How to: Cook Steak Without a Grill

I write this blog from a third floor apartment in Jamaica Plain, MA. As such, we don't really have space for a grill or barbeque. For many college students, recent grads, and young professionals, I imagine this problem does not just affect me.

Turns out there is a foolproof way to cook juicy, delicious steak without lugging charcoal up 4 flights of stairs.

It starts with a very useful and extremely heavy kitchen appliance. That is, a cast iron skillet.

I got my cast iron skillet for Christmas (THANKS MOM!) and I use it  multiple times a week. Although it is a bit heavy and requires from TLC after using it, it really is a fantastic piece of equipment to add to your kitchen. Here's a link to the one I have.

Cast iron is a natural non-stick surface that gets better with age. People have cast iron skillets for years and years. Because the cast iron gets so hot, it creates a perfect crust on meats and vegetables while keeping the inside tender and moist. It can also go into the oven, which allows for easy cooking.

Because of these properties, cast iron is the perfect solution to our steak needs.

Here's how to cook steak on a cast iron skillet

Heat the cast iron skillet on the stove top on medium-high heat. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.

Pat your steak of choice dry with a paper towel to get rid of excess moisture. Rub your favorite steak seasonings into the meat.

Drizzle the cast iron skillet with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil. Swirl to coat. Arrange steak in pan. It should make an irresistible sizzling sound when it hits the heat. Cook for 4 minutes (do NOT poke and prod at the steak. Just let it do its thing).

Flip the steak and allow it to cook 1 minute more, then transfer the skillet to the oven. Allow the steak to cook in the oven until desired degree of doneness (or slightly below). For medium, this was about 6 to 7 minutes. Time will vary depending on how you like your steak cooked as well as how your oven behaves.

Remove steak from the oven and transfer to a cutting board. Allow to sit 5 to 7 minutes so the juices redistribute. Serve with your favorite steak sides.

So there you have it - yummy, juicy, steak with a crispy crust. And it takes no time at all. Enjoy!