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Perfect Medium-Rare Ribeye Steak

medium-rare ribeye steak - featured image

A simple and reliable recipe for cooking a juicy, tender medium-rare ribeye steak with a flavorful seared crust and buttery finish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ribeye steak, 1 to 1.5 inches thick (450-680g / approx. 1 to 1.5 lbs)
  • Coarse kosher salt or sea salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
  • 23 garlic cloves, smashed
  • A few sprigs of fresh thyme or rosemary
  • 12 tablespoons high smoke point oil (such as avocado or grapeseed oil)

Instructions

  1. Bring the ribeye steak to room temperature by taking it out of the fridge 30-45 minutes before cooking.
  2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until very hot. Add 1-2 tablespoons of high smoke point oil and swirl to coat the pan.
  4. Place the ribeye in the pan carefully; you should hear a loud sizzle. Sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until a dark brown crust forms.
  5. Flip the steak and sear the other side for about 3 minutes.
  6. Lower the heat to medium. Add butter, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh herbs to the pan. Tilt the pan and baste the steak continuously with the melted butter and herb-infused oil for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Check the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer; medium-rare is 130-135°F (54-57°C). If not done, continue basting and cooking for another minute or two.
  8. Transfer the steak to a warm plate and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Slice the steak against the grain and serve immediately.

Notes

Letting the steak come to room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking. Use a hot cast iron pan for a perfect sear. Rest the steak for 5-10 minutes after cooking to keep it juicy. Avoid flipping the steak more than once and do not press down on it while cooking. For dairy-free option, substitute butter with plant-based margarine or extra oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: ribeye steak, medium-rare steak, steak recipe, cast iron steak, juicy steak, tender steak, easy steak recipe