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Test Kitchen Approved

The Essential Seared Steak

The Essential Seared Steak

The Essential Seared Steak

Recipe By Michael Kimball, Savory Spice Test Kitchen

Yields

4 servings

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cooking Time

10 Minutes

Recipe By Michael Kimball, Savory Spice Test Kitchen

Look no further for your go-to steak method. This simple pan-sear with a butter baste results in perfectly tender and juicy steak cooked to your ideal level. Flipping the steak frequently ensures even cooking, and giving the steak and seasoning the chance to hang out in the fridge overnight results in perfectly seasoned bites all the way through.

Recipe Notes

*Some oils have a higher smoke point and handle high-heat cooking better than others. We recommend oils like canola, grapeseed, peanut, or avocado for this recipe. Avoid using olive oil, as it will burn.

Ingredients

1 (1-inch thick) well-marbled steak, such as ribeye or new york strip

2 Tbsp. seasoning of choice:






Canola oil, or other high smoke point oil*

2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

Savory Spice ingredients in this recipe

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  • Kansas City Strip Steak Seasoning

    Kansas City Strip Steak Seasoning is specifically made to be the best steak seasoning for your favorite cuts of beef. While it's best used as a Kan...

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  • Pike & Pine St. Protein Rub

    Pike & Pine St. Protein Rub is a protein seasoning blend that's great with any choice of protein: beef, pork, chicken, fish or even tofu. This ...

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  • Santa Maria Sea Salted BBQ Rub

    Our Santa Maria Sea Salt BBQ Rub is a handcrafted Santa Maria tri-tip rub that combines grey sea salt, black pepper, garlic and parsley. Use this S...

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    Sale
  • Mayan Sea Salt

    Mayan Sea Salt has a clean appearance and flavor but is also an interesting tie to the ancient Mayan way of life. Straight from the sea to your tab...

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Directions

Step 1: Season steak

Pat steak dry and rub both sides with seasoning of choice plus Mayan Sea Salt to taste. Cover steak and rest in the fridge for at least one hour or up to overnight.

Step 2: Prepare to sear

An hour or two before beginning to cook, remove steak from fridge and set on a wire rack on top of a sheet tray. Leave uncovered to come to room temperature.

Step 3: First sear

Heat a cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add just enough oil to shine on the bottom of the pan–there should be no pools of oil. When pan has just started to smoke, pat steak dry and set in center of pan. Sear for 1 to 2 min. until beginning to brown.

Step 4: Searing and basting

Flip steak to sear other side and add butter to pan. Once butter has melted, tilt pan so butter pools and use a spoon to repeatedly splash butter over steak. Flip steak every 30 to 45 seconds to ensure even cooking inside, and baste with butter every flip.

Step 5: Rest and serve

Use a meat thermometer to check steak for desired doneness: 125 degrees for rare, 135 degrees for medium rare, and up to 160 degrees for well-done. Let steak rest for 5 min. before slicing and serving.