If you’re a steak lover, you know that rib eye steak is one of the most flavorful and tender cuts of meat. Cooking a rib eye steak on the stove can be a great way to achieve a deliciously seared crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. But how long should you cook a rib eye steak on the stove to get it just right?

The cooking time of a rib eye steak on the stove can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. A general rule of thumb is to cook a one-inch thick rib eye steak for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare. If you prefer a more well-done steak, you can cook it for an additional 2-3 minutes per side.

It’s important to monitor the internal temperature of the steak during cooking to ensure it reaches your desired doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 135°F (57°C), while for medium, it should be around 145°F (63°C).

Before cooking the rib eye steak, it’s a good idea to let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows for more even cooking. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred seasoning, and preheat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan and place the steak in the hot pan once it is heated.

Tip: To achieve a perfect sear, avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook the steak in batches if necessary.

During the cooking process, refrain from constantly flipping or poking the steak. Allow it to cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side to develop a nice crust. Use tongs to flip the steak only once, preferably when it easily releases from the pan. Once the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.

By following these guidelines, you can achieve a perfectly cooked rib eye steak on the stove, whether you prefer it medium-rare or well-done. Experiment with different seasonings and cooking times to find your perfect steak.

Preparation of Rib Eye Steak

Before cooking rib eye steak on the stove, it is important to properly prepare the meat to ensure a delicious and tender result. Follow these steps to prepare your rib eye steak:

Step 1:

Take the rib eye steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This allows for more even cooking.

Step 2:

Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor of the meat.

Step 3:

Optional: Marinate the rib eye steak in your favorite marinade for added flavor. Place the steak in a zip-top bag with the marinade, seal and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.

Step 4:

Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil to the pan.

Step 5:

Place the rib eye steak in the hot pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.

Step 6:

Remove the steak from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier steak.

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Following these steps will ensure that your rib eye steak is perfectly cooked and full of flavor. Enjoy!

Choosing the Right Rib Eye

When it comes to choosing a rib eye steak, there are a few important factors to consider. These factors can greatly contribute to the overall taste and tenderness of the steak.

Quality: Look for a rib eye steak that is of high quality. This means choosing a steak that has good marbling, which is the white streaks of fat throughout the meat. The marbling adds flavor and juiciness to the steak.

Thickness: The thickness of the rib eye steak is also important. Thicker steaks tend to be juicier and more flavorful. Aim for a steak that is around 1 to 1.5 inches thick.

Weight: Consider the weight of the steak when choosing. A typical serving size is around 8 ounces, so keep this in mind when making your selection.

Freshness: It’s best to choose a rib eye steak that is fresh. Look for bright red color and avoid steaks that have a grayish tint. The meat should also feel firm to the touch.

Grass-Fed vs Grain-Fed: Grass-fed rib eye steaks are known to have a more intense, beefy flavor compared to grain-fed steaks. Consider your personal preference when deciding between the two.

Prime or Choice Grade: Prime grade rib eye steaks are the highest quality and have the most marbling. Choice grade steaks are still delicious and offer a good balance between quality and price. Select grade steaks are usually the most affordable but may not be as tender or flavorful.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right rib eye steak for your cooking needs and ensure a delicious and satisfying meal.

Gathering the Ingredients

Before you start cooking your rib eye steak on the stove, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients:

  • Rib eye steak: Look for a good quality rib eye steak at your local butcher or grocery store. You’ll want a thick cut that is at least 1 inch thick.
  • Salt and pepper: Use freshly ground salt and pepper to season your steak.
  • Oil or butter: Choose a high smoke point oil or butter, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or clarified butter, for searing the steak.
  • Garlic and herbs (optional): If desired, you can add minced garlic and your favorite herbs, like rosemary or thyme, to enhance the flavor of the steak.

Make sure to gather all the ingredients before you start cooking to ensure a smooth preparation process.

