Preheat your oven to 200C/400F. This temperature will ensure that your steak gets a nice sear and finishes cooking evenly in the oven. A hot oven is essential for a juicy steak.
Pat dry the cowboy steak with some paper towels. This is crucial as it helps to achieve a great sear by removing excess moisture. Moisture on the surface will steam the meat instead of sear it.
Generously sprinkle both sides of the steak with salt and black pepper. The seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor. Be liberal with the salt; it’s essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the meat.
Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat. Add the olive oil and wait until it starts to smoke. A good sear requires high heat, so don’t be afraid to crank it up.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the steak in the skillet. Sear it on all sides until it develops a beautiful golden crust—this should take about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want that caramelization to really enhance the flavor.
After forming a crust, place the steak on one side and cook for 3 minutes. Then, add the butter and rosemary to the pan. This will create a rich basting liquid that you can drizzle over the steak.
Flip the steak and cook for another 3 minutes, ensuring that the butter is coating the steak as it cooks. This step adds flavor and moisture to the meat.
Now it’s time to transfer your skillet to the preheated oven. Cook the steak for about 15 minutes for medium-rare. Keep an eye on it; cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your steak.
Remove the steak from the oven and cover it with foil. Let it rest for about 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring it's juicy and tender when you slice into it.
After resting, slice the steak against the grain and serve. Enjoy the fruits of your labor and watch as everyone savors each bite of your delicious Cowboy Steak.
