Ella Walter
Cooking ribeye steak in a baking pan is a great option if you want to achieve a delicious, juicy, and tender steak with a flavourful browned crust. Using a cast-iron skillet or cast-iron pan is ideal as it retains heat well and helps create a beautiful crust on the steak. You can also use a stainless steel or carbon steel pan, but it's best to avoid non-stick pans as they won't give you the same crust. The key to a perfect ribeye steak is to bring it to room temperature before cooking, season it generously with salt and pepper (and other seasonings of your choice), and cook it over medium to medium-high heat to achieve an even cook and a browned exterior.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pan type | Cast iron skillet, stainless steel, carbon steel |
| Pan temperature | Medium-high heat, hot enough to sear the steak |
| Steak type | USDA Prime or Wagyu, bone-in or boneless |
| Steak preparation | Bring to room temperature, pat dry, season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika |
| Steak cooking time | 3 minutes per side for rare steak, 8-10 minutes for medium-rare |
| Steak resting time | 5-10 minutes |
| Add-ons | Butter, garlic, herbs |
Explore related products
![Baking Sheet with Rack Set [2 Pans + 2 Racks], Wildone Stainless Steel Cookie Sheet Baking Pan Tray with Cooling Rack, Size 12 x 10 x 1 Inch, Non Toxic & Heavy Duty & Easy Clean](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/812qMb6e1yL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Cooking equipment
Before adding the steak, make sure your pan is hot enough. You can test this by flicking a few drops of water onto the pan. If the water sizzles and evaporates quickly, the pan is ready. You should also heat a little oil in the pan to prevent the steak from sticking. Canola or olive oil is best for pan-searing due to their high smoke points.
If you are cooking more than one steak, use a wider pan to avoid overcrowding. A 12-inch pan is recommended for cooking two steaks at once.
A meat thermometer is also a useful tool to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Perfectly Baked Shrimp: How Long Does It Take?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Steak quality
When it comes to choosing a ribeye steak, there are several factors that contribute to its quality. Firstly, consider the marbling, which refers to the small striations of fat within the meat. A higher fat content leads to a more tender steak, as the fat melts during cooking and infuses the meat with flavour. Therefore, when selecting a ribeye steak, opt for one with a lot of marbling for the best quality.
Another factor that affects steak quality is the grade of meat. In the United States, the USDA grades meat, with Prime being the highest grade, followed by Choice. USDA Prime ribeye steaks are known for their superior tenderness, juiciness, and flavour due to their higher fat content. Thus, when purchasing a ribeye steak, aim for the Prime grade for the best quality.
Additionally, the ageing process of the steak is important. Wet-aged or dry-aged steaks tend to be of higher quality as the ageing process tenderises the meat. This is particularly beneficial for ribeye steaks cooked in a pan, as the shorter cooking time does not allow for much tenderisation. Therefore, choosing a wet-aged or dry-aged steak will result in a higher-quality pan-seared ribeye.
The cooking equipment used also plays a role in steak quality. Cast iron skillets or pans are ideal for cooking ribeye steaks as they retain heat well and create a desirable crust on the steak. If a cast iron pan is unavailable, a stainless steel or carbon steel pan can be used instead. However, avoid non-stick pans, as they cannot produce the same level of crust. Thus, selecting the appropriate cooking equipment is essential for achieving a high-quality pan-seared ribeye steak.
Lastly, the seasoning used can enhance the quality of the steak. A simple combination of salt and pepper is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning. Allowing the steak to reach room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking and prevents overcooking the exterior while keeping the interior undercooked. Thus, bringing the steak to room temperature and using generous amounts of seasoning will result in a higher-quality dish.
Best Places to Buy Pan Boxty
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Baking Sheet with Rack Set [2 Pans + 2 Racks], Wildone Stainless Steel Cookie Sheet Baking Pan Tray with Cooling Rack, Size 10 x 8 x 1 Inch, Non Toxic & Heavy Duty & Easy Clean](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81G5KnqKFwL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
$9.99 $11
Seasoning
Firstly, it is important to pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is important because dry steaks tend to brown better during the cooking process.
Next, you can begin the seasoning process. A simple yet effective seasoning combination is kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can start with a teaspoon of kosher salt and half a teaspoon of ground black pepper per steak, adjusting the measurements based on your taste preferences and the number of steaks you are preparing. Mix these together and generously coat the entire surface of the steak. It is recommended to use kosher salt as its coarse grind helps create a desirable crust on the steak.
If you want to take your seasoning up a notch, you can add some additional ingredients. Some options include garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, or even a bold seasoning blend like Italian seasoning, Creole seasoning, blackened seasoning, or herbs de Provence. For instance, you could mix one tablespoon of Lawry's with three tablespoons of lemon and pepper, adding kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Alternatively, you can create a simple steak marinade ahead of time to make your steak even more tender and flavourful.
