Get ready to enjoy juicy ribeye steaks that are full of flavor! With a nice marbling of fat, these steaks are tender and grill up beautifully. Just the smell is enough to make your mouth water!
Cooking ribeye steaks is super easy, and they really shine on the grill. I love sprinkling them with some salt and pepper, then watching them sizzle. Yum! You’ll want to eat them again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ribeye Steaks: Go for steaks that are 1 to 1.5 inches thick; they provide a nice balance of fat and meat. If ribeye isn’t available, try sirloin or New York strip as substitutes, though the flavor and texture will vary.
Salt: Use kosher salt for a more even seasoning. If you’re watching sodium, try to use less salt or a salt substitute. I often use a generous amount because it enhances the steak’s flavor so well.
Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper really boosts flavor. If you want a milder taste, use white pepper instead. It’s also nice for a touch of heat.
Olive Oil: Olive oil is great for flavor, but you can use avocado oil or canola oil as well, especially since they have higher smoke points. I love the flavor olive oil adds, so I always use it myself!
Butter: For extra richness, butter is fantastic. You could also use ghee or margarine if dairy is a concern. Basting with butter creates a wonderful crust!
How Do I Get a Perfect Sear on My Steaks?
Getting that perfect sear is crucial for flavor and texture. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with a very hot skillet. Heat a cast iron skillet or grill on high for several minutes to reach maximum heat.
- Add oil only after the skillet is hot. This ensures that the oil won’t burn while searing.
- Place the steaks in the pan and **don’t** move them! Letting them sit undisturbed for 4-5 minutes forms the beautiful sear.
- When you flip the steaks, they should release easily from the pan. If they stick, let them cook a bit longer.
Following these steps will really make the difference in achieving that gorgeous crust that everyone loves!
How to Cook Perfect Ribeye Steaks
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Steaks:
- 2 ribeye steaks (1 to 1.5 inches thick)
- Generous amount of salt
- Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other high smoke point oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional, for garnish)
- Butter (optional, for basting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes for cooking and an additional 30 minutes for the steaks to reach room temperature. So, overall, you’ll need about 40-45 minutes to enjoy your delicious ribeye steaks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparation:
Start by taking the ribeye steaks out of the fridge. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps them cook evenly, so you get that perfect juicy steak!
2. Seasoning:
Generously sprinkle salt on both sides of the steaks and add freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Press the seasoning into the meat to make sure it sticks well.
3. Heat the Pan:
Place a cast iron skillet or your grill on high heat and let it get really hot. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil to the pan. This will help create a delicious crust on your steaks.
4. Cooking the Steaks:
Carefully place the seasoned steaks in the skillet. Let them sear for about 4-5 minutes without moving them. This searing process gives your steaks a beautiful crust!
5. Flip the Steaks:
Using tongs, gently flip the steaks over. If you like, you can add crushed garlic and fresh herbs to the pan to elevate the flavor as the steaks continue cooking.
6. Baste (optional):
If you want your steaks to be extra flavorful, add a few tablespoons of butter to the skillet. As it melts, use a spoon to drizzle the melted butter over the steaks for the last few minutes of cooking.
7. Check Doneness:
Cook the steaks for another 4-5 minutes for medium-rare doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of about 130°F. Adjust the cooking time if you prefer them medium (140°F) or medium-well (150°F)!
8. Resting:
Once cooked to your liking, take the steaks out of the skillet and place them on a cutting board. Let them rest for about 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, making each bite super juicy!
9. Serve:
Slice the steaks against the grain for maximum tenderness and serve them with the pan juices drizzled over the top. You can garnish with fresh herbs if you’d like. Enjoy your perfectly cooked ribeye steaks!
Can I Use Frozen Ribeye Steaks for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ribeye steaks, but it’s essential to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place them in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can seal them in a plastic bag and submerge them in cold water for about an hour.
What If I Don’t Have a Cast Iron Skillet?
Not to worry! You can use any heavy-bottomed skillet or grill instead. Just ensure it heats up well to achieve that nice sear. If using a non-stick skillet, you might need to decrease the cooking time slightly, as it can cook a bit differently than cast iron.
How Should I Store Leftover Steaks?
To store leftover ribeye steaks, wrap them tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a stove or oven to avoid drying them out—a quick sear in the pan can also bring back some flavor.
Can I Add Other Seasonings or Marinades?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other spices, such as paprika or garlic powder, or marinate your steaks for a few hours in your favorite marinade for added flavor. Just remember to adjust the salt accordingly if your marinade is salty.
