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Perfect Grill Pan Steak Recipe Easy Juicy Tender Steak at Home

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A quick and easy method to cook a juicy, tender steak at home using a grill pan, delivering perfect sear marks and rich flavor without outdoor grilling.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 thick-cut ribeye or sirloin steak (1 to 1 ½ inches thick, 812 oz / 225340 g)
  • Kosher salt or sea salt, for seasoning
  • Freshly ground black pepper, for seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (can substitute ghee or dairy-free butter)
  • 2 cloves garlic, lightly crushed (optional)
  • A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring the steak to room temperature by letting it sit on the counter for 15-20 minutes.
  2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil.
  3. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Preheat a heavy cast iron grill pan over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until smoking hot.
  5. Place the steak on the grill pan and sear the first side for 3-4 minutes without moving it.
  6. Flip the steak using tongs. Immediately add butter, crushed garlic, and fresh herbs to the pan.
  7. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the steak repeatedly for 3-4 minutes.
  8. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
  9. Transfer the steak to a warm plate and loosely tent with foil. Rest for 5-10 minutes.
  10. Slice against the grain and serve immediately.

Notes

Letting the steak come to room temperature before cooking ensures even doneness. Pat the steak dry to get a good sear. Use tongs to flip the steak once only to preserve juices. Baste with butter and herbs for extra flavor and moisture. Rest the steak for 5-10 minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. For thicker steaks, finish in a 400°F oven for 3-5 minutes after searing.

Nutrition

Keywords: grill pan steak, easy steak recipe, juicy steak, tender steak, stovetop steak, ribeye steak, sirloin steak, cast iron steak