YAST: Yet Another Steak Thread

effowe

Diamond Member
Nov 1, 2004
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I'm planning on picking up my first cast iron skillet today, and would like to break it in with a nice steak. I will most likely be getting a nice ribeye, and am planning on seasoning with kosher salt + fresh ground pepper. How do I go about cooking the perfect steak?
 

effowe

Diamond Member
Nov 1, 2004
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Ok then, I will try this and will report back in later with results. I am also planning on doing some garlic mashed potatoes (with the skins on) and some vegetable, haven't decided yet. Thanks.
 

mattocs

Platinum Member
Jan 25, 2005
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Let us know how it works. I love steak, and eat it regularly, but even in the winter I shovel the snow off the deck and use the gas grill. I am going to get myself a nice skillet and give this a try sometime.

Any pros/cons to doing it this way over a grill?
 

mattocs

Platinum Member
Jan 25, 2005
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Also, should a normal iron skillet like frying pan be used (I have several of these) or one with ribs on it to keep it off the bottom of the pan?
 

dbk

Lifer
Apr 23, 2004
17,685
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81
Originally posted by: spidey07
Originally posted by: mattocs

Any pros/cons to doing it this way over a grill?

Yeah, it tastes better using a skillet and you get a better crust.

Also it cooks the whole steak evenly - very useful for grilling n00bs like myself.
 

effowe

Diamond Member
Nov 1, 2004
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Now this is getting more complicated. Since I don't have a cast iron I was going to head up to Target to grab one, saw a pre-seasoned one available online. The website says it's not available in store, however, so I will have to season my pan before using it. Here's to hoping I don't burn down my apartment tonight.
 

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
5
76
Use canola oil - NOT VERY MUCH, like maybe a teaspoon.

You should be able to get a Lodge pre-seasoned cast iron skillet at target, walmart, etc. Read up on how to care for one and keep it seasoned. I clean with only kosher salt, warm water and a paper towel.
 

Howard

Lifer
Oct 14, 1999
47,982
11
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Do you have a gas grill? If so, season on that since it's gonna be REAL smoky inside.
 

Howard

Lifer
Oct 14, 1999
47,982
11
81
Yep. Cook some bacon on it, pour out the excess lard, and smear around the fat until you get an extremely thin layer coating the whole pan (make sure you use something lint-free, or your fingers). Then up the heat on your grill to about 375F, flip the pan so the bottom is up, close the hood, and forget about it.

Actually, you can do it with Crisco or vegetable oil or supermarket lard or whatever.

If you've got the time, wait for the pan to cool and apply another layer. You'll probably have some marks on the rim from the grille, so just rotate it a bit to get even application.
 

effowe

Diamond Member
Nov 1, 2004
6,012
18
81
Originally posted by: Howard
Yep. Cook some bacon on it, pour out the excess lard, and smear around the fat until you get an extremely thin layer coating the whole pan (make sure you use something lint-free, or your fingers). Then up the heat on your grill to about 375F, flip the pan so the bottom is up, close the hood, and forget about it.

Actually, you can do it with Crisco or vegetable oil or supermarket lard or whatever.

If you've got the time, wait for the pan to cool and apply another layer. You'll probably have some marks on the rim from the grille, so just rotate it a bit to get even application.

Well I read up online and they suggested Crisco so the pan is currently upside down on the grill coated with crisco. I am going to start prepping the other food now, will be back for any last minute advice before the steak cooking starts.
 

GagHalfrunt

Lifer
Apr 19, 2001
25,284
1,998
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Originally posted by: mattocs
Let us know how it works. I love steak, and eat it regularly, but even in the winter I shovel the snow off the deck and use the gas grill. I am going to get myself a nice skillet and give this a try sometime.

Any pros/cons to doing it this way over a grill?

Pros: You don't have to shovel snow

Cons: Lose the charcoal grill taste


As long as you cook it well it'll be delicious either way.
 

waggy

No Lifer
Dec 14, 2000
68,143
10
81
Originally posted by: Howard
Yep. Cook some bacon on it, pour out the excess lard, and smear around the fat until you get an extremely thin layer coating the whole pan (make sure you use something lint-free, or your fingers). Then up the heat on your grill to about 375F, flip the pan so the bottom is up, close the hood, and forget about it.

Actually, you can do it with Crisco or vegetable oil or supermarket lard or whatever.

If you've got the time, wait for the pan to cool and apply another layer. You'll probably have some marks on the rim from the grille, so just rotate it a bit to get even application.

but he shouldnt have to do that if its pre-seasoned.


(i would still do it though)
 

sactoking

Diamond Member
Sep 24, 2007
7,648
2,925
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It may be pre-seasoned, but it was also probably sitting in a warehouse somewhere for a while.

I'd advocate washing it and seasoning it as soon as you get home from the store, pre-seasoned or not. It's probably pretty dirty.
 

duragezic

Lifer
Oct 11, 1999
11,234
4
81
Yeah that cast iron skillet method works excellent. One day at Walmart I decided I wanted a steak that night, trying to the "ATOT method" so I ended up having to buy the pan, set of dishes, set of silverware, the whole works. Even the first time I did it it turned out excellent.

I think I have a Lodge pre-seasoned one... it was only $16 or so from Walmart. It could probably be seasoned still though, but I haven't bothered.
 

FlashG

Platinum Member
Dec 23, 1999
2,709
2
0
Originally posted by: spidey07
Use canola oil - NOT VERY MUCH, like maybe a teaspoon.

You should be able to get a Lodge pre-seasoned cast iron skillet at target, walmart, etc. Read up on how to care for one and keep it seasoned. I clean with only kosher salt, warm water and a paper towel.

Pre-seasoned Lodge cast iron is a lifetime investment. We are using my wife?s great grandma's skillet with great success. They also easily convert to a lethal bullet proof weapon that doesn?t require a license ;)