
A historical main dish from The White House cook book; a comprehensive cyclopedia of information for the home .. (1913). Many prefer this manner of cooking steak rather than broiling or frying in a quantity of grease.
Preserved exactly as written in the original source
Take a smooth, thick-bottomed frying pan, scald it out with hot water, and wipe it dry
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Set it on the stove or range, and when very hot, rub it over the bottom with a rag dipped in butter
Place your steak or chops in it, turn often until cooked through
Take up on a warm platter, and season both sides with salt, pepper and butter
Serve hot
Modern guidance to help you succeed with this vintage recipe
Scalding and drying the pan creates an ultra-clean surface that prevents sticking without excess fat. The thin butter coating provides just enough lubrication while allowing direct metal-to-meat contact, which promotes superior browning through the Maillard reaction. Frequent turning ensures even heat distribution and prevents moisture loss by not allowing one side to overcook while waiting for the other to finish. Seasoning after cooking preserves the salt's ability to enhance flavor without drawing out moisture prematurely.
The steak should be cooked fresh and served immediately for best texture and temperature. However, you can bring the meat to room temperature up to 1 hour before cooking and have your pan preheated and ready.
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 250°F oven until just warmed through (about 10 minutes), or slice thinly and use cold in salads or sandwiches to avoid overcooking.
AI-generated tips from Chef Cecil's culinary database
The steak should be cooked fresh and served immediately for best texture and temperature. However, you can bring the meat to room temperature up to 1 hour before cooking and have your pan preheated and ready.
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 250°F oven until just warmed through (about 10 minutes), or slice thinly and use cold in salads or sandwiches to avoid overcooking.