How to Cook Ribeye in a Pan

Pan-fry a ribeye steak.

Pan-frying a ribeye steak is a convenient way to cook it when a grill is not available. Pan-frying allows you to achieve a brown sear that will add flavor to the steak, much like the grill marks from a grill. Although most cuts of ribeye can be cooked in a pan, thick cuts of ribeye should be finished in an oven to prevent the outside of the steak from burning.

Things You'll Need

• 2 Tbsp. cooking oil
• 1 Tbsp. butter

Instructions

1. Set the ribeye out and allow it to come close to room temperature. This will reduce the amount of time it takes to cook the ribeye, resulting in a more tender steak.

2. Season the ribeye with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Coat the outside of the steak with a thin layer of oil.

4. Heat a pan on the stovetop using medium heat.

5. Melt 1 tbsp. of butter in this pan.

6. Place the ribeye in the middle of the pan. Do not cover the pan.

7. Cook the ribeye for approximately four minutes.

8. Pick up the ribeye after four minutes and check the color of the bottom side. If it is brown, flip the steak. If it is not yet brown, give it a few more minutes. Use tongs to pick up the steak to avoid puncturing the steak and spilling its juices.

9. Cook the ribeye until the other side of the steak turns brown. This will take approximately the same amount of time as the first side.

10. Finish cooking very thick ribeye steaks in the oven at 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This will allow you to cook the ribeye through without burning the outside of the steak.

Tips & Warnings

• Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the amount of doneness you prefer. Rare steaks will take less time while well-done steaks will take more. Temperatures of about 135 degrees Fahrenheit are rare, 145 degrees Fahrenheit are medium and 160 degrees Fahrenheit yields a well-done steak.

References

• How to Cook Meat: Pan-Fried Ribeye Steaks
• Beef Culinary Center: Beef Ribeye Steak