Barefoot Contessa'S Steakhouse Steaks

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

2. 2

   Heat a large, well-seasoned cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot, 5 to 7 minutes.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, pat the steaks dry with a paper towel and brush them lightly with vegetable oil.

4. 4

   Combine the fleur de sel and cracked pepper on a plate and roll the steaks in the mixture, pressing lightly to evenly coat all sides.

5. 5

   When the skillet is ready, add the steaks and sear them evenly on all sides for about 2 minutes per side, for a total of 10 minutes.

6. 6

   Top each steak with a tablespoon of butter, if using, and place the skillet in the oven.

7. 7

   Cook the steaks until they reach 120 degrees F for rare or 125 degrees F for medium-rare on an instant-read thermometer. (To test the steaks, insert the thermometer sideways to be sure you're actually testing the middle of the steak.)

8. 8

   Remove the steaks to a serving platter, cover tightly with aluminum foil and allow to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.