Beef & Pork
Free
Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter
A thick, well-marbled ribeye seared in a hot skillet and basted with garlic-thyme butter for a deep brown crust and a juicy, rosy-pink center. This is the steak recipe every beginner should master first.
10 minPrep
12 minCook
22 minTotal
2Servings
EasyDifficulty
⭐ 4.7Rating
2 steaks, about 12 oz each
Ingredients
- 2 bone-in ribeye steaks, 1.25 inches thick (about 12 oz each)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp coarsely ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (canola or vegetable)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, smashed with skin on
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary (optional)
Instructions
- Remove the steaks from the refrigerator 30-40 minutes before cooking so they come closer to room temperature; this helps them cook more evenly. Pat both sides completely dry with paper towels, since a wet surface will steam instead of sear.
- Season both sides generously with the kosher salt and black pepper, pressing it into the meat. Let the seasoned steaks rest uncovered on a plate while your pan heats.
- Heat a heavy 12-inch cast iron or stainless steel skillet over high heat for a full 3 minutes, until it is smoking hot. Add the neutral oil and swirl to coat; the oil should shimmer immediately.
- Lay the steaks in the pan away from you to avoid splatter, and do not move them. Sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, until a deep brown crust forms and the steak releases easily from the pan.
- Flip the steaks with tongs and sear the second side for another 3-4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter, garlic, and thyme (and rosemary if using) to the pan.
- Tilt the pan slightly toward you and use a spoon to continuously baste the steaks with the foaming garlic butter for 1-2 minutes. This adds flavor and helps cook the top evenly.
- Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part, avoiding bone and fat: pull the steak at 130F for medium-rare (it will rise to about 135F while resting), 140F for medium, or 150F for medium-well.
- Transfer the steaks to a cutting board or plate and tent loosely with foil. Rest for a full 5 minutes; skipping this step lets the juices run out onto the board instead of staying in the meat.
- While resting, press the center of the steak gently with a finger: medium-rare will feel like the fleshy part of your palm below the thumb when your hand is relaxed, springing back slowly.
- Slice against the grain into half-inch strips if serving family style, or leave whole for individual plating. Spoon any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top before serving.
Highlights
- Restaurant-quality crust in a home skillet
- One-pan garlic butter basting technique
- Exact temperatures for every doneness level
Tip: A screaming-hot, bone-dry pan is the single biggest factor in getting a deep brown crust instead of a gray, steamed surface.
Tip: Always pull the steak 5 degrees before your target temperature, since carryover heat continues cooking it during the rest.
Nutrition
| Calories | 610 |
| Protein | 46.0 g |
| Fat | 47.0 g |
| Carbs | 1.0 g |
| Fiber | 0.0 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate per serving and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
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