Ribeye Steak
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick, 8-12 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)
Preparation
Step 1: Bring the Steaks to Room Temperature
- Remove the ribeye steaks from the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook more evenly.
Step 2: Season the Steaks
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
- Drizzle both sides of the steaks with olive oil.
- Generously season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. For extra flavor, you can also sprinkle some garlic powder or paprika.
Step 3: Preheat the Skillet or Grill
- Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes or preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- If using a skillet, make sure it’s hot before placing the steaks in.
Step 4: Cook the Steaks
- Place the steaks in the hot skillet or on the grill.
- For a skillet: Cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust the time for your desired level of doneness. Flip the steak only once.
- For a grill: Grill each side for 4-5 minutes for medium-rare, adjusting based on thickness.
Step 5: Add Butter and Aromatics
- In the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, add the butter, smashed garlic, and rosemary (or thyme) to the skillet.
- As the butter melts, tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to baste the butter over the steak. This adds flavor and helps achieve a beautiful crust.
Step 6: Rest the Steak
- Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the skillet or grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the steak.
Step 7: Serve
- Slice the ribeye against the grain and serve with your favorite sides.
Tips for Success
- Doneness: For more accuracy, use a meat thermometer. Aim for 120°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for well-done.
- Crust: Don’t overcrowd the pan or grill, as this can reduce the sear.
- Resting the Steak: Resting the steak ensures it stays juicy and tender.
Variations
- Garlic Herb Butter: Make a compound butter by mixing softened butter with minced garlic, fresh herbs, and a pinch of salt.
- Grilled Ribeye: For extra smoky flavor, cook the ribeye over a charcoal grill instead of a skillet.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning for a spicy finish.
Why You’ll Love Ribeye Steak
- Rich Flavor: Ribeye is known for its marbling, which results in a juicy, flavorful steak.
- Easy to Cook: With just a few simple ingredients, you can cook a restaurant-quality steak at home.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasonings and toppings to match your preferences for a perfect steak every time.
Enjoy your ribeye steak! 🥩