You’re speaking the language of indulgence now — nothing beats a perfectly cooked ribeye steak: juicy, tender, and packed with flavor thanks to all that glorious marbling.
Here’s how to cook a restaurant-quality ribeye steak at home — pan-seared, grilled, or even air-fried, depending on what you’re working with.
🥩 Classic Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak (Stovetop + Butter Basting)
🕒 Cook Time: 10–15 mins | Rest Time: 5 mins
Serves: 1–2
🧂 Ingredients:
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1 ribeye steak (1 to 1.5 inches thick; 12–16 oz)
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Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
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1 tablespoon high-smoke-point oil (e.g. avocado, canola, grapeseed)
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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3–4 cloves garlic, smashed
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2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
🔥 Instructions:
✅ Step 1: Prep the steak
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Bring the steak to room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking (important for even cooking).
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Pat very dry with paper towels.
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Season generously on both sides with salt and pepper.
✅ Step 2: Sear it
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Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until very hot.
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Add oil and swirl to coat.
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Carefully lay the steak in the pan. Don’t move it!
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Sear for 3–4 minutes, until a golden-brown crust forms.
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Flip and sear the other side for another 3–4 minutes.
✅ Step 3: Butter baste (optional but amazing)
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Add butter, garlic, and herbs to the pan.
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Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the steak repeatedly for 1–2 minutes. This adds flavor and helps cook the top gently.
✅ Step 4: Check doneness
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Use a meat thermometer if possible:
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Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C)
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Medium Rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C) ← ⭐ ideal for ribeye
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Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C)
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✅ Step 5: Rest & serve
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Transfer steak to a plate or cutting board.
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Let rest for 5–10 minutes — juices redistribute.
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Slice against the grain and serve with any drippings from the pan.
🍴 Serving Ideas:
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Top with herb butter, chimichurri, or blue cheese crumbles
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Serve with roasted potatoes, grilled asparagus, or garlic mushrooms
🔄 Alternative Cooking Methods:
🔥 Grilled Ribeye:
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Grill over high heat: ~4–5 mins per side for medium-rare.
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Let it rest before serving.
🍳 Air Fryer Ribeye:
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Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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Season and place steak in basket.
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Cook for 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway, depending on thickness.
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Rest before slicing.
💡 Pro Tips:
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Don’t skip resting — it’s the difference between juicy and dry.
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A thicker cut (1.25″–1.5″) gives you more control over doneness.
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Dry brine for even more flavor: salt the steak and let it rest uncovered in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight) before cooking.
Want a reverse-seared version, a sous-vide method, or a steakhouse-style crust? I’ve got all that too — just say the word!