Last updated on 2/16/2024
Cooking premier cuts of steak in a cast iron skillet offers several advantages. Cast iron distributes heat evenly across its surface and retains heat well, resulting in a uniformly cooked piece of meat. The intense heat it provides is needed for searing, helping to create a deliciously crisp crust while cooking the interior to perfection. Additionally, with cast iron skillets, you have the option to finish your steak in the oven. We'll cover everything you need to know about cooking steak in a cast iron skillet, from the optimal cooking times for steak and a step-by-step guide to searing to the best oil to use.
Shop All Cast Iron Skillets
Steak Cooking Time Chart
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, pat the steak dry and season both sides liberally with salt and pepper. Make sure your pan is well-seasoned before use and allow it to fully heat up before adding your steak, as this is key to keeping the meat from sticking to the skillet.
Best Oil for Steak
When cooking steak in cast iron skillets, you want to use oils with a high smoke point like peanut, canola, grapeseed, and avocado oil. These oils all have smoke points over 400 degrees Fahrenheit that can withstand the high heat needed to cook steak.
Cooking Steak in Cast Iron
Once you've seasoned the meat and heated your pan, you are ready to place your steak into the cast iron skillet. Watch our video to learn how easy it is to cook steak in a cast iron skillet.
You can also follow our step-by-step instructions with pictures below to cook the perfect steak.
1.Pick the steak up by the bone or at the center to avoid tearing the meat and gently 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 juices.
- 4.
Use a meat 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.
Cast Iron Skillet Steak FAQ
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.
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. Cook a perfect steak every time by following our simple steps and reading through our list of frequently asked questions.
