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Perfect Cast Iron Skillet Steak Recipe with Easy Rosemary Butter Baste

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A quick and easy recipe for a perfectly seared cast iron skillet steak basted with rosemary-infused butter, delivering rich flavor and a juicy, tender texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (12 oz / 340 g) ribeye or New York strip steak, about 1-inch thick
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, preferably European-style
  • 23 sprigs fresh rosemary, whole
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed but left whole
  • 1 tablespoon high-quality extra virgin olive oil

Instructions

  1. Remove the steak from the fridge 30-45 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let sit for a few minutes.
  3. Preheat a 10-12 inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking (about 3-5 minutes).
  4. Place the steak in the hot skillet and sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter, rosemary sprigs, and smashed garlic cloves to the pan around the steak.
  6. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and baste the steak repeatedly with the melted herb-infused butter for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer aiming for 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.
  8. Transfer the steak to a plate and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Slice against the grain and spoon some of the leftover rosemary butter from the skillet over the top before serving.

Notes

For thicker steaks over 1 inch, finish cooking in a preheated 400°F (204°C) oven for 3-5 minutes after searing. Resting the steak is crucial for juiciness. Use high smoke point oils like olive, avocado, or grapeseed oil to avoid burning. Butter can be substituted with ghee or plant-based spread for dairy-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: cast iron skillet steak, rosemary butter baste, ribeye steak, easy steak recipe, pan-seared steak, quick steak dinner