Ribeye Steak Recipe – Juicy, Restaurant-Style Perfection at Home

Introduction

There’s something magical about the sizzle of a ribeye hitting a hot skillet. It’s that rich aroma that instantly makes everyone in the house wander into the kitchen, asking, “What’s for dinner?”

When I first started cooking steaks at home, I was terrified of overcooking them. But once I learned the secret—pat dry, season well, and let that pan get smoking hot—everything changed. Now, this ribeye steak recipe is my go-to for date nights, family dinners, or those “treat yourself” evenings when takeout just won’t cut it.

This is the kind of meal that makes you feel like a pro chef without breaking a sweat. Let’s make it happen.

What Makes This Ribeye Steak Recipe Special

• Incredible Flavor: Rich marbling gives ribeye that signature buttery taste—no fancy sauces needed.
• Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 20 minutes.
• Versatile: Perfect on the grill, cast iron, or even the air fryer.
• Viral-Worthy: The golden crust and juicy pink center are pure #FoodTikTok gold.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 2–4)

• 2–4 ribeye steaks (10–12 oz each, about 1–1.5 inches thick)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 3–4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• Optional: ½ tsp smoked paprika or steak seasoning blend

Tools You’ll Need

• Cast iron skillet or grill
• Tongs
• Instant-read thermometer
• Small spoon (for basting)
• Foil (for resting)

How to Make Ribeye Steak

1. Prep the steaks.
   Remove ribeyes from the fridge about 30–45 minutes before cooking. Pat them completely dry with paper towels—this helps create that crust. Rub both sides with olive oil, salt, pepper, and your chosen seasoning.
2. Heat your skillet or grill.
   If using a cast iron skillet, heat it over high until just smoking. For a grill, preheat to medium-high (450–500°F).
3. Sear the steaks.
   Place ribeyes in the hot skillet or directly on the grill grates. Add smashed garlic and rosemary or thyme for an aromatic boost. Cook 3–4 minutes per side for a perfect medium-rare (about 130°F).
4. Baste (optional but heavenly).
   Add a tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted butter over the steaks for 30–60 seconds. The garlic and herbs infuse every bite.
5. Rest before slicing.
   Transfer the steaks to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 5–10 minutes. This keeps the juices inside, where they belong.
6. Serve and enjoy.
   Slice against the grain and serve with roasted potatoes, charred asparagus, or a crisp arugula salad. Sprinkle a little flaky salt on top for that chef’s kiss moment.

Quick Table: Ribeye Swaps & Seasoning Ideas

What to Serve With Ribeye Steak

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes – creamy, buttery perfection.
• Crispy Parmesan Brussels Sprouts – trendy, flavorful, and TikTok-approved.
• Simple Arugula Salad – peppery greens balance that rich steak flavor.

For more quick sides, check out Easy Roasted Potatoes with Herbs or Air Fryer Asparagus.

Tips for Perfect Results

1. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Let those steaks sear, not steam.
2. Use a thermometer. 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.
3. Rest the meat. Always. It’s the key to a juicy ribeye every time.

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a 300°F oven until just hot.

FAQs

1. How long should I cook ribeye per side?
About 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness.

2. What’s the best pan for cooking ribeye?
A cast iron skillet—it retains heat beautifully and gives you that golden crust.

3. Should I oil the steak or the pan?
Always oil the steak, not the pan, for even coverage and less smoke.

4. Can I make this on a grill?
Absolutely! Preheat to medium-high and sear 3–4 minutes per side.

5. What’s the ideal internal temperature for ribeye?
130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium.

6. How do I get that restaurant-style crust?
Pat your steak bone-dry before seasoning, and make sure your pan is piping hot.

Conclusion

There you have it—your ribeye steak recipe that turns any night into a mini steakhouse moment. Once you’ve nailed this, try pairing it with our Garlic Butter Shrimp Skillet or Homemade Chimichurri Sauce for the ultimate surf-and-turf experience.

If you give this recipe a try, share your sizzling ribeye pics on TikTok or Instagram and tag us @EasyMealsToPrep! And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more deliciously simple recipes every week.

Perfect Ribeye Steak (Cast Iron or Grill)

Sharis Mariner

Juicy, tender ribeye steaks seared in cast iron or grilled to perfection with garlic and herbs. Golden crust outside, buttery and flavorful inside — ready in 20 minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main

Cuisine American, Steakhouse

Servings 2 steaks

Calories 540 kcal

Equipment

• Cast iron skillet or grill
• Tongs
• instant-read thermometer
• small spoon For basting
• Foil For resting the steak

Ingredients

  

• 2 ribeye steaks (10–12 oz each, 1–1.5 inches thick)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 3 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 0.5 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika or steak seasoning blend (optional)

Instructions

 

• Remove ribeyes from the fridge 30–45 minutes before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels. Rub with oil, salt, pepper, and optional seasoning.
• Heat cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking, or preheat grill to 450–500°F.
• Place steaks in skillet or grill. Add smashed garlic and herbs. Sear for 3–4 minutes per side (target 130°F internal temp for medium-rare).
• Optional: Add 1 tbsp butter to pan and baste steaks for 30–60 seconds with spoon.
• Transfer steaks to a plate. Cover loosely with foil and rest 5–10 minutes.
• Slice against the grain. Serve with desired sides and flaky salt if desired.

Notes

Let steaks rest before and after cooking for best results. Cast iron is great for indoor searing; grilling adds smokiness. Try with mashed potatoes, asparagus, or arugula salad.

Keyword cast iron steak, grilled steak, ribeye steak, steak dinner