Preparing the Rib Eye

Before cooking your rib eye steak on the stove, there are a few steps that you will need to take to ensure a delicious and tender result.

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1. Seasoning the Steak

First, season the rib eye steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will help to enhance the natural flavors of the meat and add a delicious crust when seared on the stove.

2. Bringing the Steak to Room Temperature

Next, allow the seasoned rib eye steak to come to room temperature. This step is important as it ensures even cooking throughout the steak and prevents it from becoming tough when cooked.

Place the steak on a plate and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will also help the steak to cook more quickly and evenly.

Once the rib eye steak has reached room temperature, it is now ready to be cooked on the stove.

Cooking the Rib Eye on Stove

Cooking a rib eye steak on the stove is a simple and delicious way to enjoy this flavorful cut of meat. Follow these steps to achieve a perfectly cooked rib eye steak on the stove:

  1. Remove the rib eye steak from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will ensure even cooking.
  2. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder or steak seasoning for extra flavor.
  3. Heat a cast iron skillet or a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is preheated before adding the steak.
  4. Add a small amount of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, to the skillet and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
  5. Place the rib eye steak in the hot skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.
  6. Use tongs to flip the steak and avoid piercing it with a fork, as this can cause the juices to escape.
  7. For an extra touch of flavor, you can add a pat of butter and some fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the skillet during the last minute of cooking.
  8. Once the steak reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
  9. Slice the rib eye steak against the grain and serve it immediately.

Cooking a rib eye steak on the stove is a quick and convenient way to enjoy a juicy and tender piece of meat. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to cook a delicious rib eye steak on the stove every time.

Checking the Doneness

Checking the doneness of your rib eye steak is crucial to ensure that it is cooked to your preferred level of doneness. Here are a few methods you can use to check the doneness:

1. Visual Method: Use the visual method to check the color and appearance of the steak:

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– Rare: The steak will have a very red center and a cool red appearance throughout.

– Medium Rare: The steak will have a warm red center and a slightly pink appearance throughout.

– Medium: The steak will have a warm pink center and a light pink appearance throughout.

– Medium Well: The steak will have a slight hint of pink in the center and a mostly brown appearance throughout.

– Well Done: The steak will have a brown center and a fully brown appearance throughout.

2. Touch Method: Use the touch method to check the firmness of the steak:

– Rare: The steak will be soft and squishy when touched.

– Medium Rare: The steak will be soft but firm when touched.

– Medium: The steak will be firm but still have some give when touched.

– Medium Well: The steak will be firm with very little give when touched.

– Well Done: The steak will be very firm and springy when touched.

3. Thermometer Method: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak:

– Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)

– Medium Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)

– Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)

– Medium Well: 150-155°F (65-68°C)

– Well Done: 160°F+ (71°C+)

By using one or a combination of these methods, you can ensure that your rib eye steak is cooked to perfection!

Q&A

How long should I cook a rib eye steak on the stove?

The cooking time for a rib eye steak on the stove will vary depending on the desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. As a general guideline, a 1-inch thick rib eye steak should be cooked for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 5-6 minutes per side for medium.

What is the best way to cook a rib eye steak on the stove?

To cook a rib eye steak on the stove, start by seasoning the steak with salt and pepper. Preheat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil or butter. Once the pan is hot, add the steak and cook for the desired time on each side, flipping it only once. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.

Can I cook a rib eye steak on the stove without oil?

While it is possible to cook a rib eye steak on the stove without oil, using some oil or butter will help enhance the flavor and prevent the steak from sticking to the pan. The oil also helps with heat distribution, resulting in a more evenly cooked steak.

Do I need to marinate the rib eye steak before cooking it on the stove?

Marinating a rib eye steak before cooking it on the stove is not necessary, as rib eye steak is already flavorful and tender. However, if you prefer to marinate the steak for added flavor, you can do so by using a combination of your favorite marinade ingredients and letting the steak sit in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking.