Ingredients
Steak
- 2 to 4 top sirloin steaks (1 ½ - to 2-inches thick, about 1 ½ to 2 pounds total)
Seasoning and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons neutral high smoke point oil (such as avocado oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, or regular olive oil)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional Additions
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for added pan juices)
- Garlic cloves, sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for added aroma and flavor)
Instructions
- Rest steaks: Allow the steaks to rest at room temperature for 30 minutes to take the chill off, ensuring even cooking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare steaks: Remove steaks from their packaging and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Confirm the oven has fully preheated before moving on.
- Sear steaks: Heat the oil in a 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot and shimmering but not smoking. Place the steaks in the skillet and cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and sear the other side for another 2 minutes. Remove skillet from direct heat.
- Finish in oven: Transfer the skillet with steaks into the preheated oven. After 5 minutes, start checking the internal temperature by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the center of the steak from the side. Cook until the steaks reach 130 to 135°F for medium-rare or 140 to 145°F for medium doneness. This typically takes 5 to 10 minutes depending on steak thickness and desired doneness.
- Rest and serve: Remove skillet from oven and allow steaks to rest in the skillet for 5 minutes to let juices redistribute. Spoon the flavorful juices collected at the pan bottom over the steaks before serving. For extra richness, add 1-2 tablespoons of butter to the pan after removing it from the oven, let melt, then spoon over the steaks. Optional garlic or herbs can be added for aroma during searing.
Notes
- Bringing steaks to room temperature before cooking ensures more even cooking throughout.
- Patting the steaks dry is essential for a good sear and crust formation.
- Use a cast iron skillet for best heat retention and superior crust development.
- Cooking times may vary with steak thickness and oven temperature variances; always rely on an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
- Resting steaks after cooking prevents juices from escaping, yielding a juicier steak.
- Optional aromatics like garlic and fresh herbs can be added in the pan during searing for enhanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Entree
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American