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Perfect Medium-Rare Ribeye Steak Recipe Easy Juicy Charred Crust

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This recipe delivers a perfectly seared ribeye steak with a juicy medium-rare center and a flavorful charred crust, using simple ingredients and straightforward techniques.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ribeye steak, about 1 to 1½ inches thick (well-marbled, USDA Choice or Prime)
  • Coarse kosher salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon high smoke point oil (avocado oil or grapeseed oil)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 fresh garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2–3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
  • Optional: finishing sea salt (like Maldon flakes)
  • Optional: lemon wedge

Instructions

  1. Bring steak to room temperature (about 30 minutes). Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Season generously with coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides just before cooking.
  3. Preheat a heavy cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until smoking hot, about 5 minutes.
  4. Add 1 tablespoon of high smoke point oil to the skillet and swirl to coat.
  5. Place the ribeye in the skillet away from you and sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
  6. Flip the steak using tongs. Immediately add butter, smashed garlic cloves, and fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs to the pan.
  7. Tilt the pan slightly and baste the steak with the melted butter and herb-infused juices using a spoon for another 3-4 minutes.
  8. Check internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer aiming for 130°F to 135°F (54°C to 57°C) for medium-rare. Cook a bit longer if needed, flipping and basting as necessary.
  9. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  10. Slice against the grain into thick slices. Sprinkle with finishing sea salt and add a squeeze of lemon if desired before serving.

Notes

If the crust isn’t dark enough, finish under a hot broiler for 1-2 minutes watching closely to avoid overcooking. Do not skip resting the steak to keep it juicy. Use high smoke point oils like avocado or grapeseed oil for best searing results. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain high heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: ribeye steak, medium-rare steak, cast iron skillet steak, juicy steak, steak recipe, easy steak, grilled steak, pan-seared steak

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/perfect-medium-rare-ribeye-steak-recipe-easy-juicy-charred-crust/