Medium-Rare NY Strip Steak

How to Keep Strip Steak Medium Rare

A medium-rare strip steak should have a browned crust and a warm red center. The meat should be juicy, tender, and easy to slice.

For best results, pull the steak from the skillet at 125°F to 130°F. Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. The temperature will continue to rise as it rests and should finish around 130°F to 135°F.

Do not wait until the steak reaches 135°F in the pan. By the time it rests, it may be closer to medium.

Can You Check Steak Without a Thermometer?

You can check steak by touch, but a thermometer is more accurate.

For medium rare, the center should feel gently springy, not firm. If you are new to cooking steak, use an instant-read thermometer so you do not overcook it.

Why Steak Is One of My Favorite Meals

When I eat a good steak, I feel satisfied. I'm not hungry an hour later, and I have steady energy. Isn't that how a real meal is supposed to feel?

This is one of my favorite meals for lunch or dinner, and sometimes even breakfast. A strip steak cooks fast, especially in a hot skillet, so you can have a fresh meal on the table in about 10 minutes.

Steak is packed with protein and does not need much to taste good. A little salt, pepper, and a hot pan are enough.

If you have food sensitivities, steak can be a simple option. It is naturally gluten-free, low-carb, keto-friendly, and low FODMAP when cooked plain. If you are lactose intolerant, skip the butter and use olive oil, avocado oil, or beef tallow instead.

For the best flavor, choose a good-quality steak and cook it just until medium rare.

How To Pan Sear Strip Steak

Start by letting your steak come to room temperature, then pat it dry and season it generously with salt (and pepper, if you like).

Heat a high-smoke-point oil (avocado oil or vegetable oil) in a skillet until it shimmers, then sear the steak without moving it for 3 minutes per side.

In the final minute, baste the steak, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice and pour the pan juices over the top.

What You Need

The New York strip steak is cut from the top loin, which is part of the short loin. It is a tender, boneless cut from the top loin, often found on one side of a T-bone or Porterhouse, opposite the filet mignon.

Also called a Kansas City strip, strip loin or simply strip steak, it's best cooked quickly over high heat in a heavy bottomed skillet.

• Boneless New York strip steak
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Oil
• Unsalted butter (optional)

Pan Seared New York Strip Steak

• Bring the steak to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt.
• When you're ready to cook, season the steak with black pepper.
• Heat a tablespoon of oil in a stainless steel or cast iron skillet. Tilt the pan to coat it evenly. Turn the heat up to medium-high.
• Add the steak to the pan and cook for 3 minutes.
• Flip the steak and cook for another 3 minutes.
• Check the center with an instant-read thermometer. For medium rare, pull the steak from the pan at 125°F to 130°F. If it is not close, flip it and cook for another minute or so.
• When the steak is almost done, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan. Tilt the pan and spoon the hot butter over the steak a few times.
• Remove the steak to a cutting board or plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. The temperature will rise as it rests.
• Slice into half-inch strips and enjoy!

Sides For Strip Steak

Here are some healthy sides for steak:

• Steamed Shrimp (high protein)
• Guacamole or avocado slices
• Steamed Carrots
• Boiled Cauliflower
• Roasted Cauliflower and Carrots
• Horseradish Sauce for Steak
• Sautéed White Button Mushrooms
• Fresh Fruit: Fresh papaya, pineapple, or green apple
• Fried Eggs: Fry an egg in butter and place it over the top of the steak for an extra 6 grams of protein.

Storage and Reheating

Store the cooked steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

You can reheat the steak in a small skillet with a little butter.

To microwave, cut the steak into ½ inch strips, spread them out on a plate and heat for 30 seconds.

Pan-Seared Strip Steak

This easy steak recipe is quick to make, high in protein, and leaves you feeling full and energized.

With just salt, pepper, butter, and a hot skillet, you'll have a medium-rare steak on the table in under 10 minutes. Pair it with simple sides like steamed veggies, fruit, or a fried egg for a very filling meal.

For more simple steak dinners like this one, see my Easy Steak Recipes for Dinner.