If you are a steak lover, then there’s a chance you probably know about ribeye steak because it is one of the most soft, tender, and juicy cuts of beef to salsify your taste buds. It has a lot of fat, which makes it super tasty and watery as it melts in your mouth and gives it a rich, buttery taste.
You don’t want to waste such a precious piece of meat by burning it or leaving it bland. You want to make it shine and bring out its natural flavor, and that’s why we’re here to help you in cooking ribeye steak and get a restaurant-like taste every time.
So, in this guide to cooking ribeye steak, we’ll show you how to cook ribeye steak depending on how much you love your steak and what kitchen equipment you have.
We’ll also provide you with some tips and tricks to make your ribeye steak recipes even more yummy and irresistible. Our purpose is not just for you to become a ribeye steak expert but also to impress friends with your culinary prowess by cooking up some fantastic ribeye steaks!!
1. Ingredients for Ribeye Steak
The following ingredients are required for cooking a finger-licking ribeye steak:
1.1 High-Quality Ribeye Steak (Preferably Bone-in or Boneless)
Choose a steak that is approximately 1.5 to 2 inches thick and has a deep red color with plenty of marbling because it will be the centerpiece of the dish. The fat that runs through the meat and gives it flavor and juiciness is called marbling.
Some people claim that ribeye with bones has better flavor, while boneless ribeye steak is simpler to slice and serve.
1.2 Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
These are the fundamental ingredients that help in improving the steak’s natural flavor and taste. For the best outcomes, you can use pure ground black pepper with either kosher salt or sea salt. Before you start cooking, thoroughly season both sides of your steak.
1.3 Optional Marinades or Dry Rubs
You can also use a dry rub or a marinade to give your steak some extra spice. A dry rub is a mixture of spices that is spread on the steak before cooking, whereas a marinade is a liquid concoction in which steak is soaked for a few hours or overnight.
Some marinades are Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Balsamic vinegar, and Lemon juice. Garlic powder, Onion powder, Paprika, Cumin, or Chilli powder are a few examples of dry rubs.
1.4 Cooking Oil or Butter for Grilling or Pan-Searing
Fat is crucial for ensuring your steak doesn’t stick while being grilled or cooked on a stovetop. A multitude of fat sources will suffice, including canola oil, grapeseed oil, peanut oil, or avocado, properly catering to high-heat cooking requirements well.
Alternatively, with regards to indulgent flavor palate preferences, butter works wonders, adding rich, delicate undertones with hazelnut-like notes.
It’s prudent, however, to keep in mind butter tends to have low smoking points, hence burning easily, especially when exposed to high heat conditions. Replacing regular salted butter with Clarified Butter(Ghee) also allows flexibility as it has a higher smoke point.
1.5 Optional Herbs or Spices for Added Flavor
For extra depth in smell and flavoring, try adding select choice fine-chopped fresh/dried spices fresh herbs/herbs into your steaks recipe, such as garlic, rosemary-thyme-sage mix & parsley.
A couple of ways you can utilize this is pre/post preparation by sprinkling onto the finished dish along with adding in as a whole sprig(s) during application of herb-infused oils/butter while basting it on either a grill mark sear-upon-pan tenderness-ready delight for the diner’s palate enjoyment!
2. How to Select Perfect Ribeye Steak
When it comes to choosing the perfect ribeye steak for your next culinary experience, it requires some patience, as every bite must deliver a revelation of succulence combined with tenderness and rich delightfulness.
There is a multitude of factors that affect the quality and taste of a ribeye steak, such as the grade, the marbling, thickness dimensions or size variations, and the color.
2.1 USDA Grade
To achieve premium-grade ribeye steak every time, it’s important to understand the USDA’s grading process before making your purchase. The USDA assigns grades based on an animal’s age and maturity along with its level of marbling, with prime being exquisite quality (characterized by high amounts of visible fat between muscle fibers).
Choice grade is very good quality compared to prime and due to the lowest rank for commercial meat sales only (having insignificantly low amounts of visible fat.
Despite thicker steaks being classified as lesser quality than prime or choice cut options – there’s no need to overlook selecting a compellingly lean cut option for your meal, especially since these steaks contain minimal fat yet are quite flavorful, too.
Licensed food suppliers primarily provide premium-grade prime cuts, which tend to come with both heftier costs and more exclusive availability such as through upscale restaurants or specialty butcher shops – whereas options like choice-grade ribeyes demonstrate great tenderness and a suitable balance between juicy fat and hearty meat.
