How to Pan Sear NY Strip Steak

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pan sear strip steak

Have you bought a high-quality strip steak and are now deciding what to do with it? We suggest using this delicious cut of beef to make a pan-seared strip steak dinner. Strip steak stays tender and juicy when seared quickly to medium-rare, and that perfect sear helps bring out its best flavors.

The versatility and simplicity of the york strip steak recipe make it an excellent choice for busy home cooks looking for a quick and delicious meal.

Learn how to pan sear strip steak using our step-by-step guide and tips.

Preparation

Start by preparing the strip steak for pan searing. About 30-45 minutes before cooking, salt the steak on both sides and leave it at room temperature. Near the end of this resting period, drizzle some olive oil in a pan and preheat the pan over medium-high heat. Just before searing, generously season the steak on both sides with salt and pepper, along with your other desired seasonings. 

salting and seasoning strip steak

Cooking Time

Strip steak needs 2-3 minutes to sear on each side, followed by 5-10 minutes of cooking on low heat, depending on your preferred level of doneness. The pan searing method is highly effective in achieving the desired doneness, as it locks in juices and creates a golden crust. With resting time, expect strip steak to be ready in about one hour.

pan searing strip steak

Cooking Equipment and Tools

To achieve the perfect pan-seared New York strip steak, you’ll need the right cooking equipment and tools. Here are some essentials to get you started:

  • Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet is ideal for pan-searing steaks due to its excellent heat retention and distribution properties. It can be heated to high temperatures and maintains its heat throughout the cooking process, ensuring a perfect sear on your strip steak.
  • Meat Thermometer: A meat thermometer is crucial for ensuring your steak is cooked to the desired level of doneness. It’s especially important for cooking steaks to medium-rare or medium, as it helps you avoid overcooking.
  • Tongs: Tongs are necessary for flipping and turning the steak during the cooking process. They allow you to handle the steak without piercing it, which helps retain its juices.
  • Cutting Board: A cutting board is essential for slicing the steak after it’s cooked. Choose a sturdy board that can handle the juices from the steak.
  • Plate or Serving Platter: A plate or serving platter is necessary for serving the steak. Make sure it’s large enough to hold the steak and any sides you plan to serve with it.

Strip Steak Pan Searing Tips with a Cast Iron Skillet

The following tips can help you get an excellent pan-seared strip steak every time. Mastering the technique to cook steak perfectly allows home cooks to create a steak comparable to those served in high-end steakhouses.

Flip It Once

It can be tempting to flip the steak over a few times to keep it searing evenly. However, it’s better to let it sear completely on one side before flipping it to the other side. When you flip the steak too often, it actually may cook more unevenly. Leaving it alone for a couple of minutes gives the inside more time to cook, allowing it to reach your desired temperature more quickly.

Use Butter While Cooking

Strip steak is quite tender, but you can make sure it stays that way by using a little butter in the pan when cooking. Butter is ideal for basting steak while adding some buttery flavor. Simply spoon a little butter from the pan over your steak as it sears to keep it moist on top. Flip the steak, and spoon butter over that side, too.

Use a Thermometer to Check its Doneness

We always recommend using a reliable thermometer to accurately check whether your steak is cooked to your likeness. After resting, strip steak should reach the following temperature ranges:

  • Medium-rare: 130°F-135°F
  • Medium: 140°F-145°F
  • Medium-well: 150°F-155°F
  • Well-done: 160°F-165°F

To avoid overcooking, use a thermometer to check the temperature of the steak before resting. Its temperature should be about five degrees below the final temperature range. For example, remove the strip steak from the heat when it reaches 145-150 degrees if you’re looking for a medium-well doneness.

strip steak doneness level temperature guide

Choosing the Right Cut of Strip Steak

Here are a few considerations to think about when choosing a cut of strip steak for pan-searing:

  • Thickness: Look for steaks that are 1-1 ½ inches thick for best results when cooking in a pan. 
  • Label: The highest quality of strip steaks are those you’ll find with Chicago Steak Company: Premium Angus, USDA Prime, and Wagyu. These three labels denote steaks with the best marbling, coloring, and overall quality your money can buy. USDA Prime and Wagyu strip steaks may also be available at your local butcher.
  • Fat: Look for strip steaks with a moderate amount of marbling, which is the white strips of fat that run through the meat. Too much fat could make the steak difficult to chew, but thin strips of marbling are just right for flavoring and adding tenderness to strip steak when searing. 
  • Aging: If possible, choose strip steaks that have undergone the wet-aging or dry-aging process. They tend to have better flavors and textures than non-aged steaks. 

