Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly seared steak, its juices bursting with flavor and tenderness. Welcome to the world of "Simple Pan Fried Steak," where gourmet dining meets effortless cooking in just 15 minutes! Whether you're impressing guests or treating yourself to a delicious meal, this recipe is your ticket to steak perfection. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll discover how to elevate a simple cut of meat into a mouthwatering masterpiece. Ready to transform your kitchen into a steakhouse? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- Steak
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
- Butter
Instructions
- Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat the steak dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a perfect sear and golden-brown crust.
- Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Press the seasoning into the meat to help it adhere.
- Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) over medium-high heat until it's very hot and just starting to smoke.
- Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.
- Carefully place the steak in the hot skillet, laying it away from you to prevent oil splatter.
- Cook the steak without moving it for 3-4 minutes to develop a rich, golden-brown crust.
- Flip the steak using tongs and add a pat of butter to the pan. Tilt the skillet and baste the steak with the melted butter and pan juices.
- Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time based on your preferred doneness.
- Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-7 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
- Slice the steak against the grain and serve immediately, optionally drizzling any remaining pan juices over the top.
Tips
- Bring It to Room Temperature: Always remove the steak from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before cooking. This ensures it cooks evenly and achieves that desired doneness without overcooking the outside.
- Dry is Best: Pat the steak dry with paper towels before seasoning. This crucial step helps create a beautiful, golden-brown crust that’s the hallmark of a great steak.
- Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper! Generous seasoning enhances the steak's natural flavors, so make sure to coat both sides thoroughly.
- Get Your Pan Hot: A heavy-bottomed skillet, especially cast iron, retains heat well and is perfect for achieving that perfect sear. Preheat until it's very hot and just starting to smoke for the best results.
- Let It Rest: After cooking, always let your steak rest for 5-7 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is juicy and flavorful.
- Slice Against the Grain: When it’s time to serve, slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. This simple technique makes a world of difference in texture!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 400kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 110mg
