How to Cook a New York Strip Steak in a Cast Iron Skillet

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Choosing the Right Ingredients
3. Preparing the Cast Iron Skillet
4. Cooking the New York Strip Steak
5. Enhancing Flavor with Butter and Aromatics
6. Serving Suggestions
7. Storing Leftovers
8. Conclusion

Introduction

Imagine sinking your teeth into a perfectly seared New York strip steak with a beautifully crusty exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior. Does that tantalizing thought make your mouth water? It does for many steak lovers, who often regard the New York strip steak as one of the finest cuts available. Known for its tenderness and rich flavor, this steak hails from the short loin section of the cow and is perfect for both home cooks and culinary professionals alike.

Cooking a New York strip may seem daunting, especially if you want to replicate the magic of a fine steakhouse experience at home. Fortunately, with the right techniques and tools—namely, a cast iron skillet—you can create outstanding results in just a matter of minutes. This guide will help you master the art of cooking a New York strip steak in a cast iron skillet, focusing on the importance of temperature, seasoning, and technique to achieve restaurant-quality results.

By the end of this post, you’ll be confident in your ability to prepare a steak that rivals those served at your favorite steakhouse. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to cooking methods, and even some delightful serving suggestions. You'll also learn how Land and Sea Delivery can provide you with high-quality beef and more, directly to your doorstep.

Let’s embark on this culinary journey together, ensuring that every steak you cook not only satisfies your taste buds but also elevates your cooking skills and impresses your family and friends.

Choosing the Right Ingredients

Selecting the right ingredients is crucial for a sumptuous New York strip steak. Let's dive deeper into what makes a steak outstanding.

The Quality of Your Steak

When it comes to sourcing your New York strip steak, quality is non-negotiable. Aim for USDA Choice or USDA Prime grade steaks, which guarantee better marbling and tenderness. Look for steaks that are about 1 inch thick, which is ideal for achieving that perfect sear while ensuring the interior will remain juicy.

At Land and Sea Delivery, we provide premium beef selections that are fresh and sourced locally, giving you the edge needed for your culinary creations. Discover our Beef Selection collection for mouthwatering options that will delight your palate.

Seasoning Basics

The beauty of a New York strip steak lies in its premium quality, which is best enhanced by simple seasonings. For a classic approach, kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper are all you need. Season your steak liberally on both sides to ensure a delightful flavor and crust during the searing process.

While salt and pepper should take center stage, many chefs suggest that a subtle hint of garlic powder or smoked paprika might elevate the flavor profile without overshadowing the beef's natural essence. However, if you choose to incorporate additional spices, ensure you don’t overdo it to avoid burn marks from high-heat cooking.

Butter and Aromatics

One of the final touches that can elevate your New York strip steak is the addition of butter and aromatics. Finishing your steak with butter not only imparts rich flavor but also helps to baste the meat during the final stages of cooking. Consider garlic, rosemary, or thyme as beautiful pairings that complement the steak’s inherent taste.

Preparing the Cast Iron Skillet

Now that we have our high-quality ingredients ready, it's time to prepare the cast iron skillet.

Preheating the Skillet

First and foremost, the key to a beautifully seared steak is a thoroughly preheated skillet. Begin by setting your oven to 500°F (or 425°F if you are cooking in a lower heat environment) to ensure it’s hot when you're ready to transfer the cast iron. Place your well-seasoned cast iron skillet on the stove and heat it over high heat for 5-10 minutes until it's smoking hot.

Using a cast iron skillet is essential due to its excellent heat retention and even heat distribution, which helps achieve that coveted crust. Always remember to use gloves or pot holders when handling, as cast iron can reach extremely high temperatures.

Preparing Your Steak

While your skillet heats, allow your New York strip steak to come to room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This step is vital as it helps the steak cook evenly. Pat the steak dry with paper towels—this will aid in forming the crust and preventing steaming. Once dry, season it generously with kosher salt and black pepper on all sides.

Cooking the New York Strip Steak

With a sizzling hot skillet and a beautifully seasoned steak ready to go, it’s time for the cooking phase. This process involves both stovetop searing and oven finishing for the best flavor and texture.

Searing the Steak

• Carefully place your New York strip steak into the hot cast iron skillet. Do not move the steak for the first 2 minutes to allow a crust to form.
• After 2 minutes, flip the steak and sear the other side for an additional 2 minutes. At this point, also sear the fat cap by holding the steak upright with tongs against the skillet for about 30 seconds.

Finishing in the Oven

After achieving a golden-brown crust on both sides, it’s time to finish cooking your steak in the oven for even heat distribution.

• Using oven mitts, transfer the hot skillet to your preheated oven. Cook the steak in the oven until it reaches your desired level of doneness:
  • Medium Rare (135°F): 3-4 minutes
  • Medium (145°F): 4-5 minutes
  • Medium Well (150°F): 5-6 minutes

Check the internal temperature using an instant-read thermometer to ensure accuracy.

Resting the Steak

Once your steak has reached the desired doneness, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a plate. Loosely cover it with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring maximum juiciness upon slicing.

Enhancing Flavor with Butter and Aromatics

While your steak is resting, take advantage of the skillet’s residual heat to create a flavor-bursting sauce using butter and aromatics.

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and melt a couple of tablespoons of butter.
• Add minced garlic or shallots along with any aromatic herbs like rosemary or thyme. Sauté briefly until fragrant, deglazing the pan by scraping up any browned bits left from cooking the steak.

Drizzle this aromatic butter over the resting steak right before serving for an extra layer of indulgent flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have the perfect New York strip steak, consider pairing it with complementary side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes enhanced with roasted garlic make a classic pairing.
• Seasoned Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts that are roasted until caramelized add a crunchy texture and balance.
• Fresh Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette can provide freshness to balance the richness of the steak.

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover steak, rest assured that they are not only safe to store but can also be enjoyed in various ways. Slice the leftover steak thinly for steak sandwiches, or chop it for a savory salad. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to three months.

When reheating, the microwave can dry out the meat, so consider reheating gently on the stove, or enjoy it cold in a salad for a refreshing meal.

Conclusion

Cooking a New York strip steak in a cast iron skillet is a straightforward process that yields impressive, restaurant-quality results. With the right steak, seasonings, and techniques, you can elevate your cooking game and bring a slice of steakhouse luxury right into your home.

By embracing high-quality ingredients from Land and Sea Delivery, your culinary creations will naturally shine. If you're eager to explore the beef selection, don’t hesitate to check out our Beef Selection collection and embrace the variety of options available to enhance your meals. For fresh, local seafood and meats delivered right to your doorstep, explore our Home Delivery service.

Now that you're equipped with the knowledge to perfect your New York strip steak, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking!

FAQ

What is a New York strip steak?

A New York strip steak is a cut of beef from the short loin section of the cow. It is known for its tenderness, rich flavor, and a good balance of fat and meat.

How do I know when my steak is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak. External temperatures are:

• Rare: 125°F
• Medium Rare: 135°F
• Medium: 145°F
• Medium Well: 150°F
• Well Done: 160°F or higher

What’s the best way to store leftover steak?

Place leftover steak in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to three months.

Can I use a non-cast iron skillet for cooking steak?

While other skillets (like stainless steel) can work, cast iron offers superior heat retention and creates better crust. Avoid non-stick skillets, as they typically can't retain high heat needed for proper steak searing.

Do I really need to let the steak rest after cooking?

Yes! Resting allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicier and more flavorful steak when sliced.

Now that you have a firm grasp on how to cook a New York strip steak in a cast iron skillet, go impress your family and friends with this delectable dish! Happy cooking!