Are you ready to transform an ordinary dinner into a legendary cowboy-style feast? This Chuck Wagon Pan Fried Steak recipe is your ticket to culinary adventure, promising restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients and some classic cooking techniques, you'll create a meal that'll have your family and friends begging for seconds. Prepare to unlock the secrets of perfectly seared, juicy steaks that capture the rugged spirit of American cuisine!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 beef steaks
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove steaks from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat each steak dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a perfect golden-brown sear.
- Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, pressing the seasoning gently into the meat.
- Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until it's very hot and just starting to smoke.
- Add olive oil to the hot pan, swirling to coat the bottom evenly and prevent sticking.
- Carefully place steaks into the hot pan, ensuring they are not overcrowded to maintain proper heat circulation.
- Cook steaks for approximately 3-4 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a rich golden-brown crust to develop.
- Flip steaks using tongs and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, adjusting time based on desired doneness.
- For added flavor, add a pat of butter during the last minute of cooking and baste the steaks with the melted butter.
- Remove steaks from pan and let them rest on a cutting board for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Slice against the grain and serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs or a side of your choice.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your steaks sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution.
- Moisture Matters: Pat steaks completely dry before seasoning to achieve that coveted golden-brown crust.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Give each steak breathing room to maintain high heat and promote proper searing.
- Use a Heavy-Bottomed Skillet: Cast-iron or thick stainless steel pans provide the most consistent and intense heat.
- The Butter Baste Trick: Adding butter in the final minute of cooking creates an incredible flavor and helps develop a rich, glossy exterior.
- Rest Your Meat: Always let steaks rest 5-7 minutes after cooking to redistribute juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
- Slice Against the Grain: This simple technique guarantees the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
