How To Cook A Perfect Steak

Steak Marinade, optional:

1. Combine all the ingredients, stir, and pour over the meat. Marinate for 1 to 24 hours.
2. Discard the marinade after using. However, extra unused (never touched the meet) marinade can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Steak:

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F and heat a a cast iron skillet to sizzling, either in the hot oven or on the stovetop.*
2. Pat the steaks dry and if you prefer, you can rub a small amount of olive oil over the steaks. 
3. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
4. Place the steaks in the sizzling hot skillet, making sure that they're not touching or crowded.
5. Let the steaks cook for about 2 minutes before testing to see if they move easily in the pan. If they are stuck, do not try and unstick them. They are not ready yet.  Do not press on the steaks while cooking. This will press the natural juices out. Just let them be.
6. When the steak comes loose from the pan, flip it over, and cook the other side until it comes loose. 
7. Use tongs and hold so the sides of the steak get charred all the way around.
8. If you like a rare steak, you can stop here. However first, just add some butter to the top of each steak (about 1 1/2 tablespoons each; a generous pat of butter) and let it melt, add some minced garlic (about 1/2 teaspoon each) and let it sit and “cook” a bit on top of the meat. 
9. Remove the meat from the skillet and let it rest for 5 to 7 minutes before cutting so the juices will stay in the meat keeping it moist and delicious.
10. If you like a steak more medium to well done, place the skillet in the oven for 3 to 10 minutes. 
11. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The meat should be 5°F less than the temperature you ultimately want because it will continue to cook (carryover cooking) even when it is removed from the oven.
12. Remove the skillet from the oven, put butter and garlic on top of each steak divided evenly, and allow the butter to melt, adding to the caramelization and the flavor. As the butter melts, you can spoon some back on top for a bit to keep it marinating in the butter.
13. After the butter has melted, take the steak out of the skillet, and allow it to rest for 5 minutes on a cutting board or plate, and it will be perfect when you slice it.
14. Serve with your favorite side dish such as The Best Mashed Potatoes. Leftover steak may be stored airtight in the fridge for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 2 months however steak is always best freshly cooked.