The secret of cooking steaks, whether London broil or ribeye, lies in marinating them to incorporate the flavors deep inside. The best way to cook ribeye steak is to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and tenderness, whether you’re grilling using a cast iron pan or baking in the oven. In this article, you will explore the three best ways to cook ribeye steak, tips for cooking, and pairing ribeye steak with other side dishes to elevate your ribeye steaks to a new level.
Ingredients To Cook Ribeye Steak
Following are a few ingredients to cook a ribeye steak.
- Ribeye steaks (1.5 to 2 inches thick cut)
- Kosher salt
- Olive oil
- Fresh herbs (such as rosemary or thyme, optional)
- Black pepper (optional for additional seasoning)
Preparing Ribeye Steak for Cooking
Each recipe requires some prior preparation before starting to cook. The first step to cooking ribeye steak is to ensure that your steaks are at room temperature. This step is essential as it facilitates even cooking. If your steak is too cold, it will cook unevenly, leading to inconsistent cooking time.
Season the Steaks
Season your steaks generously with Kosher salt to enhance the taste and tenderness of the meat. This type of salt is ideal because its larger grains help draw out moisture and create a savory crust.
Preparing the Pan
Preheat the cast iron pan on high heat. however, a hot pan is essential when you want a beautiful sear on your steak. Just before putting the steak in the pan, drizzle it with a little olive oil to add flavor and keep it from sticking.
Grilled Ribeye Steak
Grilling is a classic and the best way to cook ribeye steak that produces an unparalleled smokey and mouthwatering charred flavor. Here are some steps to grill ribeye steak to perfection.
Preheat the Grill
Start by preheating your grill to a high temperature. This will ensure that the steak sears to perfection. Clean the grill grates and give them a light coat of olive oil to avoid them from sticking.
Grilling the Steak
Place your ribeye steaks on the grill. Use direct heat to sear the outside of the thick cut, and then switch to indirect heat to continue cooking.
Cook Time and Temperature
The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. An internal temperature of 130–135°F (54–57°C) is ideal for medium-rare steaks. Use a meat thermometer for precise temperature readings.
Remove the Steaks
Once your steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting is essential for redistributing the fluids throughout the meat, producing a more delicious steak.
Cook Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak
Pan-seared ribeye Steak is a great indoor technique to cook ribeye steak that yields the same taste as the other methods.
Preheat the Pan
Heat your cast iron pan over high heat until it is smoking hot. Perfect searing requires this high temperature.
Add Olive Oil
Add a tiny bit of olive oil to the pan Just before you add the steak.This minimizes stickiness and helps to form a nice crust.
Sear the Steak
Place your ribeye steaks in the pan. To achieve a medium-rare level of doneness, sear a thick-cut steak for 4-5 minutes on each side. Adjust the time depending on your desired doneness.
Seasoning and Flavor
You can add Fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to the pan for tenderness and additional flavor. Baste the steak with the rendered fat and herbs to infuse additional flavors. Serve a fresh Caesar salad, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies alongside your pan-seared ribeye.
Sauces
To enhance the flavor, serve the steak with a simple garlic butter or a rich steak sauce.
Check Doneness
Use a Meat thermometer to find the internal temperature. The steak will continue to cook after you remove it from the pan, so try to remove it from the heat slightly before it reaches the desired temperature.
Cook Ribeye Steak in the Oven
Another technique that is very effective for thicker cuts or for finishing the cooking of your steak after searing is baking the ribeye steak.
Sear First
As mentioned, start by searing the steak in a cast-iron pan over high heat. This helps create a tasty and rich crust.
Turn on the Oven
Set the oven’s temperature to 375°F, or 190°C. This is the perfect temperature to finish cooking the steak without drying it out.
Transfer to Oven
After the steak has seared, move the pan containing the steak to the oven. According to your preferred level of doneness, bake the thick-cut steak for approximately 6 to 10 minutes.
Let it Rest
Take the steaks out of the oven and allow them to sit for five to ten minutes or until they reach your desired internal temperature. This resting time is essential for the best flavor and juiciness.
Pairing Ribeye Steak with Side Dishes
After you cook the ribeye steak, it is necessary to balance the rich, savory aromas of ribeye steak with equally outstanding side dishes. The proper sides can improve the overall dining experience by bringing the powerful flavor of the steak into balance and producing a well-rounded meal. The following is a list of several outstanding side dishes that go very well with ribeye steak.
1. Creamy Mashed Potatoes
A traditional option, creamy mashed potatoes go well with ribeye steak. The steak’s strong flavor is perfectly contrasted by the potatoes’ silky, buttery texture.
2. Roasted Vegetables
The richness of a ribeye steak is well complemented by the robust, healthful choice provided by roasted vegetables. When roasted, vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts gain a caramelized sweetness that enhances the steak’s flavor.
3. Caesar Salad
A crisp and delicious Caesar salad complements your steak meal. The crunchy romaine lettuce and tart, creamy Caesar dressing offer an ideal contrast to the deep, weighty flavor of the steak.
4. Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Garlic butter mushrooms are a delicious side dish that complements ribeye steak well. They give the meat an additional depth and richness.
5. Baked Sweet Potatoes
Baked Sweet Potatoes are a slightly sweet, nutritious option that pairs well with the savory flavor of ribeye steak. Their inherent sweetness accentuates the meat’s richness and saltiness.
You can also explore the 25 Best Sides to go with Ribeye Steak to enhance its flavor and aromas.
Tips To Cook Ribeye Steak To Perfection
To cook a ribeye steak to perfection, attention to detail is necessary whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or using the oven; these tips will help you achieve a delicious, juicy, and perfectly cooked ribeye steak.
1. Choose the Right Cut
Choose ribeye steaks that are at least 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Thicker steaks cook more evenly and allow for a better sear without overcooking the interior.
2. Bring Steak to Room Temperature
Allow your ribeye steaks to sit at Room temperature for 30-60 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking throughout the steak.
3. Season Generously
Seasoning the ribeye steak generously with kosher salt helps to draw out moisture, creating a flavorful crust.
4. Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Make sure your cooking surface is preheated to high heat whether you’re using a grill, cast iron pan, or oven,
5. Monitor Internal Temperature
Use a meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature.
- Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Well-done: 160°F (71°C) and above
6. Allow the Steak to Rest
After cooking, remove the steaks from the heat source and let them rest for 5-10 minutes.
Conclusion
In summary, there are several ways to cook ribeye steak. Each method requires a distinct technique and attention to detail to cook a perfect ribeye steak, whether you cook it on the stove, grill it, or finish it in the oven. So, choose the one that best suits your needs and enjoy a delicious, perfectly cooked ribeye steak!