Butter-Basted Rib Eye Steaks

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Bone-in rib eye steaks are simply basted with butter, garlic, rosemary, and thyme while they cook in a cast-iron skillet, infusing them with full-bodied flavor.

Active Time:
25 mins
Total Time:
1 hr 10 mins
Yield:
4 servings

How to cook rib eye steak

Rib eye steak can seem intimidating to cook, but this version couldn't be simpler. Based on a recipe from chef Alain Ducasse, the method has essentially two parts: seasoning the meat well and letting it stand at room temperature for half an hour, then cooking the steak in a hot cast-iron skillet. Former F&W senior food editor Mary-Frances Heck recommends a teaspoon of kosher salt per pound, about 2 1/2 teaspoons for this rib eye steak recipe.

Halfway through cooking, the steaks are basted with a mixture of butter, thyme, rosemary, and garlic, so they're crusty outside and richly flavored. There's no need to chop herbs here; make sure to use whole garlic cloves so that they don't burn. We prefer unsalted butter, since the meat is already seasoned. And don't worry about any special equipment. For these rib eyes, all you need is a sturdy pan and a spoon. Though the recipe calls for a cast-iron skillet, a quality stainless steel one will also do the trick.

Once you've achieved medium-rare status — a meat thermometer should read about 130°F — pull the steaks off the heat and transfer them to a cutting board for 10 minutes before slicing. As the meat rests, the temperature will continue to rise to that ideal 135°F, sealing in the juices.

Ingredients

  • 2 (1 1/4-pound) bone-in rib eye steaks

  • Kosher salt

  • Freshly ground black pepper

  • 2 tablespoons canola oil

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 4 thyme sprigs

  • 3 garlic cloves

  • 1 rosemary sprig

Directions

  1. Butter-Basted Rib Eye Steak Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    Gather the ingredients.

  2. Butter-Basted Rib Eye Steak Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    Season the rib eye steaks all over with salt and freshly ground pepper. Let the meat stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

  3. Butter-Basted Rib Eye Steak Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    In a large cast-iron skillet, heat the canola oil until shimmering. Add the steaks and cook over high heat until crusty on the bottom, about 5 minutes.

  4. Butter-Basted Rib Eye Steak Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    Turn the steaks and add the butter, thyme, garlic, and rosemary to the skillet. Cook over high heat, basting the steaks with the melted butter, garlic, and herbs, until the steaks are medium-rare, 5 to 7 minutes longer.

  5. Butter-Basted Rib Eye Steak Recipe

    Diana Chistruga

    Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let rest for 10 minutes. Cut the steaks off the bone, then slice the meat across the grain and serve.

Suggested pairing

Pair boldly tannic Cabernet Sauvignon with these indulgent rib eyes.

Originally appeared: February 2014

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