Best Way to Cook a Steak Without a Grill (on the Stove)

Craving a well-seared and seasoned steak but don’t have a grill? No problem. There is an easy way to cook a steak without one. Here’s the best method for cooking steaks indoors so you can enjoy that perfect, grilled flavor all year round! All you need is the best cut of meat and a cast-iron pan.

How to Choose a Good Steak for Pan Frying

Before you start cooking steak on the stove, it is essential to have a good piece of meat. Look for steaks that are thick and well-marbled, with fat that renders or “melts” down during cooking. This rendering process adds flavor to the steak. Choose a steak that is at least one inch thick. This will prevent your steak from drying out. Selecting a thicker steak can also be delicious but will increase your cooking time.

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Consider these cuts of steak for the best results:

New York Strip Steak
T-Bone Steak
Skirt Steak
Filet Mignon
Porterhouse Steaks
Bone-In Steaks

Trim any extra fat from the steaks with a good knife as needed, but the marbling is important for a juicy steak.

What Kind of Pan is Best for Frying Steak?

It’s important to have fresh and well-marbled meat, but it is also important to have the right kind of pan for cooking your steak on the stove. I use a cast-iron skillet for this purpose as it cooks evenly and helps get that perfect sear. My favorite pans are this Lodge 10.5 inch and Staub 12 inch. Just be sure to leave plenty of space around each steak when you are frying them.

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How Do You Cook Steak in a Frying Pan?

Once you have your meat and a cast iron pan, you are ready to cook steak without a grill. Here’s the step-by-step process for the perfect steak.

Bring the meat to room temperature and season it well. Classic seasonings are salt, pepper, and garlic. If you’re feeling more adventurous, use a premade steak rub or make your own. I prefer to add a little oil and then the spices to my steak as this gives it a crust when you put it in the piping hot pan.

Preheat your cast iron skillet before adding the steak. Add oil and let the pan get really hot. The oil should glisten and may even be right at the smoking point. Having a hot pan ensures you get the seared finish with a nice crust and also keeps your steak from sticking to the pan.

Once you’ve added the steak, resist the urge to move it around too much. You want those juices to stay in the steak, not get jostled around. Let it cook for two to three minutes before flipping, and then cook for an additional two to three minutes on the other side. Use the tongs to hold the steak on its sides to get the all-over searing. Use a meat thermometer to test for doneness.

As the steak is cooking in your cast iron pan, use a spoon or basting brush to take the oil and juices to rejuvenate the steak. This cooks in even more flavor.

For the last few minutes of cooking, add a few fresh aromatics such as rosemary to add extra flavor and the freshness improves the presentation, too.

Finally, don’t overcrowd the pan – give each steak plenty of room to cook evenly. When it’s done, it should be a nice crispy brown on the outside and juicy on the inside. And that’s how you fry up a perfect steak!

Should I Use Oil or Butter for a Stovetop Steak?

Using oil or butter when you cook a steak on the stove will add flavor and also keep your steak juicy. Butter will give the steak a rich flavor, but it can quickly burn if the pan is too hot. Oil, on the other hand, can handle higher temperatures without burning. I prefer to use a blend of both butter and oil when pan-frying steak. Use the oil during the initial cooking. Add butter with the aromatics at the end of the cooking process. This gives the steak a flavorful crust while also ensuring that it remains tender and juicy on the inside.

Other people begin the cooking process with a combination of oil and butter in the pan. Try both ways and see which method you prefer.

How Long Should I Cook Steak on the Stove?

Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the steak reaches the desired level of doneness. If your steak is thick, it might take up to 10 minutes a side. Remove from the pan and let the steak rest on a cutting board for at least 5 and preferably 10 minutes before cutting into it. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat so that each bite is as flavorful as possible.

Note: The USDA recommends steak be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for safety. This is “medium”.

Best Spices For Pan-Fried Steak

When cooked properly, a great steak only requires kosher salt and black pepper for seasoning. Let the natural flavors stand out. However, if you are feeling up for something different, here’s a list of other steak seasonings to try:

Whichever spices you choose, make sure it complements the steak rather than overpower it. Choose a few side dishes and you will have dinner on the table in no time. If you need a good set of steak knives, these Zwillings are my fave.

What to Serve with Stovetop Steak?

Classic side dishes for steak might include baked potatoes, salad, and a dinner roll. Lucky for you, we have even more side dish ideas so you can get really creative.

Cooking a delicious steak without a grill doesn’t have to be complicated or require fancy equipment. All you need is a good pan, excellent cuts of steak, and some patience! You can have a tasty and juicy steak with just your stove. The best part is that cleanup is a breeze since you only dirtied one pan instead of having to clean both the grill and your indoor stovetop. Go ahead and give it a try next time you’re in the mood for steak!

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