How I cook my steak

How I cook my steak is a medium American recipe that serves 1. 610 calories per serving. Recipe by Lisa Nguyen on YouTube.

Prep: 35 min | Cook: 13 min | Total: 58 min

Cost: $130.70 total, $130.70 per serving

Ingredients

  • 12 oz Kansas City Strip Steak (about 1 inch thick, room temperature after resting)
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt (season both sides)
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground, optional)
  • 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder (optional)
  • 1 tbsp Canola Oil (high smoke‑point oil for searing)
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (for basting, cut into small pieces)
  • 1 sprig Fresh Rosemary (whole sprig, added with butter)
  • 1 sprig Fresh Thyme (whole sprig, added with butter)

Instructions

  1. Bring Steak to Room Temperature

    Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit on a plate for about 30 minutes so the center warms slightly.

    Time: PT30M

  2. Pat Dry and Season

    Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Sprinkle kosher salt on both sides (add pepper and garlic powder if desired) and let it sit briefly.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Heat Skillet and Render Fat

    Place the cast‑iron skillet over high heat, add 1 tbsp canola oil. When the oil shimmers, lay the steak fat‑side down, press with the chef's press to maximize contact, and cook for about 1½ minutes until the fat renders.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: High

  4. Flip and Sear Other Side

    Flip the steak using tongs, cook the meat side for roughly 1 minute. Lift the steak briefly to move the rendered fat around, then place it back.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: High

  5. Add Butter and Herbs, Baste

    Reduce heat to medium, add the butter, rosemary sprig, and thyme sprig. As the butter melts, tilt the pan and use a spoon to baste the steak continuously for about 1 minute per side, repeating once (total ~2 minutes per side).

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Medium

  6. Check Internal Temperature

    Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak; aim for 125‑130°F for medium‑rare.

    Time: PT1M

  7. Rest the Steak

    Transfer the steak to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 8 minutes.

    Time: PT8M

  8. Slice Against the Grain

    Using a sharp knife, slice the steak thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
610
Protein
55 g
Carbohydrates
0 g
Fat
42 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Keto, High-Protein

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

How I cook my steak

Recipe by Lisa Nguyen

A quick, flavorful pan‑seared Kansas City strip steak seasoned simply with salt and finished with butter, rosemary, and thyme. Perfect for topping ramen or serving as a standalone main course.

MediumAmericanServes 1

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
50m
Prep
4m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 4m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$130.70
Total cost
$130.70
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Bring Steak to Room Temperature
  • Pat Dry and Season
  • Heat Skillet and Render Fat
  • Add Butter and Herbs, Baste
  • Check Internal Temperature

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot skillet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Be cautious of oil splatter when adding the steak.
  • Use a meat thermometer to prevent under‑ or over‑cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of pan‑seared steak in American cuisine?

A

Pan‑seared steak is a staple of American home cooking, reflecting the country’s love for beef and straightforward, flavorful preparations. It became popular with the rise of cast‑iron cookware in the early 20th century, allowing home cooks to achieve restaurant‑quality crusts.

cultural
Q

What regional variations exist for steak dishes in the United States?

A

Different regions favor distinct cuts and sauces: the Southwest loves chili‑rubbed flank, the Midwest often serves steak with mushroom gravy, and the Pacific Northwest highlights herb‑butter basting like in this recipe. Each reflects local tastes and ingredient availability.

cultural
Q

How is a Kansas City strip steak traditionally served in American steakhouse culture?

A

In classic American steakhouses, a Kansas City strip is usually grilled or broiled, seasoned simply with salt and pepper, and served whole with a side of steak sauce or compound butter. It’s often accompanied by potatoes and seasonal vegetables.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is a perfectly cooked steak like this commonly associated with in American culture?

A

A well‑seared steak is a centerpiece for holidays such as Independence Day barbecues, family birthdays, and weekend dinner gatherings, symbolizing indulgence and celebration.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this pan‑seared Kansas City strip steak?

A

Common errors include cooking a wet steak (which prevents a crust), using a pan that isn’t hot enough, over‑basting with butter at high heat (causing it to burn), and cutting the steak before it rests. Following the temperature and timing guidelines prevents these issues.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a chef's press instead of simply pressing with a spatula?