After seasoning, let the steak rest for about 30 minutes to an hour to bring it to room temperature. This step helps the steak cook more evenly, preventing the outside from overcooking while keeping the inside undercooked.
Once your steak is seasoned and rested, you can move on to the cooking process, following your preferred recipe for ribeye steak in a baking pan. Remember to use a cast-iron skillet or a stainless steel or carbon steel pan, as these materials retain heat well and help create a beautiful crust on your steak. Avoid using a non-stick pan, as it won't give you the same desirable crust.
In summary, seasoning is a key step in preparing ribeye steak in a baking pan. By following the steps outlined above and experimenting with different seasoning combinations, you can create a delicious and flavourful steak dish.
Stainless Steel Pans: Safe for the Oven?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Baking Sheet with Rack Set [2 Pans + 2 Racks], Wildone Stainless Steel Cookie Sheet Baking Pan Tray with Cooling Rack, Size 9 x 7 x 1 Inch, Non Toxic & Heavy Duty & Easy Clean](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/819s3Z+h9dL._AC_UL320_.jpg)
Cooking time
To cook a ribeye steak in a pan, it is recommended to use a cast-iron skillet or cast-iron pan because it retains heat well and can create a nice crust on the steak. Before adding the steak, make sure the pan is hot. You can test this by flicking a few drops of water onto the pan and observing if they sizzle and evaporate quickly.
For a steak that is about 1 1/4 inches thick, it will take around 8 to 10 minutes of cooking time on a stovetop over high heat to reach a temperature of 120ºF for medium-rare. If you have a thinner steak, check on it earlier, and if you have a thicker steak, continue searing and flipping until it reaches 120ºF, which will take a few minutes longer.
If you prefer your steak rare or if it is thinner, around 1 inch thick, you can pan-fry it for about 3 minutes per side, plus an additional 30-60 seconds on the edges. This cooking time is a guideline, and variables such as your stove type, skillet, initial steak temperature, and thickness can affect the cooking time.
When cooking a ribeye steak, it is important to remember that you cannot undo an overcooked steak, so it is better to err on the side of rare or use a meat thermometer to help you achieve your desired level of doneness.
Egglettes: Floating or Sinking in the Pan?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Serving suggestions
Ribeye steak is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides and flavours. Here are some serving suggestions to accompany your ribeye steak cooked in a baking pan:
Classic Steakhouse Sides
Create an indulgent steakhouse experience at home by pairing your ribeye steak with classic sides. Creamed spinach is a traditional choice, but if you're looking for something lighter, sautéed spinach is a great alternative. Sautéed mushrooms are another classic option that pairs well with the steak's juicy flavour. For a more substantial meal, baked potatoes or mashed potatoes are always a popular choice.
Salads and Vegetables
If you prefer something fresher and simpler, a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables can be a perfect complement to the richness of the steak. For a more gourmet touch, consider a spinach salad with apples, walnuts, and feta. Crispy roasted broccoli is another option to add some crunch to your meal.
Herbs and Seasonings
Enhance the flavour of your ribeye steak with a variety of herbs and seasonings. Fresh rosemary, thyme, or a combination of both, can add a delightful aroma and taste. Don't be afraid to generously season your steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out its savoury notes. For an extra kick, sprinkle on some garlic powder, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes.
Butter and Sauces
Ribeye steak is often served with a pat of butter on top, adding a rich and indulgent touch. For an extra boost of flavour, use garlic butter or compound butter with herbs. The leftover pan sauce from the bottom of the skillet can also be drizzled over the steak, providing additional flavour and moisture.
Wine and Dessert
To complete your meal, consider pairing your ribeye steak with a glass of red wine. And for a truly special occasion, why not finish with a classic dessert like cheesecake? This will surely impress your sweetheart or dinner guests.
Papa John's Pan: Size and Comparison
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
A cast iron skillet or cast iron pan is ideal for cooking ribeye steak as it retains heat well and can create a good crust. If you don't have a cast iron pan, you can use a stainless steel or carbon steel pan. Avoid using a non-stick pan as it won't create the same level of crust.
First, bring the steak to room temperature by leaving it out for 30 minutes to an hour. Heat your pan on medium-high heat and add oil. Place the steak in the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes to create a sear. Flip the steak and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until it's done to your liking. Top with butter, garlic, and herbs.
For a 1 1/4 inch thick steak, cook the steak for 8-10 minutes on the stovetop over high heat until it reaches 120ºF for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak rare or if your steak is thinner (around 1 inch thick), cook for 3 minutes on each side and 30-60 seconds on the edges.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the steak should reach 120ºF. The steak will continue to cook for a few minutes after being removed from the heat, so remove it from the heat when it's slightly undercooked.
