How to Cook Steak in a Pan

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A heavy pan and stove are all you need to make an at-home steakhouse dinner with my guide on How to Cook Steak in a Pan!

Prep Time30

Cook Time15

Resting time10

Total Time55

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cooking steak in a pan, how to cook steak in a pan, how to pan fry steak, pan frying steak

Servings: servings

Calories: 217kcal

See our Beef Temperature Chart for helpful tips on cooking any cut of beef!

Heat a cast iron pan over high heat, then add the avocado oil. While the pan heats, let your steaks come to room temperature (in marinade if using), about 20 minutes.
1 lb Flank steak
Once the oil is hot and the steak at room temperature, add the steak to the pan. Let it cook, undisturbed, for 3 minutes, being careful of spattering oil. Then flip the steak, and cook another 3 minutes. If basting, add the butter and seasonings now to spoon over the steak.
2 Tablespoons Avocado oil
Remove the steak from the pan, and set on a cutting board to rest for 10 minutes. Once rested, slice against the grain, and serve!

The best pan to cook steak in is always going to be cast iron. The heavy metal retains heat well and can be heated up to incredibly high temperatures without damaging the pan, making it perfect for searing meat!

Steak fresh from the store will work perfectly in a pan, but for even more delicious pan cooked steak, be sure to tenderize and salt the meat ahead of time with my easy guides!

A well-marbled and salted steak is rich and flavorful on its own, but to kick up the flavor even more without waiting for a marinade, try out my Steak Seasoning! It's sure to add tons of flavor in seconds.

Remember, cooking at high heat means lots of spattering oil. Make sure to wear oven mitts and long sleeves to avoid any chance of getting burned.

Avoid touching the steaks once in the pan! Flip them once, check the temperature, and don't move them any more. This will help preserve their natural juices!