Perfect Ribeye Steak

Step 1: Preparing the Steaks

1. Bring to Room Temperature: Remove the ribeye steaks from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This helps the steak cook evenly.
2. Season Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Press the seasonings into the meat to ensure they adhere well.

Step 2: Preheat the Skillet

1. Heat the Skillet: Place a cast-iron skillet over high heat and let it get very hot. You should see a slight smoke when it’s ready, which means the pan is hot enough to give the steak a good sear.

Step 3: Cooking the Ribeye

1. Add Oil: Pour the olive oil into the hot skillet and swirl to coat the bottom evenly.
2. Sear the Steak: Carefully place the ribeye steaks in the skillet. Sear the steak on the first side without moving it for about 3-4 minutes. This will create a beautiful crust.
3. Flip and Sear: Flip the steak and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Add Butter and Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, garlic, and rosemary or thyme sprigs to the skillet.
5. Baste the Steak: Tilt the skillet slightly to let the butter pool. Use a spoon to continuously baste the steak with the melted butter and aromatics for about 1-2 minutes. This adds incredible flavor and keeps the steak moist.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

1. Check Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.
   • Rare: 120°F (49°C)
   • Medium-Rare: 130°F (54°C)
   • Medium: 140°F (60°C)
   • Medium-Well: 150°F (65°C)
   • Well-Done: 160°F (71°C)
2. Rest the Steak: Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the steak.

Step 5: Serve

1. Slice and Serve: Slice the ribeye steak against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Tips and Variations

• Pan-Seared and Oven-Finished: For thicker steaks, after searing both sides, transfer the skillet to a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven to finish cooking to your desired doneness.
• Herb Butter: For an extra touch, top the steak with a pat of herb butter just before serving.
• Grill Option: You can also grill the ribeye over high heat for a similar result. Just make sure to let the steak rest before slicing.

Conclusion

Cooking a ribeye steak to perfection is an art, but with a few simple steps, you can achieve a restaurant-quality steak right at home. The key is to start with a good quality steak, season it well, and cook it with care. Whether you’re enjoying it with a glass of red wine or a cold beer, this ribeye steak will be the star of your meal. Enjoy the rich flavors and tender texture that make ribeye a steak lover’s dream!