adjust as needed.
How do I know if my cast iron pan is hot enough for steak?
Knowing if your cast iron pan is hot enough is simple. Start by heating it on medium-high for about 5 minutes.
- To test the temperature, sprinkle a few drops of water onto the pan. If the water droplets form neat ‘balls’ that dance about in the pan, your pan is ready.
- Another method is the oil test. Lightly brush the pan with oil. If it shimmers or starts to smoke lightly, it’s hot enough.
- Always heat your pan before adding the steak to achieve a perfect sear. Remember, a hot pan is crucial for that delicious crust on your steak.
Become a cast iron expert, with our ultimate guide to cast iron pans. And browse all cast iron cookware at Sous Chef.
About the author
Kristin is the Purchasing and Buying assistant at Sous Chef. She has several chefs and excellent home cooks in her family, and grew up in the kitchen in Sweden. Cooking and baking with her mum happened pretty much every day. Cinnamon rolls were always stocked up in the freezer, and if they were running low, more baking had to be done. Kristin always loves learning more about food and ingredients to continue improving her skills.
