Ribeye. Just the name conjures images of mouthwatering, tender, and richly marbled beef. For many, ribeye steaks reign supreme in the world of beef, and preparing this magnificent cut properly is key to unlocking its full potential. While grilling often comes to mind for steak, sometimes weather or convenience dictates an indoor cooking method. Enter the cast iron skillet, your secret weapon for achieving Ribeye Food perfection, indoors.
When the weather outside turns unfavorable, or you simply prefer the ease of stovetop cooking, a cast iron skillet becomes your best friend for ribeye food. Don’t let the lack of a grill deter you from enjoying a steakhouse-quality experience at home. A cast iron skillet excels at searing, creating that coveted, flavorful crust on your ribeye while sealing in all the savory juices. My foolproof technique? Searing the steak in oil at high heat and then, for the grand finale, topping it with a generous pat of butter as it finishes cooking. This butter melts into every crevice, creating an explosion of flavor without the risk of burning that comes with using butter for the entire searing process. (Remember, butter burns at high searing temperatures, which is not ideal for achieving that perfect crust on your ribeye food.)
The process for this ribeye food recipe is wonderfully straightforward: SEASON. SEAR. FINISH. And of course, butter – please, don’t forget the butter! For an extra layer of flavor in your ribeye food, consider enriching the butter with finely minced rosemary, fresh chives, or a clove of sautéed garlic. These additions elevate the buttery finish and complement the rich beef flavor beautifully.
Now, let’s talk beef: Grain Finished or Grass Fed for your ribeye food? It’s a question of personal preference, and I respect everyone’s choice. Both grain-finished and grass-fed beef offer unique qualities. However, for my palate, the superior marbling, texture, and rich flavor of grain-finished beef make it my unequivocal choice for ribeye food. It’s the taste I grew up with and the beef I consistently select at the grocery store. It’s worth noting that even grain-finished beef cattle spend a significant portion of their lives grazing on grass; the grain finishing is a phase in their diet that contributes to the characteristic marbling we appreciate in ribeye food.
If you’re ever curious about beef – whether it’s questions about recipe preparation or the nuances of how cattle are raised, please don’t hesitate to ask. I am passionate about connecting people with reliable information and even directing you to the farmers who are dedicated to producing the meat that graces your plate, be it grass-fed or grain-finished. Understanding the source of your ribeye food can enhance your appreciation for the meal.
But let’s get back to the star of the show: BEEF! Specifically, preparing exceptional Cast Iron Ribeye Steaks – a fantastic way to enjoy ribeye food.
Cast Iron Ribeye Steaks Recipe
These incredibly juicy and flavorful steaks are easily prepared indoors in a cast iron skillet, perfect for any day you crave delicious ribeye food regardless of grilling conditions.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 steaks
Author: Cristen
Ingredients
- 4 thick-cut ribeye steaks, about 1-1.5 inches thick, brought to room temperature for optimal ribeye food cooking
- 2 tablespoons Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, or your preferred seasoned salt, for enhancing the ribeye food flavor
- 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper, to add a spicy kick to your ribeye food
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, or other high smoke point oil such as peanut, soybean, or canola oil, ideal for searing ribeye food
- 4 tablespoons salted butter, to create a rich finish for your ribeye food
Instructions
- Season the Ribeyes: Generously season both sides of the ribeye steaks with seasoned salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure the steaks are at room temperature before cooking; this promotes even cooking for your ribeye food. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Sear to Perfection: Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when it shimmers and is very hot – you should feel the heat when holding your hand about 3 inches above the skillet. Achieving a good sear is crucial for caramelizing the exterior and locking in the juices, essential for delicious ribeye food.
- First Sear: Gently place two of the ribeye steaks in the hot skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes, or until a deeply golden-brown crust forms. Remove the seared steaks to a plate and loosely cover them with foil to keep warm. Repeat this searing process with the remaining two steaks.
- Oven Finish: Return all steaks to the cast iron skillet. If your skillet isn’t large enough to comfortably hold all four, transfer the steaks to a glass baking dish. Place 1 tablespoon of butter on top of each steak. Transfer the skillet or baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 10 minutes at 350°F (175°C) for medium doneness. Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure your ribeye food reaches your desired internal temperature.
- Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
- Medium Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Medium Well: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
- Well Done: It is highly discouraged to cook a ribeye steak to well done, as it compromises the tenderness and flavor of this premium ribeye food cut!
- Rest and Serve: Once the steaks reach your desired temperature, remove them from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the ribeye food, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked cast iron ribeye food!