New York strip steaks are particularly well-suited for pan-searing due to their consistent heat retention and even cooking when using a cast iron skillet.

strip steak

Strip Steak Pan Searing Instructions

Here’s everything you need to know to pan sear strip steak. Using a cast iron pan is highly recommended for pan searing as it maintains consistent heat and helps achieve a perfect caramelized crust, providing steakhouse-quality results.

Step 1: Preparation (Bring Steak to Room Temperature)

Salt both sides of the strip steak generously. Then, let the steak sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat a skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. 

Step 2: Searing

Sprinkle pepper and your other choice seasonings on both sides of the steak. Then, transfer them to the preheated pan. If desired, add one tablespoon of butter to the pan for added flavor. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side. Spoon butter over the steak as you sear it. If needed to reach your desired doneness level, lower the heat and cook for another 5-10 minutes until a thermometer reads five degrees below the temperature range for your preferred doneness, noted in the list above. 

Step 3: Finishing Up

Move steaks to a clean plate tented with foil. Rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. 

Recipe and Variations

This recipe for pan-seared New York strip steak is a classic, but there are many variations you can try to mix things up. Here are a few ideas:

  • Garlic Herb Butter: Mix minced garlic and chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the butter for added flavor. This simple addition can elevate your pan-seared steak to a gourmet level.
  • Montreal Steak Seasoning: Sprinkle Montreal steak seasoning over the steak before cooking for a savory, slightly sweet flavor. This seasoning blend is a favorite for many steak lovers and adds a delicious twist to your strip steak.
  • Lemon Pepper: Sprinkle lemon pepper over the steak before cooking for a bright, citrusy flavor. This variation is perfect for those who enjoy a zesty kick with their steak.
  • Pan-Seared Steak with Sauce: Serve the steak with a sauce like Béarnaise or peppercorn for added flavor. These classic sauces complement the rich taste of the strip steak and add a touch of elegance to your meal.

Additional Tips and Resources

Here are some additional tips and resources to help you achieve the perfect pan-seared New York strip steak:

  • Bring the Steak to Room Temperature: Before cooking, let the steak sit at room temperature to ensure even cooking. This step helps the steak cook more evenly and prevents the outside from overcooking while the inside remains undercooked.
  • Pat the Steak Dry: Use paper towels to pat the steak dry before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps achieve a better sear and prevents the steak from steaming in the pan.
  • Use a Hot Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the steak. A hot skillet ensures a nice crust forms on the steak, which is essential for flavor and texture.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure each steak has enough space to sear properly. Overcrowding can lower the pan’s temperature and result in uneven cooking.
  • Let the Steak Rest: After cooking, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful steak.

Leftovers and Storage

If you have leftovers from your pan-seared New York strip steak, here are some tips for storing and reheating them:

  • Store Leftovers Properly: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Proper storage helps maintain the steak’s flavor and texture.
  • Reheat in the Oven: Reheat leftovers in a 250°F oven until the internal temperature reaches at least 110°F. This gentle reheating method helps preserve the steak’s juiciness.
  • Stovetop or Microwave Reheating: You can also reheat leftovers in a pan on the stovetop or in the microwave. For stovetop reheating, use low heat and cover the pan to retain moisture. For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel.
  • Creative Uses for Leftovers: Consider using leftovers in a steak salad or steak sandwich. These dishes are perfect for repurposing your steak and enjoying it in a new way.

By following these tips, you can ensure your leftover New York strip steak remains delicious and enjoyable.

Strip Steak Pan Searing FAQs

Summing Up: How to Pan Sear Strip Steak

Browse our selection of gourmet strip steaks that are ready for online ordering. We offer bone-in strip steak and boneless strip steaks, both of which work for pan searing. Order your steaks from Chicago Steak Company today and have them delivered to you within a few business days. Don’t forget to visit Steak University for more cooking tips, helpful guides, and delicious recipes for steak dinners.