Take the steaks out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Pat the steaks dry with kitchen towels to ensure a good sear.
Season both sides of each steak generously with salt and pepper.
Place the cast iron skillet on the stove over medium-high heat.
Allow the skillet to heat up for 3-5 minutes until it's very hot.
Add the cooking oil to the hot skillet, swirling to coat the bottom.
Gently place the seasoned steaks in the skillet using tongs.
Sear the steaks for 3-5 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred doneness. Adjust the time for more or less doneness.
Using the tongs, sear the edges of the steaks for about 1 minute to ensure an all-around flavorful crust.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For rare, aim for 125°F (52°C), medium-rare 135°F (57°C), medium 145°F (63°C), medium-well 150°F (66°C), well-done 160°F (71°C).
Transfer the cooked steaks to a plate or cutting board and let them rest for 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy result.
After resting, slice the steaks against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Serve immediately and enjoy your perfectly seared and seasoned cast iron skillet steak!