A

A chef's press provides even, firm pressure across the entire surface, ensuring maximum contact between the meat and pan for uniform fat rendering and crust formation, which a spatula may not achieve as consistently.

technical
Q

Can I make this steak ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can season the steak up to an hour ahead and keep it refrigerated. After cooking, let it rest, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently in a skillet or oven.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the steak is properly seared?

A

A good sear shows a deep, caramelized brown crust with a slight crusty edge, while the interior remains pink‑red for medium‑rare. The butter‑herb glaze should give a glossy finish.

technical
Q

How do I know when the steak is done cooking without a thermometer?

A

If you don’t have a thermometer, press the steak gently; a medium‑rare steak should feel like the fleshy part of your hand beneath the thumb when your thumb and middle finger touch. However, a thermometer gives the most reliable result.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Lisa Nguyen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Lisa Nguyen focuses on quick, flavorful home‑cooked meals often inspired by Asian and Western fusion, emphasizing simple techniques that fit a busy lifestyle.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Lisa Nguyen's approach to steak cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Lisa Nguyen emphasizes minimal seasoning and high‑heat searing with a chef's press, integrating the steak into broader dishes like ramen, whereas many other channels may rely on grilling or heavy marinades.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Classic French Steak Tartare
47

Classic French Steak Tartare

A traditional French steak tartare made with hand-chopped fillet of beef, seasoned with anchovy, capers, gherkins, shallots, Dijon mustard, egg yolk, olive oil, and a touch of Worcestershire sauce. Served as a main course, often accompanied by French fries and salad.

45 minServes 2$22
French
Steak and Ale Pie with Beef Cheek and Short Ribs
2.6k

Steak and Ale Pie with Beef Cheek and Short Ribs

A luxurious British steak and ale pie featuring bone‑in short ribs and tender beef cheek, braised low and slow in Guinness stout and red wine, finished with a rich gravy and a buttery short‑crust pastry. Perfect for a comforting dinner or special occasion.

12 hrs 31 minServes 6$203
British
Steak and Onion Pie with Hot Water Crust Pastry
49

Steak and Onion Pie with Hot Water Crust Pastry

A classic British steak and onion pie made with a sturdy hot‑water‑crust pastry. Lean diced rump steak is simmered in beef stock with onions until tender, then encased in a buttery, flaky crust and baked to golden perfection. Served with a rich, glossy gravy.

5 hrs 55 minServes 6$10
British
Reverse-Seared Bone-In Ribeye Steak (for Two)
54

Reverse-Seared Bone-In Ribeye Steak (for Two)

A step‑by‑step guide to Kenji López‑Alt’s classic reverse‑sear method for a thick, bone‑in ribeye. Season heavily, let the salt work its magic, cook low and slow in the oven, then finish with a blistering sear in a hot cast‑iron pan with butter, garlic, shallots and thyme. Perfectly even medium‑rare from edge to center, served with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

3 hrs 18 minServes 2$41
American
This Creamy Steak Mushroom Pasta Is The Best Pasta I've Ever Made
54

This Creamy Steak Mushroom Pasta Is The Best Pasta I've Ever Made

A rich, restaurant‑style pasta tossed with seared flank steak, earthy cremini mushrooms, and a silky bourbon‑infused cream sauce. The dish balances the deep flavor of bourbon and beef stock with the brightness of parsley and Parmesan, making it perfect for a comforting dinner.

1 hr 44 minServes 4$36
Italian-American
The 5 Steak Sauces Every Chef Needs to Learn
36

The 5 Steak Sauces Every Chef Needs to Learn

A comprehensive guide to six classic steak sauces featured on the Fallow YouTube channel: Béarnaise (Bernese), Red Wine Reduction, Chimichurri, Café de Paris Butter, and Peppercorn (Steak au Poivre). Includes step‑by‑step instructions, ingredient costs, equipment, storage, and troubleshooting so home cooks can recreate restaurant‑quality sauces.

2 hrs 5 minServes 4$28
International