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Cast Iron Skillet Steak

Featured in Reliable Main Course Recipes.

This cast iron skillet steak method transforms a quality cut of beef into a restaurant-worthy meal at home. The secret lies in the technique - bringing the steak to room temperature, patting it dry, and using a properly heated cast iron skillet creates the perfect sear. What makes this recipe special is the aromatic butter basting with garlic and fresh herbs, which adds rich flavor while keeping the meat tender and juicy. The cast iron skillet provides superior heat retention and distribution, ensuring a beautiful crust while maintaining a perfectly cooked interior. With just 15 minutes of active cooking time, this method proves that cooking a steakhouse-quality dinner doesn't require complicated techniques or equipment.
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Chef Zaho
Updated on Mon, 26 May 2025 13:50:48 GMT
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A luxuriously creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta combines bright citrus notes with rich cheese in a dish that's both elegant and effortless. The way the silky sauce clings to each strand of pasta creates a restaurant-worthy meal that comes together in minutes using simple ingredients.

I discovered this combination during a spring gathering when I needed something quick yet sophisticated. The way the lemon brightens the creamy ricotta while the pasta water creates the perfect sauce consistency made it an instant favorite.

Essential Ingredients & Selection Tips

  • Ricotta: Fresh, whole milk variety provides best texture
  • Lemons: Choose heavy, bright fruits for maximum juice
  • Pasta: Bronze-die cut holds sauce better
  • Parmesan: Freshly grated melts more smoothly
  • Spinach: Fresh baby leaves wilt perfectly

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Perfect Your Pasta
Salt water generously until it tastes like sea water. Stir pasta immediately after adding to prevent sticking. Reserve pasta water before draining. Time cooking precisely for al dente texture.
Step 2: Create Your Sauce
Blend ricotta until completely smooth. Add lemon juice gradually to taste. Include both zest and juice for depth. Season incrementally while blending.
Step 3: Build Your Base
Cook garlic until just fragrant. Add red pepper flakes to warm oil. Toast until aromatic. Keep heat moderate to prevent burning.
Step 4: Combine Components
Add pasta to sauce while very hot. Toss continuously while adding pasta water. Add spinach in batches to wilt evenly. Adjust consistency as needed.
Step 5: Finish with Finesse
Add final touches of fresh herbs. Grate extra Parmesan on top. Drizzle with best olive oil. Serve immediately while hot.
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My Italian grandmother taught me that the secret to perfect pasta is in the pasta water - it's liquid gold that transforms the sauce into silky perfection.

The Sauce Science

The starch in pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy texture that clings to each strand.

The Lemon Balance

Using both zest and juice provides different layers of citrus flavor - bright top notes and deeper undertones.

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Easy Cast Iron Skillet Steak Recipe | alicesrecipes.com

Through countless preparations of this dish, I've learned that simplicity, when executed properly, creates the most memorable meals. This pasta proves that a few quality ingredients, treated with care, can create something truly special.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What's the best cut of steak to use?
Ribeye or New York Strip steaks work best, ideally 1-1½ inches thick. These cuts have good marbling and are perfect for pan-searing.
→ How do I know when my steak is done?
For medium-rare, aim for 135°F internal temperature. The steak will rise another 5 degrees while resting. Use a meat thermometer for perfect results.
→ Why let the steak come to room temperature?
Room temperature steak cooks more evenly. Cold steak can result in overcooked exterior and undercooked interior.
→ Can I use a different oil?
Yes, any high smoke point oil works - vegetable oil, grapeseed oil, or light olive oil are good alternatives to avocado oil.
→ Why is resting the steak important?
Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If cut too soon, the juices will run out, resulting in a drier steak.

Perfect Cast Iron Skillet Steak

A foolproof method for cooking restaurant-quality steak at home using a cast iron skillet. With garlic butter and fresh herbs for maximum flavor and tenderness.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Fati Zaho

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 2 Servings (2 steaks)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main

01 2 Ribeye or New York Strip steaks (about 1-1½ inch thickness)

→ Seasonings

02 1/2 teaspoon salt
03 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ Aromatics & Oil

04 1 tablespoon avocado oil
05 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
07 2-4 garlic cloves, smashed

Instructions

Step 01

Allow the steaks to come to room temperature for 30 minutes. Then pat them dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.

Step 02

Heat avocado oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it's shimmering.

Step 03

Place the steaks in the skillet and cook for 4 minutes on one side without touching. Use tongs to flip the steaks and cook for 4 more minutes on the other side.

Step 04

Reduce heat to medium-low, add butter, garlic and rosemary or thyme sprigs. Once the butter melts, tilt the skillet and spoon the butter over the steaks repeatedly until the steaks reach desired doneness, keeping in mind that the temperature will continue to rise about 5 degrees after you remove from heat and the steaks rest.

Step 05

Transfer the steaks to a plate or cutting board, and allow them to rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving. Serve with the melted butter, garlic and rosemary from the skillet.

Notes

  1. Let steak come to room temperature before cooking
  2. Let oil get hot before adding steaks
  3. Allow steaks to rest 5 minutes before slicing

Tools You'll Need

  • 10-inch cast iron skillet
  • Tongs
  • Paper towels

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 638
  • Total Fat: 50 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 1 g
  • Protein: 46 g