Ribeye Steak

Cooking a ribeye steak to perfection is a true delight. Here’s a simple yet delicious way to prepare a ribeye steak:

Ingredients:

• 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 to 1.5 inches thick)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil or clarified butter
• Optional: Garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, or rosemary sprigs for extra flavor

Instructions:

1. Preparation:
   • Remove the steaks from the refrigerator about 30-60 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking.
   • Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which helps in achieving a better sear.
2. Seasoning:
   • Season both sides of the steaks generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can add other seasonings if you prefer, such as garlic powder or steak seasoning.
3. Preheat Grill or Pan:
   • Preheat your grill or a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high heat. Make sure your cooking surface is hot before adding the steaks.
4. Cooking:
   • If using a grill:
     • Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
     • Place the steaks on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your steak more done.
   • If using a skillet:
     • Add a little olive oil or clarified butter to the hot skillet.
     • Carefully place the steaks in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, adjusting the time based on your desired doneness.
5. Optional Flavorings:
   • For extra flavor, add garlic cloves, thyme sprigs, or rosemary sprigs to the skillet or grill pan while cooking the steaks. You can also baste the steaks with melted butter during cooking for added richness.
6. Resting:
   • Once the steaks reach your desired level of doneness, remove them from the grill or skillet and let them rest on a plate for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier steak.
7. Serve:
   • Slice the steaks against the grain and serve hot. You can serve them with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

Tips:

• For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate the steaks in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, herbs, and spices for a few hours or overnight before cooking.
• Always use tongs to handle steaks instead of a fork to avoid piercing the meat and losing juices.
• Letting the steaks rest after cooking is crucial for a juicy result.
• Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steaks and your preferred level of doneness.

Enjoy your perfectly cooked ribeye steak!