A perfectly cooked ribeye steak is a culinary delight, offering rich flavor and tenderness that’s hard to beat. This recipe focuses on a 24-ounce, 2-inch-thick ribeye steak, ensuring that it’s seasoned, seared, and cooked to perfection. Follow these steps to achieve a steakhouse-quality ribeye right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 (24-ounce) 2-inch-thick ribeye steak, at room temperature: The star of the dish, a well-marbled ribeye steak will provide excellent flavor and juiciness.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: For seasoning, which enhances the natural flavor of the steak.
- 1 tablespoon canola oil: Used for searing the steak; it has a high smoke point which is ideal for high-temperature cooking.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps to develop a delicious crust.
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed: Infuses the steak with aromatic flavor.
- 3 sprigs fresh thyme: Adds a subtle herbal note.
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary: Enhances the steak with a fragrant, woody flavor.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Steak:
- Bring to Room Temperature:
- Before cooking, allow the ribeye steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking.
- Season Generously:
- Season both sides of the steak liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. The seasoning will form a flavorful crust as the steak sears.
2. Preheat Your Pan:
- Heat the Skillet:
- Place a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over high heat. Allow it to become very hot before adding any oil.
- Add Canola Oil:
- Once the pan is hot, add 1 tablespoon of canola oil. Swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
3. Sear the Steak:
- Sear the First Side:
- Carefully place the steak in the hot skillet. Sear for about 4-5 minutes without moving it. This will develop a rich, caramelized crust.
- Flip and Sear the Other Side:
- Using tongs, flip the steak and sear the other side for an additional 4-5 minutes. Adjust the time based on your preferred level of doneness (e.g., rare, medium-rare, medium).
4. Add Flavorings:
- Butter and Aromatics:
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Allow it to melt and start to foam.
- Add the crushed garlic cloves, fresh thyme, and rosemary to the pan. As the butter melts, use a spoon to continuously baste the steak with the melted butter and aromatics. This infuses the steak with additional flavor and helps to develop a beautiful crust.
5. Check for Doneness:
- Use a Meat Thermometer:
- To ensure the steak is cooked to your liking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For reference, aim for 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, and 155°F for well-done.
6. Rest the Steak:
- Allow to Rest:
- Remove the steak from the skillet and place it on a cutting board or plate. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, ensuring it remains tender and juicy.
7. Slice and Serve:
- Slice Against the Grain:
- After resting, slice the steak against the grain to maximize tenderness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides or sauces.
Tips for a Perfect Ribeye Steak
- Room Temperature Steak: Bringing the steak to room temperature before cooking helps it cook more evenly.
- High Heat for Searing: Ensuring the skillet is very hot before adding the steak is crucial for achieving a good sear.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If cooking multiple steaks, ensure there’s enough space in the pan. Overcrowding can lower the pan temperature and prevent proper searing.
- Use a Thermometer: A meat thermometer is a reliable way to check doneness without cutting into the steak.
This ribeye steak recipe emphasizes simplicity and quality. With a few basic ingredients and proper technique, you can achieve a restaurant-quality steak right at home. The combination of searing, basting with butter, and letting the steak rest ensures a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve your ribeye with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete dining experience. Enjoy the rich, flavorful results of your perfectly cooked ribeye steak
