Pan-Seared Steaks

1. Heat your cast iron skillet at high for 3-5 minutes.
2. Rinse your steaks and dry with paper towels. Salt and pepper each side (apply generously).
3. Add 1-2 tsp of vegetable oil on each side.
4. Place steaks in your cast iron skillet and reduce heat to medium-high. I cook a 1 1/4 inch steak for 6 minutes on the first side and for 5 minutes on the second side for medium. I would adjust up or down depending on your preference.
5. After both sides are seared, sear the thin sides of your steaks using your tongs to hold them up, for 30 seconds to 1 minute each side.
6. Remove steaks from skillet and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes.

Tips:

Allow your steaks to sit on the counter for at least 15-30 minutes (or even longer). I have read this and seen on a lot of Food Network cooking shows. The colder your steak when you cook it, the more it will seize up when it hits the hot skillet, causing it to be tough.

Don't move your steaks until the allotted time is up, you want those great sear marks, you won't get them if you move your steaks a lot.

If your steaks are different sizes, you may need to flip one before the other and remove one from the skillet before the other.

Always, always allow your meat to rest after cooking (before cutting or slicing). This allows the meat to retain its juices and stay moist. If you cut too early, you may have a dry steak.