When cooking steak in a cast iron skillet, it's essential to add the oil at the right time to achieve the best results. Here's a step-by-step guide on when to add oil to a cast iron skillet when cooking steak:
Preheat the skillet: Place your dry cast iron skillet on the stovetop and preheat it over medium to medium-high heat. Allow the skillet to get hot before adding any oil.
Season the steak: Before adding the steak to the pan, season it with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Add the oil: Once the skillet is hot, you can add a small amount of high-heat oil with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or avocado oil. Use just enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan lightly. Swirl the oil around to evenly distribute it.
Place the steak in the pan: Carefully place the seasoned steak into the hot skillet. You should hear a sizzling sound when the steak makes contact with the hot surface. This is an indicator that the pan is hot enough for searing.
Avoid moving the steak: Allow the steak to sear without moving it for a few minutes. This helps create a flavorful crust on the meat. The exact time will depend on the thickness of the steak and your preferred level of doneness. As a general guideline, for a 1-inch thick steak, you can sear it for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
Flip the steak: Once the first side is seared to your liking, use tongs to flip the steak to the other side. Again, avoid moving the steak too much while it cooks on the second side.
Baste with butter and aromatics (optional): During the last minute or so of cooking, you can add a knob of butter, some garlic cloves, and herbs like thyme or rosemary to the skillet. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the steak with the melted butter and aromatic flavors.
Rest the steak: Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
Remember that using a cast iron skillet can produce intense heat, so exercise caution when handling the pan and the steak. Additionally, always use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches your preferred level of doneness.