Pan-Fried Ribeye Steak

Pan-Fried Ribeye Steak is a simple way to cook a juicy piece of meat at home. You only need a heavy pan and a few ingredients to get a great result. The fat in the steak melts during cooking to give it a rich flavour. It works perfectly for a quick dinner or a special meal.
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Photo of the finished dish for the recipe Pan-Fried Ribeye Steak

What is good about pan-fried ribeye steak

Cooking a pan-fried ribeye steak allows you to control the temperature and crust perfectly. The high heat creates a dark surface that tastes delicious against the tender meat inside. You can add butter and herbs towards the end to baste the steak for extra moisture. This method is much faster than roasting and keeps the centre very succulent.

How to cook pan-fried ribeye steak

Step 1
Prepare the meat: Take the meat out of the fridge at least 15 minutes before you start. Pat the surface dry with kitchen paper to help the crust form properly. Season both sides of the pan-fried ribeye steak generously with salt and pepper. This helps the seasoning stick to the surface while the meat reaches room temperature.
Step 2
Heat the pan: Place your heavy pan over a high heat and add the oil. Wait until the oil is shimmering and just starting to smoke. Carefully place the steaks into the hot pan away from your body. Let them sear for a few minutes without moving them to develop a deep brown colour.
Step 3
Cook and baste: Flip the steaks over once the bottom has a good crust. Add the butter, garlic and rosemary to the pan as the second side cooks. Use a spoon to pour the melted foaming butter over the pan-fried ribeye steak repeatedly. This process adds a lot of flavour and keeps the meat moist throughout.
Step 4
Rest the steak: Remove the meat from the pan once it reaches your preferred level of doneness. Place it on a warm plate or board and let it sit for five minutes. This allows the juices to settle back into the meat so they do not run out when you cut it. Serve your steak whole or sliced against the grain.

Good advice for making pan-fried ribeye steak

Always make sure the pan is very hot before you add the pan-fried ribeye steak. A cold pan will cause the meat to steam rather than sear which ruins the texture. If your steak is very thick you might need to cook it for a bit longer on a slightly lower heat after the initial sear. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature if you are unsure about the doneness. Rare should be about 50 degrees while medium is closer to 60 degrees.

Do not skip the resting period as this is vital for a juicy steak. The heat continues to move through the meat even after it leaves the pan. You can also rub a little extra garlic on the meat while it rests for a stronger aroma. Try to use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like rapeseed or vegetable oil for the best results.

You might also enjoy fried haddock, prawn stew or pasta with lemon and parmesan.

Ingredients

servings
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  • 2 ribeye steaks
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Cooking time

Kitchen tools

Nutrition information

NUTRITIONper serving
  • Energy:4058 kJ / 970 kcal
  • Fat:85 g
  • - of which saturates:32 g
  • Carbohydrates:0 g
  • - of which sugars:0 g
  • Protein:55 g
  • Fibre:0 g
  • Salt:600 mg

People also ask

A standard thickness Pan-Fried Ribeye Steak usually takes about three to four minutes per side. You should use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 52 degrees before resting. The temperature will rise slightly as the meat sits on the board.
The meat can become tough if the pan was not hot enough or if you cooked it for too long. A Pan-Fried Ribeye Steak needs high heat to sear quickly and keep the middle tender. Always remember to let the meat rest for at least five minutes before serving to keep it soft.
It is best to use an oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or sunflower oil. These oils can handle the intense heat needed to sear the meat without burning or tasting bitter. Butter should only be added at the end for flavour so it does not burn in the hot pan.
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