Pan-Seared Ribeye with Garlic Butter Recipe
A pan-seared ribeye with garlic butter is the ultimate way to enjoy a perfectly cooked, flavorful steak without the need for a grill. The combination of a crispy seared exterior, tender juicy interior, and rich garlic butter creates a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to impress. Here’s how to make this delicious steak!
Ingredients:
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 1-1.5 inches thick)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or another high-smoke point oil)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (or thyme)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Steaks
- Remove the ribeye steaks from the refrigerator about 30-45 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. This helps them cook more evenly.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This ensures a better sear.
- Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder if you like.
Step 2: Heat the Pan
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot (but not smoking), add vegetable oil (or another high-smoke point oil like canola or avocado oil).
Step 3: Sear the Ribeyes
- Carefully place the steaks into the hot pan. You should hear a sizzling sound. Do not move the steaks around in the pan; let them sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms.
- Flip the steaks and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time depending on your preferred doneness:
- Rare: 120°F (2-3 minutes per side)
- Medium-rare: 130°F (4-5 minutes per side)
- Medium: 140°F (5-6 minutes per side)
- Well-done: 160°F (7-8 minutes per side)
Step 4: Add Garlic Butter
- Once the steaks are seared to your liking, reduce the heat to medium.
- Add the butter, smashed garlic, and rosemary sprigs (or thyme) to the pan. As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly so that the butter pools on one side, and spoon the melted butter over the steaks repeatedly for about 1-2 minutes. This adds flavor and helps cook the steak more evenly.
Step 5: Rest the Steaks
- Remove the steaks from the pan and transfer them to a plate. Cover them loosely with foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute inside the steak, ensuring it’s tender and juicy.
Step 6: Serve
- Once rested, slice the steaks against the grain, and drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges (if desired) for a burst of fresh flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Sides: Pair the ribeye with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, sautéed spinach, or a simple green salad.
- Wine Pairing: A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Merlot would pair beautifully with this rich steak.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Perfect Sear: The high heat of the pan gives the ribeye a rich, golden-brown crust, sealing in all the juicy goodness.
- Garlic Butter: Adding garlic and herbs to the butter imparts a rich, aromatic flavor that enhances the natural taste of the ribeye.
- Easy and Quick: This recipe doesn’t require any fancy techniques or equipment. Just a good skillet, quality steaks, and a bit of patience for the perfect sear.
Tips for the Best Pan-Seared Ribeye:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re cooking more than two steaks, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This can lower the temperature and prevent proper searing. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Resting is Key: Don’t skip the resting step. It makes a huge difference in the tenderness and juiciness of your steak.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For the most accurate results, use a meat thermometer to check for the desired doneness. It’s the best way to avoid overcooking your steak.
This Pan-Seared Ribeye with Garlic Butter is the ultimate steak dinner. With a crispy exterior, juicy interior, and the rich flavor of garlic butter, it’s sure to become one of your favorite ways to enjoy ribeye!