Do you want to know how to cook a ribeye steak without an iron skillet? It’s easy, so get ready to treat yourself to a delicious steak dinner! 

You don’t need a cast iron skillet to make it happen. That’s right, we’re breaking the norms and showing you how to whip up a juicy, flavorful steak with tools you’ve already got in your kitchen. So, buckle up and get ready to impress your taste buds and maybe even a few dinner guests!

Cooking steak isn’t difficult. Whether you choose a thick steak or thinner steak, your cooking method should be pretty basic. You can use the same process with New York strip steak, sirloin steak, or any of your favorite cuts.

First off, let’s address the steak in the room – the rib eye steak. This cut is a favorite for many, thanks to its rich marbling and incredible flavor. Often, people think the best way to cook this beauty is in a cast-iron skillet, but let’s explore some alternatives that deliver equally delicious results.

Getting Your Steak Ready: The Basics

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s prep our steak. You’ll want your ribeye to be at room temperature – trust me, this is crucial for even cooking. Take it out of the fridge about 30-40 minutes before you plan to cook. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, as this will help in achieving that coveted crispy crust.

Seasoning is next. A generous sprinkling of kosher salt and black pepper on both sides is key. Or you can use this homemade meat seasoning that I used, and you don’t have to add salt or pepper because it has plenty. Some folks love adding garlic cloves or fresh herbs – feel free to experiment!

Choosing Your Pan and Oil

A lot of people claim that the only way they like to cook ribeye steak is to either grill it or use an iron skillet. Although those are both excellent options, you don’t have to choose either of them.

No cast-iron skillet? No problem! 

A stainless steel pan or a good-quality non-stick pan can work wonders. The goal is to use a frying pan that can handle high temperatures and distribute heat evenly. As for the oil, you want something with a high smoke point – canola oil or avocado oil can do the trick. If you like your steak rare, you can use butter or olive oil.

I typically use butter because of the flavor it adds to my ribeye steak recipe. If you like your steak well done, you probably don’t want to use olive oil since it will burn easily. It would be better to use butter or avocado oil.

Cooking the Steak: It’s Showtime!

Now, let’s get cooking! Heat your pan over medium-high heat until it’s really hot. You want a hot pan for that perfect sear. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil, then carefully place your steak in the pan. If you’re cooking a thicker steak, you’ll need more time, but for the average ribeye, about 3-4 minutes on the first side should do.

After the first side has got that nice crust, flip it over for another 2-3 minutes. This is when you can add a pat of butter on top of the steak for extra flavor. For a thicker cut or if you prefer a medium-rare steak, you may need to adjust the cooking time.

Checking for Doneness: The Art of Perfect Steak

The best way to check if your steak is perfectly cooked is by using a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of around 130-135 degrees F. Remember, the steak cooks a bit more even after it’s off the heat.

Once your steak reaches the desired temperature, let it rest. This is crucial! Place the steak on a cutting board or a wire rack and cover it loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy steak when you cut into it.

How Long to Cook the Ribeye Steak

You should cook ribeye steak without an iron skillet the same way you’d cook it with an iron skillet.

Depending on the thickness of your steak, here is how long you should cook it:

• Rare to Medium-Rare Steak: two to three minutes per side over medium-high heat.
• Medium-Rare to Medium Steak: three to four minutes per side.
• Medium to Well-Done: four to five minutes per side.

Serving Your Cooked Ribeye

Now, the best part – serving your delicious steak. Slice it against the grain for maximum tenderness. Serve it with sides of your choice – green beans, roasted potatoes, or a simple salad all make great companions. We also enjoy a side of this loaded baked potato casserole with any kind of steak. 

I personally enjoy having a side salad with my steak. A good one is this crunchy, colorful, flavorful broccoli slaw. Another salad you may want to try is this marinated veggie salad from Miz Helen’s Country Cottage.

Don’t forget about bread and dessert. For bread, I’m likely to serve this light and fluffy cloud bread with a steak dinner. It’s absolutely delicious, and it’s gluten free! For dessert, I’d probably go with something light, like this no-bake pineapple pie.

Final Tips for the Best Steak Ever

Now you have all the information you need to cook a ribeye steak. Here are some things to remember:

Patience is Key: Don’t rush the cooking process. Letting the steak cook undisturbed on each side is essential for that flavorful crust.

Oil Wisely: Use the right oil for high-temperature cooking.

Rest it Right: Letting your steak rest before slicing is not a suggestion, it’s a must.

Experiment with Flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different herbs or a dash of compound butter for added flavor.

So Many Ways to Cook Steak

Cooking a ribeye steak to perfection without a cast-iron skillet is totally doable and can be incredibly satisfying.

I love grilled steak! We’ve used both gas grills and charcoal grills. And we recently purchased an electric smoker-grill that does an amazing job.

Another way to cook a ribeye is air frying, similar to the way I cooked this T-Bone steak. It’s easy, and cleanup is quick. Remember, the best steak is the one cooked with care and passion. Take your time and do the best you can.

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