Cold-Seared Strip Steak (No Oil)

Cold-Seared Strip Steak (No Oil) is a medium American recipe that serves 2. 800 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 5 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $24.15 total, $12.08 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 steak Strip Steak (Boneless, about 1.5 inches thick, ~12 oz each)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground, coarse)
  • to taste pinch Coarse Sea Salt (For finishing, adds crunch)

Instructions

  1. Pat dry and season

    Remove steaks from the fridge, pat them completely dry with paper towels, then sprinkle each side with about ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Preheat skillet

    Place the non‑stick skillet on the stove over high heat. Let it heat until it begins to smoke heavily (about 2 minutes).

    Time: PT2M

  3. First side sear

    Lay one steak in the hot, dry skillet. Let it cook undisturbed for 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Flip and sear other side

    Using tongs, flip the steak and sear the opposite side for another 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Reduce heat and continue cooking

    Turn the burner down to medium. Continue cooking, flipping every 2 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (for medium‑rare). This usually takes about 8 minutes, but check with a thermometer.

    Time: PT8M

  6. Check doneness

    Insert an instant‑read thermometer into the side of the steak (avoid the bone). When it reads 125°F, remove the steak.

    Time: PT1M

    Temperature: 125°F

  7. Rest the steak

    Transfer the steak to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Slice and finish

    Slice the steak against the grain, sprinkle with a pinch of coarse sea salt, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
800
Protein
70 g
Carbohydrates
0 g
Fat
55 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Paleo, Keto

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Cold-Seared Strip Steak (No Oil)

Recipe by America's Test Kitchen

A quick, mess‑free method for perfectly cooked strip steaks with a deep, flavorful crust. The steak is seasoned only with pepper, seared in a hot non‑stick skillet without oil, then finished on medium heat while flipping every two minutes until the interior reaches a perfect medium‑rare 125°F. Rest briefly, finish with flaky coarse salt, and serve.

MediumAmericanServes 2

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Source Video
17m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
37m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$24.15
Total cost
$12.08
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Pat the steak completely dry before cooking.
  • Preheat the skillet until it is smoking hot.
  • Flip the steak only once per sear stage.
  • Reduce heat to medium and flip every two minutes.
  • Monitor internal temperature closely (125°F for medium‑rare).
  • Rest the steak for at least five minutes before slicing.

Safety Warnings

  • The skillet will be extremely hot; use oven mitts.
  • Watch for smoke; keep a window open or fan on.
  • Handle the thermometer carefully to avoid burns.

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