And finally, the most convenient option is select ribeye steaks found in grocery stores, which boast more affordable price tags. But the cook must tread with special care to prevent the steak from overcooking due to the risk of ending up with a rough and dry result if mishandled.
2.2 Marbling and Fat Content
Marbling is the term that is used to describe the thin streaks of fat that run through the meat, giving it its juiciness and tenderness. If the steak is high in marbling, that means the steak is more flavorful and delicious.
However, too much fat can also make the steak tough and chewy, which you don’t want. So, how can you find the ideal balance between marbling and lean meat?
Always look for a bright red color with thin streaks of white fat, which is evenly distributed all over the meat. Avoid boneless ribeye steaks that have a dull or brownish color or thick lines of fat and excessive moisture on the surface. You may also ask a butcher or a cook for advice on how to select the best ribeye steak for your needs.
2.3 Thickness and Size
One more element to consider while picking a ribeye steak is the thickness and size of the cut. A thicker steak will take more time to cook. However, it will hold more dampness and flavor.
A more slender steak will cook faster. However, it can dry out without any problem. The best thickness for a ribeye steak is around 1 to 1.5 inches. The size of the steak depends upon your hunger and inclination, yet a common ribeye steak weighs between 8 to 12 ounces.
3. Preparing the Ribeye Steak Before Cooking
After selecting your ribeye steak, it needs appropriate preparation for optimal flavor and tenderness before cooking. Here are some tips for getting a great ribeye steak every time:
3.1 Bring the Ribeye Steak to Room Temperature
Achieving a perfect ribeye steak requires some critical measures, such as bringing them up to their optimum grading level before cooking – i.e., letting them ascend toward room temperature first!
To do so effectively – take out the steaks from inside your fridge one whole hour before meal prep starts – thereby allowing enough time for gradual warming by optimizing enzymatic activity within muscle fibers.
Remember, achieving perfection takes patience and effort – and this simple step cannot be underestimated.
3.2 Seasoning the Steak Properly
The way you season your ribeye steaks can make all the difference in preserving their quality and taste during cooking. Appropriate seasoning locks in defined flavors into these meat cuts by creating an outer crust that maintains their natural juices inside without becoming dry or challenging to chew when done incorrectly.
Season simply with salt and pepper for efficient preparation or supplement with other spices like garlic, rosemary, thyme, or paprika specific to personal tastes. Apply these seasonings appropriately before cooking begins- add them immediately before beginning preparation steps or up to an hour earlier after setting out of refrigeration.
It is important not to overseason steaks too advanced as this can harm the outcome by removing desired moisture. Making them tough.
3.3 Marinating the Steak (Optional)
Marinating is a discretionary move toward setting up a ribeye steak. However, it can add more flavor and delicacy to your steak. Marinating includes absorbing the steak, a fluid combination of oil, corrosive, and flavors for a specific measure of time. The oil saturates the entire steak, the corrosive aids separate the extreme strands, and the flavors add flavor.
There are many kinds of marinades you can use for a ribeye steak, for example, soy sauce, lemon juice, vinegar, wine, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, honey, or grill sauce. You can likewise add new or dried spices, such as garlic cloves, onion, ginger, or bean stew peppers, for additional character.
The most ideal way to marinate a ribeye steak is to put it in a zip lock sack or a shallow dish with sufficient marinade to cover it. Then refrigerate it for no less than 30 minutes or as long as 8 hours. Notwithstanding, try not to marinate it for a really long time or utilize a lot of corrosives, as this can make the steak soft and lose its normal flavor.
4. Different Methods to Cook Ribeye Steak
There are various methods for making ribeye steak, which depends on your choice and what equipment and ingredients you have. The most commonly used methods include grilling, pan-searing, and oven-baking.
Each technique to cook ribeye steak has its own advantages and disadvantages, but their objective is to achieve a crisp, gold-bright crust and a soft-juicy interior. Here are steps and some tips for how to cook a ribeye steak using each method:
4.1 Grilling
Grilling is one of the best ways to cook ribeye steak because it provides it with a smoky flavour and charred marks. For grilling the ribeye steak, firstly, you need to prepare your grill and follow the steps given below:-
- Preheat those burners to high heat first before scrubbing and cleaning those grates using a good quality grill brush.
- Gently pat your steak dry using paper towels and proceed to brush it with oil on both sides delicately.
