Meat Technique: Pan-Roasting Steaks with Butter Basting
Pan-roasting steaks with butter basting is a technique that marries the intense sear of high-heat cooking with the rich, nutty flavor of melted butter. This method is perfect for achieving a deeply caramelized crust while keeping the interior of your steak juicy and tender. The process starts with a hot skillet to sear the steak, locking in the juices and creating a flavorful crust through the Maillard reaction. Once the steak has developed its initial sear, you reduce the heat and add aromatic ingredients like garlic and herbs into the melted butter. Continuously spooning the butter and aromatics over the steak infuses it with flavor and helps to gently finish cooking the interior to your desired doneness. Butter basting is particularly effective with thicker cuts like New York strip or ribeye, which benefit from a prolonged cooking time to reach medium-rare without drying out. The result is a steak that's richly flavored, evenly cooked, and elegantly simple to prepare. This technique is accessible to home cooks and elevates the humble steak to restaurant quality.
Notes
The science behind pan-roasting with butter basting lies in the combination of high heat for searing and gentle basting for flavor infusion. The Maillard reaction is responsible for the steak's flavorful crust, while basting helps to evenly cook the steak and impart rich buttery notes. Common mistakes include overcrowding the skillet, which lowers the temperature and inhibits proper searing, and using butter too early, which can burn due to its lower smoke point. To avoid these, ensure the skillet is hot enough before adding the steak and use oil for the initial sear. For safety, always use oven mitts when handling hot skillets and be cautious of splattering butter. This steak can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a warm oven to preserve its texture.
Steps
- 1 Preheat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat until it is very hot.
- 2 Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
- 3 Add a high smoke point oil to the skillet, then sear the steaks for 2-3 minutes per side to form a crust.
- 4 Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F for 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
- 5 While the steak is in the oven, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- 6 Add aromatics like 2 cloves of smashed garlic and a few sprigs of fresh thyme to the melted butter.
- 7 Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the oven and place it back on the stovetop over medium heat.
- 8 Tilt the skillet and spoon the melted butter and aromatics over the steak continuously for 1-2 minutes.
- 9 Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F for medium-rare.
- 10 Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- 11 Discard any remaining butter mixture after use.
- 12 Serve the steak immediately, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Ingredients to explore
00 Pizza Flour
00 pizza flour is a finely milled Italian flour prized for its versatility in creating authentic Neapolitan-style pizza crusts. Originating from Italy, it is milled to a very fine consistency, which is reflected in its name, 'doppio zero,' indicating its fine grind. This flour has a balanced flavor profile, offering a mild, slightly sweet taste with a subtle nuttiness. Its texture is silky and smooth, contributing to a tender yet chewy crust when used in pizza making. In cooking, 00 pizza flour is known for its ability to hydrate quickly and develop a desirable gluten structure, resulting in a light and airy crust that can withstand high-heat cooking without becoming overly crispy or hard.
Active Dry Yeast
A fine, granulated leavening agent that brings baked goods to life with its gentle fermentation magic.
Recipes to try
Maple Mustard Pork Chops with Apple Slaw
Tender pork chops kissed with a tangy maple mustard glaze, served alongside a crisp, sweet-tart apple slaw.
Warm Quinoa Salad with Roasted Squash and Cranberries
A cozy mix of nutty quinoa, tender roasted squash, and sweet cranberries makes this salad a fall favorite.