To achieve a delicious sear on steak using a cast iron pan, maintain the pan temperature between 280 and 330 degrees Fahrenheit. High temperatures can burn the outside while leaving the inside raw. The ideal stovetop setting is medium-low, around a dial setting of three to four. Using an infrared thermometer can help ensure the correct temperature. Additionally, choosing the right oil is crucial, as heating above 400 degrees can cause oils to burn and negatively affect the steak's flavor.
To get that beautiful sear on a steak, you want to keep your pan temperature between 280 and 330 degrees Fahrenheit - that is the sweet spot for triggering a Maillard reaction.
When cooking steak in a cast iron pan, your ideal setting is medium-low heat. If you have a 10-point dial, set it between three and four to ensure a temperature between 280 and 330 degrees Fahrenheit.
The best way to know for sure is to use an infrared thermometer to check your cast iron temperature.
Once you have the right temperature, you need the right oil too. This is another reason why heating above 400 degrees Fahrenheit can ruin your steak, as it's past the smoke point of many oils.
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