Perfect Pan-Seared Ribeye with Garlic Butter

Perfect Pan-Seared Ribeye with Garlic Butter

A restaurant-quality steak dinner made simple with precise timing and temperature control.

KEY INFO

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
• Total Time: 30-40 minutes
• Servings: 2-4
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Dietary: Gluten-free, High-protein

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Cast iron skillet (or heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan)
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

INGREDIENTS

For the Steak:

• 2 ribeye steaks (1-1.5 inches thick)
• 2 tbsp (30ml) high-heat oil (avocado or grapeseed)
• 2 tsp (10g) kosher salt
• 1 tsp (5g) freshly ground black pepper

For the Garlic Butter:

• 6 tbsp (85g) unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)
• 1 sprig fresh thyme (optional)

METHOD

1. Remove steaks from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Pat steaks completely dry with paper towels.
3. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides.
4. Heat skillet over medium-high heat until smoking hot.
5. Add oil to pan, then carefully place steaks in.
   – Listen for aggressive sizzling – if you don’t hear it, pan isn’t hot enough.
6. Sear for 4-5 minutes on first side without moving.
   – Look for dark golden-brown crust.
7. Flip and cook 3-4 minutes on second side.
8. Add butter, garlic, and herbs.
   – Tilt pan and baste steaks with melted butter for 1-2 minutes.
9. Check internal temperature:
   – Rare: 125°F (52°C)
   – Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
   – Medium: 145°F (63°C)
10. Rest steaks for 10 minutes before slicing.

CRUCIAL TIPS

• Never pierce steak while cooking – use tongs to flip.
• Let pan get properly hot before adding steaks.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan – cook in batches if needed.
• Always rest meat before cutting.

STORAGE & VARIATIONS

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven to avoid overcooking.

Common Mistakes:

• Moving steaks too much during searing.
• Not letting the pan get hot enough.
• Skipping the resting period.

Variations:

• Add blue cheese during resting.
• Try compound butter with different herbs.
• Finish with smoked salt for extra flavor.

For perfect results every time, remember: hot pan, dry meat, minimal flipping, proper resting.