How To Cook Steak On The Stove

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This is the best way to cook steak on the stove when the grill is out of commission, the weather won’t cooperate, or you simply don’t have a grill. You’ll get a gorgeous crust, juicy slices, and big flavor with a simple stovetop method that uses smart heat and timing. I’ve made steak this way again and again, and it turns out beautifully every time.

 

Ingredient Notes

This recipe keeps the ingredient list short on purpose so the steak stays the star. Each ingredient has a clear job and nothing gets in the way of that rich, beefy flavor.

• Steak: Any nice cut of meat will work as long as it’s meant for grilling. Here are a few good options you should look for in your butcher’s case: NY Strip, T-bone, Filet Mignon, Porterhouse, Flat Iron, Sirloin.
• Butter: adds flavor, flavor, flavor! If you have some extra time, think about making a compound butter for this recipe. My favorite is this compound butter for steak.
• Salt & Pepper: adds MORE flavor, flavor, flavor! Also, the salt brings out that delicious meaty flavor steak has.

How to Cook Steak on the Stove

This stovetop steak method is simple and easy, with the oven finishing the cooking for you. For the full recipe, including all the ingredients and exact measurements, check out the printable recipe card below.

Step 1: Preheat Oven + Prepare Your Pan

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Place an oven-friendly pan over medium-high heat. I used a cast-iron skillet because it’s a great, all-purpose cooking vessel.

Step 2: Prep + Season the Steak

While your pan is preheating, blot the steaks with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Sear Your Steaks

Melt some butter in your hot skillet and place your steaks in, cooking 3-4 minutes on that first side without touching it or moving it around. We want to create a brown crust and solid sear, so we’re just going to leave it alone.

Step 4: Transfer Steak to the Oven

After 3-4 minutes, flip your steaks over. Top each steak with a pat of butter and transfer them into your hot oven for up to 5 minutes (depending on the thickness and your desired temperature), keeping them in the same skillet.

Step 5: Rest and Enjoy!

After baking, transfer them to a plate and cover them with foil. Let these babies rest.

After 5 minutes, take the foil off and slice thinly, and for everything that pure and holy, cut against the grain.

What You Need to Make This

You don’t need a ton of fancy equipment to make a great steak on the stove. A few simple kitchen tools will help you get a good sear, season it properly, and slice it up for serving.

• Cast-iron skillet – A heavy skillet holds heat well and gives your steak a beautiful sear while helping it cook evenly.
• Aluminum Foil – Handy for loosely covering the steak while it rests, keeping it warm without trapping too much steam.
• Measuring spoons – Useful for getting the butter, oil, and seasonings just right so the steak is well seasoned.
• Chef’s knife – A sharp knife makes it easy to slice the steak cleanly against the grain for tender bites.

Tips for Success

Keep these tips in mind for a beautifully browned crust and tender, juicy slices.

• Start with a hot pan. The sizzle matters. A properly heated cast-iron skillet helps create that deep, golden-brown crust.
• Pat the steak dry before seasoning. Any extra moisture on the surface can get in the way of good browning, so give it a thorough pat with paper towels first.
• Let the steak rest after cooking. Give it a few minutes before cutting into it so the juices have time to settle back into the meat.
• Slice against the grain. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and cut across them rather than along them. This shortens the fibers and makes each bite more tender.

What to Serve with Steak

A great steak deserves a few delicious sides to complete the meal. These recipes bring plenty of variety to the plate, from crispy potatoes to creamy spinach and a fresh steakhouse salad.

• Best Pan Fried Potatoes – Crispy edges and tender centers make these potatoes a simple match for a juicy steak.
• Steakhouse Salad – A crisp, fresh salad brings a lighter option to a hearty steak dinner.
• Steakhouse Creamed Spinach – Rich, creamy spinach makes a classic steakhouse side for a cozy dinner at home.
• Air Fryer Baked Potatoes – Fluffy centers and crisp skins make these baked potatoes perfect for loading up with your favorite toppings.
• Fondant Potatoes – Golden, crispy edges with a tender, buttery center make these potatoes a delicious choice for steak night.
• See 40 of the BEST Potato Side Dishes

Storage and Reheating

Leftover steak is easy to save for another meal. Here’s the best way to store, freeze, and reheat it without drying it out.

To Store: Let the steak cool before placing it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the steak whole until you’re ready to reheat it to help retain moisture.

To Freeze: Wrap the cooled steak tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

To Reheat: Reheat the steak gently in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of beef broth or a little butter. Cover the skillet to help warm the steak evenly. Turn it occasionally until heated through. Avoid high heat, which can quickly dry out the steak.

FAQs

Variations

Try one of these variations to switch up the flavor or cooking style.

• Garlic Butter Steak – Add minced garlic and a few tablespoons of butter during the final minutes of cooking. Spoon the melted garlic butter over the steak as it finishes.
• Herb Butter Steak – Add fresh rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the skillet with the butter for an herby finish.
• Peppercorn Steak – Coat the steak with cracked black pepper before cooking for extra bite and a classic steakhouse flavor.
• Spicy Steak – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or your favorite steak seasoning for a little heat.
• Mushroom Steak – Sauté sliced mushrooms in the same skillet after cooking the steak. Serve them over the sliced steak for an easy upgrade.

More Steak Recipes to Try

• Grilled Flank Steak
• Sous Vide Steak
• Air Fryer Ribeye Steak
• Coca-Cola Steak Marinade
• Salisbury Steak

This stovetop steak delivers real results without overthinking the process. Once you try it, it’s hard to go back to any other method. The printable recipe card is below. Have a great day, friends!

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.