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Perfect Cast Iron Ribeye Steak Recipe with Garlic Herb Butter

perfect cast iron ribeye steak - featured image

A straightforward and indulgent recipe for a perfectly seared cast iron ribeye steak topped with rich garlic herb butter, delivering steakhouse quality without a grill.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (12-16 oz / 340-450 g) ribeye steak, about 1 to 1.5 inches thick, preferably USDA Choice or better
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 sprig rosemary
  • 1 sprig thyme
  • 1 sprig flat-leaf parsley
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Bring the ribeye steak to room temperature by removing it from the fridge 30-45 minutes before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Season both sides liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  3. Preheat a cast iron skillet on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until very hot but not smoking excessively. Add olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.
  4. Place the ribeye steak gently in the pan and sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms. Flip and cook the other side for another 3 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh herb sprigs to the pan. Tilt the pan and baste the steak repeatedly with the melted butter for 1-2 minutes.
  6. Check doneness aiming for medium-rare at 130°F (54°C) internal temperature using a meat thermometer or finger test. Cook an additional minute or two if needed, turning and basting continuously.
  7. Remove the steak from the pan and rest on a cutting board tented loosely with foil for 5-10 minutes to let juices redistribute.
  8. Slice against the grain and spoon any leftover garlic herb butter from the pan over the steak. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat steak dry before seasoning for a better crust. Keep heat moderate during basting to avoid burning butter. Rest steak for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Use tongs to flip steak to preserve juices. Optional finishing in a 400°F oven for thicker cuts.

Nutrition

Keywords: ribeye steak, cast iron skillet, garlic herb butter, steak recipe, easy steak, medium-rare steak, steakhouse at home