Ingredients:
- 32–36 oz (900g – 1 kg) Porterhouse Steak, cut at least 1.5 inches thick
- 2 Tbsp Coarse Sea Salt (e.g., Diamond Crystal)
- 1 Tbsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 2 Tbsp High Smoke Point Oil (e.g., Grapeseed, Refined Avocado)
- 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter, cold and cubed
- 3 large cloves Garlic, smashed but kept whole
- 4 sprigs Fresh Thyme or Rosemary
Instructions:
- Pat the steak thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season generously and evenly on all sides (including the edges) with the coarse salt (dry brine).
- Place the salted steak, uncovered, on a wire rack set over a baking tray. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight.
- One hour before cooking, remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it sit on the counter until it reaches room temperature (temper the steak).
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place a heavy cast-iron skillet on the hob over high heat and let it preheat for 5–8 minutes until it is screaming hot.
- Add the high smoke point oil to the hot skillet. Carefully place the Porterhouse steak into the pan once the oil shimmers slightly.
- Sear for 3–4 minutes without moving it until a dark brown, deeply caramelized crust develops. Flip and sear the second side for 3 minutes. Optionally, sear the fat cap on the edges briefly.
- Immediately transfer the entire skillet into the preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 5–7 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the oven. Reduce the hob heat to medium-low. Add the cold butter cubes, smashed garlic, and herb sprigs to the skillet.
- Once the butter is melted and foaming, tilt the pan slightly. Using a large spoon, constantly scoop the foaming herb butter over the top of the steak for 60–90 seconds (basting).
- Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the tenderloin (fillet) side, avoiding the bone. Remove the steak immediately when it reaches 125–130°F (Medium-Rare) or 135–140°F (Medium), as it will continue cooking while resting.
- Transfer the steak to a clean cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest undisturbed for 10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute.
- Slice the steak off the bone first. Then slice the strip side and the fillet side against the grain. Drizzle with pan drippings and serve immediately.