Pan-Seared Strip Steak for Two

How do you pan-sear strip or rib eye without making a grease-splattered mess and setting off your smoke alarm? First, forget everything you know about steak cookery.

YIELD 2

TIME 20 minutes

Pan-Seared Strip Steak for Two photo

Why This Recipe Works

Gather Your Ingredients

Key Equipment

Key Equipment - The Best Nonstick Skillets

Before You Begin

*

This recipe also works with boneless rib-eye steak of a similar thickness. If you have time, salt the steak for at least 45 minutes or up to 24 hours before cooking: Sprinkle the steak with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, refrigerate it, and pat it dry with paper towels before cooking. Serve with Sauce Verte, if desired.

Instructions

1.

Pat steak dry with paper towels and sprinkle both sides with pepper. Place steak in cold nonstick skillet. Place skillet over high heat and cook steak for 2 minutes. Flip steak and cook on second side for 2 minutes. (Neither side of steak will be browned at this point.)

2.

Flip steak, reduce heat to medium, and continue to cook, flipping steak every 2 minutes, until browned and meat registers 120 to 125 degrees (for medium-rare), 4 to 10 minutes longer. (Steak should be sizzling gently; if not, increase heat slightly. Reduce heat if skillet starts to smoke.)

3.

Transfer steak to carving board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice steak, season with coarse or flake sea salt to taste, and serve.

FROM OUR TV SPONSORS

We are thankful to the sponsors who make it possible for us to bring you the America's Test Kitchen TV series on public television. Read more about why we have sponsors.