Here’s the Perfect Ribeye Steak—deep crust, juicy center, steakhouse-style flavor, and simple steps. This method works for cast iron, grill, or air fryer.
🥩 Perfect Ribeye Steak (Steakhouse Method)
Serves: 1–2
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6–12 minutes
Rest Time: 5 minutes
🧂 What You Need
- 1 ribeye steak (1–1½ inches thick)
- 1–2 tbsp high-heat oil (avocado, canola, grapeseed)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Optional (but amazing)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3–4 garlic cloves, smashed
- 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
🔥 1. Prep the Steak
- Pat steak completely dry.
- Season generously with salt & pepper on all sides.
- Let sit at room temp for 20–30 minutes (better sear).
🍳 2. Cast-Iron Sear (Best Method)
Preheat
Heat a cast-iron skillet on high for 4–5 minutes until smoking hot.
Sear
- Add 1–2 tbsp oil.
- Lay the steak down away from you.
- Sear 2 minutes without touching.
- Flip and sear another 2 minutes.
Baste (Optional but legendary)
Reduce heat to medium.
Add:
- butter
- garlic
- thyme/rosemary
Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steak for 30–60 seconds.
Finish to Desired Doneness
Use these guidelines (1–1½” steak):
- Rare: 120–125°F (usually ~5–6 min total)
- Medium-rare: 130–135°F (6–8 min total)
- Medium: 140–145°F
- Medium-well: 150°F+
You can also finish in a 400°F oven for 3–5 minutes if very thick.
🛑 3. Rest
Let the steak rest 5 minutes to keep the juices inside.
🍽️ 4. Serve
Slice against the grain if serving cut.
Top with:
- Garlic herb butter
- Flaky sea salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
🔥 Grill Instructions
- Preheat grill to 450–500°F.
- Sear 2–3 min per side, then move to indirect heat.
- Cook until desired internal temperature is reached.
- Rest 5 minutes.
🌬️ Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat to 400°F.
- Lightly oil & season steak.
- Air fry 10–14 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Rest 5 minutes.
⭐ Make It Restaurant-Level
- Add a finishing pat of compound butter (garlic, parsley, lemon zest).
- Dry brine the steak: salt it 2–24 hours ahead in the fridge.
- Use a thermometer—steak goes from perfect to overdone fast.
Want a variation?
✅ Peppercorn ribeye
✅ Cajun ribeye
✅ Garlic butter ribeye
Just tell me!