- High heat and proper timing are key components in obtaining a delectable sear on your steak. To accomplish this, position your steak over the hottest area of your grill, flipping it once with tongs after administering 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Cook your steak in a cooler portion of the grill until it achieves the desired finish, while turning it occasionally. Check the interior temperature of your steak with a meat thermometer and aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium, 150°F (66°C) for medium-well, and 160°F (71°C) for well-done.
- To enjoy a perfectly cooked steak, let it rest on a sanitized cutting board for approximately 5 minutes. This allows the natural juices to redistribute evenly, enhancing the flavor. Your taste buds and anyone sharing this delicious dish will thank you!
4.2 Pan-Searing the Ribeye Steak
Another common method for cooking a ribeye steak is pan-searing, which results in a tasty crust and allows you to prepare a pan sauce with the drippings. To pan-sear a ribeye steak, you can use a large skillet (ideally cast iron) and the following steps:
- Start heating your skillet on high heat until it reaches a steaming hot temperature. Afterward, add some oil or butter before swirling gently to distribute evenly along the surface of the pan.
- Ensure optimal flavor in your steak by drying its surface with gentle pats from paper towels before applying a generous amount of salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place your steak with caution into the hot pan and abstain from moving it as you allow it to cook for around 4 minutes. This method will produce a savory sear on the underside of your meal.
- Flip your steak with tongs and cook for another 3 minutes on the other side or until it gets properly cooked.
- If you like to add next-level flavor and spice to your steak, you can baste it with butter, garlic (paste or powder), herbs, and spices in the final minute of cooking. Just Simply tilt the pan slightly and spread the melted butter over the steak smoothly.
- Transfer your steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-6 minutes before you start slicing and serving.
4.3 Oven-Baking the Ribeye Steak
Oven-baking is a good way to cook a ribeye steak if you don’t have a grill or a stove or you just want to cook ribeye in the oven. Cooking ribeye in the oven helps you to cook multiple steaks at once without crowding them. Using an oven-safe skillet or baking sheet, follow these practical steps to get started on enjoying succulent and flawlessly baked ribeyes:
- Preheat your oven to about 350°F to 375°F (190°C) and place your oven rack in the center position.
- Wipe your steak off with paper towels and season it liberally with salt and pepper on the two sides.
- Heat a broiler-safe skillet over high intensity in the oven and add some oil or spread. Burn your steak for around 2 minutes for every side or until seared.
- Move your skillet to the broiler and heat your steak for around 10 minutes or until it arrives at your ideal doneness. You can utilize a meat thermometer to look at the inside temperature of your steak.
- On the other hand, you can skirt the singing step and put your steak straightforwardly on a baking sheet. Heat your steak for around 15 minutes, flipping part of the way through or until it arrives at your ideal doneness.
- Move your steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes prior to cutting and serving.
5. How to Serve
To offer a scrumptious ribeye steak, comply with these suggestions. Enable the prepared steak to relax for a couple of minutes. This step enables the juices to rearrange, causing an extra savory and tender steak.
Next, cut the steak versus the grain. Reducing vertical to the muscle fibers helps damage them, guaranteeing a much more tender bite. Make use of a sharp knife for clean as well as precise cuts.
When layering, take into consideration discussion. Place the ribeye on a warm offering plate or cutting board for an enticing display screen. You can additionally garnish with fresh, natural herbs like parsley or thyme for included shade, as well as taste.
Offer the steak with ideal accompaniments such as baked and mashed potatoes and smoked veggies or a fresh, environment-friendly salad. Pick sides that match the taste of the steak, as well as develop a balanced dish.
Take into consideration supplying a sauce or condiment like peppercorn sauce, mushroom sauce, or chimichurri to improve the taste. Bear in mind to cook the ribeye to medium-rare or medium for the best experience. Feel free to change the cooking time to suit individual preferences. Enjoy your pleasantly ready ribeye steak!
6. Conclusion
Cooking a ribeye steak is not hard. However, it does call for some focus, as well as treatment. By adhering to the suggestions, as well as actions in this post, you will certainly be able to prepare a ribeye steak to perfection using various approaches such as barbecuing, pan-searing, as well as oven-baking.
You will certainly likewise discover just how to choose a period and also serve your ribeye steak for the finest results. Whether you like your steak uncommon, medium-rare, or well-done, you will certainly enjoy its mouthwatering taste and inflammation.
We urge you to experiment with various flavors and cooking methods to locate your favorite means to cook a ribeye steak. As well as remember, one of the most vital things is to have a good time and enjoy your scrumptious ribeye steak. Bon appétit!