Cast iron skillets are timeless kitchen tools known for their ability to deliver a perfect sear on meat. Their ability to retain high heat ensures a crispy, flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Whether you’re cooking filet mignon or Wagyu, a cast iron skillet is a must-have for achieving restaurant-quality results at home.
Best Meats to Cook in a Cast Iron Skillet
Cast iron is ideal for cooking specific cuts of meat because it can maintain high heat evenly, which is crucial for achieving that perfect sear on your steak. Here are some of the best meats to cook in your cast iron skillet:
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Filet Mignon: The tender filet mignon is perfect for cast iron as it allows for a crispy sear while maintaining a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The high heat of cast iron locks in the natural juices, creating a flavorful steak. For step-by-step instructions on cooking the perfect filet, check out our guide on how to cook filet mignon.
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Ribeye Steak: The ribeye’s marbled fat makes it ideal for a cast iron skillet, as it produces a juicy and flavorful steak with a crispy exterior. The high heat of the skillet helps develop that perfect sear.
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New York Strip: The New York strip steak is another great option for cast iron, offering a balance of tenderness and beefy flavor. The skillet’s even heat ensures a beautiful sear and locks in the steak's natural juices.
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Pork Chops: Bone-in or boneless, pork chops cook beautifully in cast iron, which helps achieve a golden-brown crust while keeping the meat juicy. The even heat distribution prevents the pork from drying out.
How to Cook Meat in Cast Iron
Cooking meat in a cast iron skillet may sound simple, but there are a few tricks to get it just right:
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Preheat the Skillet: Heat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. When the skillet is ready, a drop of water should sizzle.
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Season the Meat: Season your meat with salt and pepper just before cooking to create a flavorful crust.
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Add Oil: Use a high smoke point oil to coat the skillet, ensuring a non-stick surface for the meat. Butter has a low smoke point and can burn at high temperatures, so it’s better to use it as a finishing oil once the steak is nearly done. For a deeper dive into smoke points and why they matter, check out our guide to oils and butter for cooking in cast iron.
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Sear & Flip: Place the meat in the skillet and don’t move it. Sear for a few minutes on each side, adjusting heat as needed.
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Rest the Meat: After cooking, let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Cleaning & Care Tips
While cast iron skillets are incredibly durable, they require maintenance to keep them in top shape. Here are some key tips for cleaning and caring for your skillet:
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Never Soak Your Cast Iron: Avoid soaking your skillet in water for long periods, as this can cause rusting. Instead, use a stiff brush or sponge to clean it while it's still warm. If needed, you can use mild dish soap, though it's generally not recommended to use soap unless necessary.
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Dry Immediately: After cleaning, dry the skillet thoroughly with a towel or place it on low heat on the stove. This ensures that no moisture is left behind, preventing rust.
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Re-season Regularly: Over time, the seasoning (the layer of oil baked onto the pan) may wear off. To maintain the non-stick surface, periodically re-season your skillet. Simply rub a thin layer of oil over the surface and bake it upside down in the oven at 450°F for about an hour.
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Avoid Cooking Acidic Foods: While cast iron can handle various cooking tasks, it’s best to avoid cooking acidic foods (like tomatoes), as this can strip away the seasoning.
Cooking in a cast iron skillet is the secret to perfecting your meat dishes with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. With the proper care and technique, your cast iron skillet will serve you for years, becoming more seasoned and enhancing your meals with each use. Get ready to enjoy delicious, professional-level steaks from the comfort of your kitchen!