How to Cook the Steak in an Electric Skillet

Steak is a delicious and satisfying meal, but cooking it to perfection can be tricky. Using an electric skillet is one of the easiest and most foolproof ways to cook a juicy, flavorful steak with a nice sear. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about How to Cook the Steak in an Electric Skillet, from choosing the right cut of meat to getting the perfect level of doneness.

Table of Contents

Selecting the Best Cut of Steak for Electric Skillets

The first step is choosing the right cut of steak for electric skillet cooking. Here are some of the best options:

Ribeye

Ribeye is a flavorful, marbled cut that works very well in an electric skillet. The fat keeps the steak moist and tender. Go for a 1-1.5 inch thick ribeye for the best results.

New York Strip

Also known as a shell steak, the New York strip is tender and juicy. It has a thick band of fat running down one side that melts during cooking. Choose a 1-1.5 inch thick cut.

Filet Mignon

The filet mignon is a very tender cut from the tenderloin. It has little fat, so be careful not to overcook it. Go for a 1-2 inch thick filet.

Sirloin

Sirloin offers great flavor at a lower price point. It can become tough if overcooked, so get a 1-1.5 inch thick steak. Look for top sirloin for the most tender option.

Flank Steak

Flank steak has lots of intense beefy flavor. Just be sure to slice it against the grain after cooking. Choose a 3/4 to 1 inch thick flank steak.

Skirt Steak

Skirt steak is a thin, flavorful cut. It can toughen up quickly if overcooked. Get a 3/4 inch thick steak and slice against the grain.

Pro Tips for Preparing Steak for the Electric Skillet\

To get the most flavorful, tender steak from your electric skillet, follow these preparation tips:

Take the steak out of the fridge and let it come up to room temperature before cooking, about 30 minutes.
Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Any excess moisture can inhibit browning.
Trim off any excess fat or silver skin. Too much external fat can lead to flare ups.
Season the steak liberally with salt and pepper. For extra flavor, use a steak rub or fresh herbs.
For a restaurant-quality crust, brush the steak lightly with oil. This helps promote browning and caramelization.
Consider using a marinade or injecting a flavorful liquid like beef broth into the steak before cooking for extra moisture and taste.

Heating the Electric Skillet for Steak Perfection

Preheating your electric skillet properly is key to getting an evenly cooked, seared exterior on your steak. Here are some tips:

Heat the skillet over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes before adding steak.
Use an instant read thermometer to check that the skillet reaches between 325-375°F. This is the ideal temp range for searing steak.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet – cook just 1 or 2 steaks at a time for the best results.
If cooking multiple batches, let the skillet reheat for a minute or two between each batch.
Add a teaspoon of oil or butter to the preheated skillet and swirl to coat right before adding the steak. This will help enhance browning.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Steak in an Electric Skillet

Follow these simple steps for perfect steak every time with your electric skillet:

Preheat your electric skillet over medium-high heat for 5-10 minutes. Use a thermometer to check it reaches 325-375°F.
Pat steak dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
Optionally, brush lightly with oil.
When the skillet is preheated, add 1 tsp. oil or butter and swirl to coat the surface.
Carefully lay the steak in the skillet. Don’t move or flip it for 3-4 minutes to get a good sear.
Flip the steak over using tongs. Cook 3-4 minutes on the second side.
Check for doneness using an instant read thermometer. For medium-rare, take it off at 125°F. For medium, cook to 135°F.
Transfer steak to a plate and let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Getting the Doneness Just Right

Cooking your steak to the perfect level of doneness is easy with an electric skillet and instant read thermometer. Here are the target temperatures:

Rare: 120-125°F – The steak will be cool, red center
Medium Rare: 130-135°F – Warm, reddish-pink center
Medium: 135-145°F – Hot, pink center
Medium Well: 145-155°F – Slightly pink center
Well Done: 155°F and above – No pink remaining

Use the thermometer to check the thickest part of the steak, avoiding bone or fat. Remove from the skillet when it’s 5°F below your desired doneness to account for carryover cooking.

Flavor Boosting Ideas and Toppings

There are lots of ways to infuse extra flavor into your electric skillet steak:

Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage to the hot skillet to let them sizzle and impart flavor.
Rub the steak with garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, or other spices before cooking.
Brush the steak with barbecue sauce, steak sauce, or compound butter during the last minute of cooking.
Top with sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or bleu cheese crumbles after cooking.
Drizzle with chimichurri sauce, peppercorn sauce, or flavored butter for serving.
For steak fajitas or stir fry, slice the cooked steak thinly across the grain and toss with veggies and sauce.

Cleaning and Caring for Your Electric Skillet

To keep your electric skillet in top shape for steak and other recipes:

Unplug and allow the skillet to cool completely before cleaning.
Wipe out any grease or food debris with paper towels. Avoid abrasive scrubbers.
If needed, use hot water and mild dish soap with a soft sponge or cloth to clean. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Thoroughly dry all surfaces before storing. Leaving moisture can damage the nonstick coating.
Rub occasionally with cooking oil to recondition the cooking surface.
Store with the lid on in a clean, dry spot.

Following this guide will have you serving up restaurant-worthy steaks from the convenience of your electric skillet. Let the steak rest before slicing, then dig into a perfectly cooked, juicy steak. Enjoy this How to Cook the Steak in an Electric Skillet step-by-step guide! And if you’re looking to elevate your steak-cooking game even further, consider investing in the Best Cast Iron Skillet for Steak. The right cast iron skillet can make all the difference in achieving that ideal sear and flavor. Click here to discover the Best Cast Iron Skillet for Steak and transform your home-cooked steaks into culinary masterpieces!