Sounds to me that you dropped a dry steak into hot oil made of steel? If it was you hand? what do you think would happen? Also, was your steak at room temp? Did you oil it? What was the temp of the oil? Did you use the right pan? I do admit, a steak in a fry pan is one of the hardest things to cook well and be consistent at it. A matter of seconds can make or break a good rib-eye! Case iron is my choice, fast and hot! Well seasoned ,but first coated with oil and rubbed in.Oil hot, but not smoking. 1" rib-eye, 3 mins per side. Let it rest at least 5 minutes covered in foil. What a difference in the texture.