Rib-eye or filet mignon of similar thickness can be substituted for strip steaks. If using filet mignon, buying a 2-pound center-cut tenderloin roast and portioning it into four 8-ounce steaks yourself will produce more consistent results. If using filet mignon, increase the oven time by about 5 minutes. When cooking lean strip steaks (without an external fat cap) or filet mignon, add an extra tablespoon of oil to the pan. If desired, serve with a pan sauce, relish, or butter.
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 boneless strip steaks (1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches thick (about 1 pound each)
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Directions
- Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 275 degrees.
- Cut each 1-pound steak in half vertically to create four 8-ounce steaks. Pat steaks dry with paper towel. Season entire surface of steaks liberally with salt and pepper; gently press sides of steaks until uniform 1 1/2 inches thick. Place steaks on wire rack set in rimmed baking sheet; transfer baking sheet to oven. Cook until instant-read thermometer inserted in center of steak registers 90 to 95 degrees for rare to medium-rare, 20 to 25 minutes, or 100 to 105 degrees for medium, 25 to 30 minutes.
- Heat oil in 12-inch heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until smoking. Place steaks in skillet and sear steaks until well-browned and crusty, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, lifting once halfway through to redistribute fat underneath each steak. (Reduce heat if fond begins to burn.) Using tongs, turn steaks and cook until well browned on second side, 2 to 2 1/2 minutes. Transfer all steaks to wire cooling rack.
- Reduce heat under pan to medium. Stack two steaks together and using tongs to hold them together, sear the steaks on all sides until browned, about 1 1/2 minutes. Repeat with remaining 2 steaks.
- Transfer steaks to wire cooling rack and let rest, loosely tented with foil, for 10 minutes. Serve immediately.