PAN-GRILLED STEAK (BIFTEK à LA PARRILLA)

Steps:

• Marinate the steaks in olive oil for at least 30 minutes.
• Drain off the oil - leaving a light film of oil on the steaks - and salt the steaks on both sides.
• Heat a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet over a high setting.
• When hot add the steaks and char on one side.
• Turn the heat down to medium and continue cooking for about 3 minutes for medium rare.
• Turn the steaks with tongs and turn up the heat to high.
• Be careful not to cut into the steaks while turning so that you don't lose any of the juices.
• Sear the second side of the steaks, then turn the heat to medium and cook for another 3 minutes to medium rare.
• Add 2 to 3 minutes per side for well-done steaks.
• Variations:.
• If using an electric oven broiler, char one side of the steaks on a high broil on a preheated broiler pan with the rack as close as possible to the broiler element.
• When browned, turn steaks with tongs and brown the other side.
• Total cooking time with this method is about 5 minutes per side for medium rare.
• Less time is required for gas broilers and outdoor charcoal barbecues.
• If using the latter, char meat directly on a rack over very hot coals on the hottest part of the barbecue, then move the meat to a cooler area of the rack over the drip pan leaving the barbecue lid open about one inch.
• Return the meat to the hotter area to char the second side and then move it back over the drip pan.