Cast Iron Skillet Recipes: Pan Seared Cowboy Ribeye (+More Great Recipes!)
My cast iron skillet recipes feature seared meats, potato dishes, flavorful chicken, and even fluffy cornbread! These restaurant-quality dishes are full of rich and decadent flavors, all from the comfort of your kitchen! Of course, these cast iron skillet recipes are great for any day of the week because they are all easy to make!
2largegarlic cloves(optional, peeled and left whole)
fresh herbs(optional, rosemary and thyme are my first choice)
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Instructions
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Make sure the pan is very HOT before adding the steak.
Season the side of the cowboy ribeye steak that is facing you with my steak seasoning, or your favorite brand. Use your fingers to press the seasoning into the meat to set it. Season the fat around the sides for added flavor.
Place the ribeye in the hot skillet with the seasoned side down. Then, season the side facing upward and press the seasoning into the steak. Do not move the steak around in the pan until it is time to flip it. For a steak that is 1.5" to 2" thick, cook the first side for 6-7 minutes (for medium-rare). *If your steak is 2" to 3" thick, cook it for the same amount of time but you may have to finish in the oven.
Flip the ribeye and cook the opposite side for the same amount of time (6-7 minutes). While you finish cooking add the butter, garlic, and herbs to the pan and spoon it over your steak (also known as basting or 'arroser').
The fat should all be rendered from the steak when done, and the internal temperature should be about 135°F (57°C). For thicker steaks, after searing each side for 6-7 minutes, place the skillet in the oven at 500°F (260°C) for4-6 minutes until temp is 5°F (3°C) short of the desired doneness. *See note
Remove the cooked ribeye from the skillet (or oven) and place it on a cutting board. Tent a piece of aluminum foil loosely over top, and allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
A medium-rare steak is 130°F-135°F (54°C-57°C),medium is 135°F-145°F (57°C-63°C), medium well is 145°F-155°F (63°C-68°C), anything above that is done or well-done.
A steak will continue cooking (known as carryover cooking) while it rests, that is why removing it from heat when it is 5°F (3°C) shy of the desired temp.
Cast iron skillets are my favorite for pan-searing steak. It caramelizes the outside as it sears and results in a better flavor. This is a personal choice, however, and a large skillet will also work fine.
If you want to infuse the ribeye with more flavor, you can add the herbs and garlic at the start of cooking.
The size of your cowboy cut ribeye steak will dictate how long it needs to cook for. For an extra large cut (2 ½ to 3 pounds) you would sear for 10-12 minutes per side and then finish in the oven for 5-10 minutes.