Instructions

• Generously season steak(s) all over with salt and pepper.
• If desired, set steak(s) on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet and refrigerate, uncovered, overnight to dry out the exterior.
• Otherwise, proceed with the next step.
• If Cooking in the Oven
• Set steak(s) on a wire rack set in a rimmed baking sheet.
• Preheat oven to anywhere between 200 and 275°F (93 and 135°C); if your oven goes lower, you can set it to an even lower temperature, though it will take longer to cook.
• Place steak(s) in the oven and cook until an instant-read thermometer registers 105°F (41°C) for rare, 115°F (46°C) for medium-rare, 125°F (52°C) for medium, or 135°F (57°C) for medium-well.
• This will take about 20 minutes for rare steak and up to about 40 minutes for medium-well; cooking time can vary dramatically depending on many factors, so check often.
• Just before steak(s) come out of the oven, add 1 tablespoon (15ml) oil to a cast iron, carbon steel, or heavy stainless steel skillet and heat over high heat until smoking.
• Add steak(s) and butter to skillet and cook until each side is well browned, about 45 seconds per side.
• Using tongs, hold steak(s) sideways to sear edges.
• Serve right away; there's no need to let reverse-seared steaks rest.
• If Cooking on the Grill
• Light one chimney full of charcoal.
• When all the charcoal is lit and covered with gray ash, pour out and spread the coals evenly over half of coal grate.
• Alternatively, set half the burners of a gas grill to high heat.
• Set cooking grate in place, cover grill, and allow to preheat for 5 minutes.
• Clean and oil grilling grate.
• Set steak(s) on cooler side of grill and let cook uncovered, turning occasionally, until an instant-read thermometer registers 105°F (41°C) for rare, 115°F (46°C) for medium-rare, 125°F (52°C) for medium, or 135°F (57°C) for medium-well.
• Cooking time can vary greatly, so check the steaks often.
• Transfer steak(s) to a platter and tent with foil.
• If you are using a charcoal grill and your coals have died down, build up the biggest fire you can.
• If using a gas grill, make sure all burners are turned to their highest heat and allow the grill to preheat with the lid closed.
• Return steak(s) to the hottest part of the grill and cook, turning frequently, until crisp and charred all over, about 1 1/2 minutes total.
• Serve right away.
• Note: For approximate cooking times, see the chart above.