How to Make a Pittsburgh Black and Blue Steak

The people of Pittsburgh take their regional cuisine very seriously. Black and Blue Steak is no exception. A Black and Blue Steak is pan-fried completely black on the outside, while remaining almost completely raw on the inside.

Things You'll Need

• 1 16 oz. steak (approximately 1 1/2 inches thick)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Cast-Iron Skillet

Instructions

How to Make a Pittsburgh Black and Blue Steak

1. Turn on the ventilation fans in your kitchen, and open all of the windows. This recipe generates a great deal of smoke.

2. Turn your stove's burner on its highest setting. Place the cast iron skillet on the burner, and allow it to heat for 5 minutes on the highest setting.

3. Rub both sides of the steak heavily with salt and pepper. Place the steak into the skillet.

4. Allow the steak to cook for 3 minutes per side.

5. Remove the steak from the skillet after it is thoroughly blackened on both sides. Serve immediately with blue cheese if you like, or just by itself with a green salad.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't want your house filling with smoke, or you don't think your stove is powerful enough to blacken the steak thoroughly, you can use your grill. Just put the cast iron skillet directly on the grill, close the lid, and heat on high for 15 minutes. Cook as normal.

• You may want to have a smoke detector handy. When cooking with high heat, it is possible that a wayward rag or cloth may contact the burner, and catch flame.