Cooking a ribeye steak on a cast iron skillet is a fantastic way to achieve a delicious crust and juicy interior. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cook ribeye on a cast iron skillet:
Ingredients:
- Ribeye steak(s), preferably at room temperature
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Olive oil or vegetable oil
- Butter (optional)
Instructions:
Preheat the skillet: Place your cast iron skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat. Allow it to preheat for about 5-10 minutes. You want the skillet to be hot before adding the steak.
Prepare the ribeye: Pat the ribeye steak dry with paper towels. This step is crucial as a dry surface helps to achieve a better sear.
Season the steak: Season the ribeye generously with salt and black pepper on both sides. You can add other herbs and spices if you prefer.
Add oil to the skillet: Once the skillet is hot, add a little bit of oil (olive oil or vegetable oil) to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the surface evenly.
Sear the steak: Carefully place the ribeye in the hot skillet. Let it sear without moving it for 3-4 minutes. This will create a nice crust on the steak. If you prefer a crosshatch pattern, you can rotate the steak 90 degrees after a couple of minutes to achieve grill marks.
Flip and cook the other side: Use tongs to flip the steak and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes. The exact time will depend on your preferred level of doneness (rare, medium-rare, medium, etc.). For precise cooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C).
Optional: Add butter for extra flavor. In the last minute of cooking, you can add a pat of butter to the skillet and baste the ribeye with the melted butter. This step is optional but adds richness and depth to the flavor.
Rest the steak: Remove the ribeye from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes on a cutting board or a plate. Resting allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Serve: Slice the ribeye against the grain and serve it with your favorite side dishes.
Enjoy your perfectly cooked ribeye steak!