Here’s a recipe for a perfectly cooked ribeye steak:
Ingredients:
- 1 ribeye steak (about 1.5 inches thick)
- Salt (preferably kosher or sea salt)
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, smashed
- Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or a combination)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
- Bring to Room Temperature: Take the ribeye steak out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This ensures even cooking.
2. Season the Steak:
- Season Generously: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt will help to create a flavorful crust.
3. Preheat the Pan:
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until it’s very hot. You want the pan to be hot enough to create a good sear on the steak.
4. Cook the Steak:
- Add Olive Oil: Add the olive oil to the hot skillet. It should start to shimmer and slightly smoke.
- Sear the Steak: Place the steak in the skillet. Cook for about 2-3 minutes without moving it to develop a nice crust.
- Flip the Steak: Flip the steak and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side.
5. Add Butter and Aromatics:
- Add Butter and Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and smashed garlic cloves to the skillet.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Add the fresh herbs to the skillet.
- Baste the Steak: Tilt the skillet slightly and use a spoon to baste the steak with the melted butter, garlic, and herbs. Continue to cook the steak while basting for another 1-2 minutes.
6. Check for Doneness:
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be about 130°F (54°C). For medium, aim for 140°F (60°C). Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the heat.
7. Rest the Steak:
- Let it Rest: Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
8. Serve:
- Slice and Serve: Slice the steak against the grain and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Tips:
- Pan Sauce: You can make a quick pan sauce with the drippings by deglazing the skillet with a bit of beef broth, wine, or even some water, and reducing it until it thickens slightly. Pour over the steak for extra flavor.
- Grill Option: If you prefer grilling, you can follow similar steps using a preheated grill instead of a skillet.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked ribeye steak!