Every time I make these Classic New York Strip Steaks, it reminds me of family gatherings and special celebrations. The rich, savory aroma wafting through the kitchen brings back memories of barbecues in our backyard, laughter echoing, and my children running around with joy. There’s just something magical about a perfectly cooked steak that makes everyone gather around the table, eager for a taste of the deliciousness to come. When I serve these steaks, I feel the warmth of our family tradition and know that you will experience this same feeling when you try it yourself.
How to make Classic New York Strip Steaks
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount |
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New York strip steaks | 2 |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
Salt | to taste |
Pepper | to taste |
Garlic herb butter | 4 tablespoons |
Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
Fresh herbs | for basting (like thyme or rosemary) |
Personal note: I love adding fresh herbs like rosemary—it makes the steaks smell and taste amazing!
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Prepare the Steaks
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, you want to pull your New York strip steaks out of the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial, as it allows the meat to cook more evenly. Trust me; you’ll be happier with the final result!
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Seasoning Your Steaks
While you’re waiting, go ahead and season the steaks generously with salt and pepper. This is where the magic begins! The seasoning helps enhance the natural flavors of the meat and will create that beautiful crust you’re going to love.
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Heat Up Your Skillet
Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat—this will help you achieve that perfect sear. You should hear a sizzle as soon as the steak hits the pan; that’s how you know it’s hot enough!
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Add Olive Oil
Once your skillet is hot, drizzle in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. This step is essential because it prevents the steaks from sticking to the skillet and adds some richness to the flavor.
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Sear the Steaks
Place the seasoned strips into the pan and listen to that glorious sizzle! Sear for about 4-5 minutes on one side without moving them. The key is to be patient—don’t worry if you see smoke; that’s just hiding all that delicious flavor.
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Flip and Cook Other Side
After about 4-5 minutes, it’s time to flip the steaks. Cook them for another 4-5 minutes for that perfect medium-rare doneness. If you like your steak a little more cooked, feel free to add a minute or two to your cooking time.
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Add Garlic Herb Butter
In the final minute of cooking, it’s time to elevate your steaks to gourmet status! Drop in the garlic herb butter along with the minced garlic. Let that melt into the pan and stir it all together with a spoon. This is personally one of my favorite parts—it fills the kitchen with the most aromatic scent.
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Baste the Steaks
With the melted butter, carefully spoon that golden goodness over the steaks as they cook. This basting step not only adds flavor but also keeps the meat juicy and tender.
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Let Them Rest
When your steaks are done cooking, carefully remove them from the skillet and place them on a cutting board. It’s important to let them rest for at least 5 minutes. Resting helps to lock in those lovely juices, so you don’t want to skip this step!
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Slice and Serve
Finally, it’s time to enjoy! Slice the steaks against the grain to ensure they’re tender and easy to chew. Serve them with that scrumptious garlic herb butter drizzled on top, and watch everyone gather around!
Why I Love Making This Dish
There’s something truly satisfying about cooking a delicious steak that I just can’t put into words. The sizzle, the smell, and the way it brings family together really makes my heart sing. When my family sees me preparing these Classic New York Strip Steaks, there’s always a buzz of excitement in the air. It’s not just a dinner; it’s a chance to connect, share stories, and enjoy a hearty meal that feels like a hug on a plate.
Aside from your amazing steaks and those simple ingredients, you’ll want to make sure you have a nice cast iron skillet. You can really use any heavy skillet, but I love the way a cast iron pan retains heat and distributes it evenly. It’s been a kitchen friend of mine for years!
Step-by-Step Guide
- Preheat your skillet to ensure a good sear. Trust me, this is key for that crispy crust!
- Let your steaks reach room temperature for even cooking.
- Don’t forget to season well; this is essential for flavor!
- Use high-quality garlic herb butter; your taste buds will thank you!
Tips for Perfect Results
- If you find yourself with leftover herb butter, don’t throw it away! You can store it in the fridge and use it for other dishes like vegetables or pasta.
- A meat thermometer can help you get your steaks exactly how you like them. Aim for around 130°F for medium-rare and 140°F for medium.
- Want to add some more flavor? Feel free to toss in a sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme into the skillet as the steaks cook.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
When it comes to sides, I believe in keeping it simple and delicious. A fresh garden salad or some creamy mashed potatoes perfectly complements your Classic New York Strip Steaks. Sometimes, I even whip up some grilled asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts for that healthy touch.
Don’t forget a lovely red wine to accompany your meal! It really enhances the flavors and makes dinner feel extra special.
Leftovers
If you’re fortunate enough to have any leftovers (which can be a rarity in my house), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheating them can be tricky, so I recommend using a skillet over low heat to keep them juicy instead of popping them in the microwave.
Emotional Engagement
You’re going to love how these Classic New York Strip Steaks turn out! When I made this for my family last week, they couldn’t stop talking about how tender and flavorful the steaks were. Watching them enjoy something I made with love warms my heart. Honestly, there’s just something special about a good steak dinner that connects us all. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!