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Perfect Cast Iron Cowboy Ribeye Recipe with Easy Garlic Herb Butter

cast iron cowboy ribeye - featured image

A straightforward and satisfying recipe for a thick cowboy ribeye steak seared in a cast iron skillet and finished with a rich garlic herb butter, delivering bold flavor and a perfect crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cowboy ribeye steak (1.5 to 2 inches thick, 2024 oz / 570680 g)
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • Lemon zest from half a lemon (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring the steak to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
  2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on all sides.
  3. In a small bowl, mix softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, rosemary, and lemon zest if using. Blend well and set aside.
  4. Heat the cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers but does not smoke, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Place the steak gently in the skillet and sear without moving for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on thickness, until a deep brown crust forms.
  6. During the last minute of cooking, reduce heat to medium-low. Add a couple of tablespoons of the garlic herb butter on top of the steak and baste repeatedly with the melted butter.
  7. Check doneness with a meat thermometer: 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium. Remove from heat promptly to avoid overcooking.
  8. Tent the steak loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  9. Slice against the grain and spoon more garlic herb butter over the top before serving.

Notes

Pat the steak dry before seasoning to ensure a good crust. Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Let the steak rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Garlic herb butter tastes better if made ahead and rested. Adjust cooking times for steak thickness. Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy ribeye, cast iron steak, garlic herb butter, steak recipe, easy steak, cast iron skillet, ribeye steak, garlic butter steak