Ribeye steaks are a delicious and indulgent treat, perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious weeknight dinner. However, cooking the perfect ribeye can be a challenge, especially if you’re not sure how long to cook it on each side. Overcooking your steak can result in a tough, chewy texture, while undercooking can leave your steak raw and unappetizing.
To help you achieve the perfect ribeye steak every time, this article will explore how long you should cook your ribeye on each side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. We’ll also discuss some tips and tricks to ensure your steak is juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor. Whether you like your steak rare, medium, or well-done, we’ve got you covered.
Understanding the Ribeye Cut
When it comes to steak, the ribeye is one of the most popular and delicious cuts. The ribeye comes from the rib section of the cow and typically contains the eye of the rib, as well as surrounding fat and marbling. The more marbling a ribeye has, the more flavorful and tender it will be.
There are a few different types of ribeye cuts, including bone-in, boneless, and cowboy-style, which includes the bone and large sections of meat. Each of these cuts will cook slightly differently, but the overall cooking method remains the same. Understanding the ribeye cut is important because it will allow you to choose the best cut for your meal and ensure that you cook it to perfection.
Preparing your Ribeye Steak
The secret to a perfectly cooked ribeye steak starts with proper preparation. Begin by taking your steak out of the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This will ensure even cooking throughout the steak.
Next, season your ribeye with coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper. For added flavor, you can add herbs such as rosemary or thyme to your seasoning mix. Rub the seasoning generously onto both sides of the steak, making sure to press it into the meat.
Lastly, if you prefer a crusty exterior, use a paper towel to dry the surface of the steak before cooking. This will remove any excess moisture and allow a proper sear to form when the steak hits the hot pan. With these simple preparation steps, your ribeye steak is ready for cooking and is sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Achieving the Perfect Ribeye Sear
Achieving the perfect ribeye sear is essential to achieving a juicy, tender, and flavorful steak. To get the perfect sear, allow your ribeye steak to come to room temperature for 30 minutes prior to cooking. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and helps to achieve a beautiful crust.
Next, make sure your skillet or griddle is heated to a high temperature. You want your cooking surface to be hot enough to create a seared crust on the steak. Once your skillet is hot, add a tablespoon of oil to it and wait for the oil to shimmer. Carefully place your ribeye onto the skillet or griddle and let it cook without moving it for 4-5 minutes. Flip the ribeye and cook it for an additional 4-5 minutes for medium-rare. By following these simple steps, you can achieve the perfect ribeye sear every time.
Cooking Times for Different Steak Thicknesses
When it comes to cooking ribeye steak, the thickness of the cut plays a crucial role in determining the cooking time. A thinner cut of ribeye steak, about 1 inch or less, will cook quickly and can take between 4 to 6 minutes per side for a medium-rare doneness. For medium-well or well-done, it may take up to 8 minutes per side.
On the other hand, a thicker cut of ribeye steak, about 1.5 to 2 inches thick, will require a longer cooking time. Depending on the desired doneness, it can take between 6 to 9 minutes per side for medium-rare, up to 12 minutes for medium-well, and up to 16 minutes for well-done. However, it is important to remember that cooking times may slightly vary depending on the heat source and other factors such as altitude and the thickness of the steak. It is recommended to use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches the desired internal temperature.
Tips for Checking Doneness
One of the most important aspects of cooking a ribeye is checking its doneness, which determines whether the meat is rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, or well-done. There are several methods you can use to check the doneness of your ribeye, including the touch test, the probe test, and the meat thermometer.
The touch test involves pressing the center of the steak with your index finger to determine the level of resistance and comparing it to the feeling when you touch your palm. The probe test involves inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to get an accurate reading of the internal temperature. And finally, using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check the ribeye’s doneness, ensuring that the meat is safe to eat and cooked to your desired level of doneness. With these tips, you can ensure that your ribeye is cooked to perfection every time!
Resting and Serving your Ribeye
After cooking your ribeye, it is essential to let it rest before serving. Resting allows the steak to reabsorb its juices and tenderize, making every bite juicy and flavorful. A good rule of thumb is to let the ribeye rest for about 5-10 minutes before you cut into it.
To serve your ribeye, it’s best to slice against the grain of the meat and serve it on a warm plate. You can add a pat of butter on top of the steak to enhance the flavor and presentation, or add a sprinkle of sea salt to bring out the natural flavors of the beef. Pair your ribeye with sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and a glass of your favorite red wine for a perfect and elegant meal.
Pairing your Ribeye with the Perfect Wine
Pairing your Ribeye with the perfect wine can elevate your dining experience to the next level. Generally, red wines are the go-to choice when it comes to pairing with beef, and Ribeye is no exception. A full-bodied red wine can complement the rich flavor and texture of Ribeye very well. Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Syrah are some of the popular choices for pairing with Ribeye. These wines are known for their bold flavors, high tannins, and a good amount of acidity that can cut through the fat content in the meat, making it feel less heavy on the palate.
If you prefer a lighter-bodied wine, then Pinot Noir can be an excellent choice. It has a smooth and fruity flavor, which can balance the intensity of Ribeye, creating a harmonious flavor profile. If you want to add an extra layer of complexity, you can also try pairing your Ribeye with a red wine blend or a Bordeaux blend. These blends contain a variety of grapes, which can create a unique flavor profile, adding depth and character to your dining experience. Ultimately, the perfect wine pairing depends on your personal taste and preference, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different varieties until you find the perfect one that suits your taste buds.
The Conclusion
To cook a ribeye to perfection, it is important to consider factors such as the thickness of the meat, the cooking method, and the desired level of doneness. Cooking your ribeye for too long or too short can affect the quality of the meat and prevent it from reaching its full potential. Therefore, it is essential to take the time to understand the nuances of cooking a ribeye and practice consistently to improve your skills.
By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can confidently prepare a delicious and perfectly cooked ribeye. Whether you choose to sear it on a hot grill or pan-fry it with butter, remember to give the meat enough time to rest and enjoy the fruits of your labor. With a little bit of patience and practice, you can become a pro at cooking a ribeye and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills.