Ribeye steak is beloved for its rich marbling and deep flavor. When seared until golden and basted in butter, it becomes a restaurant-quality meal. Crowned with a pat of homemade herb butter, this dish balances richness with freshness, ideal for date nights, dinner parties, or solo steakhouse indulgence at home.
Yields 2 Servings Servings Quarter (0.5 Servings) Half (1 Serving) Default (2 Servings) Double (4 Servings) Triple (6 Servings) Prep Time 15 minsCook Time 15 minsTotal Time 30 mins
For the Steak
2 ribeye steaks (1¼–1½ inch thick, about 12–14 oz each)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp high smoke point oil (grapeseed, canola, or avocado)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for basting)
2 cloves garlic, smashed
2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
For the Herb Butter
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 small garlic clove, grated or minced
½ tsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of chili flakes
Make the Herb Butter
1
In a small bowl, mix softened butter , herbs , garlic , lemon zest , salt, and pepper.
Scoop onto a sheet of parchment or plastic wrap and roll into a log . Twist ends and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or freeze for long-term use).
Slice into coins just before serving.
Prep the Steaks
2
Remove steaks from fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels — moisture prevents searing.
Season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper on both sides.
Sear the Steaks
3
Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over high heat until smoking.
Add oil , then lay in the steaks (away from you). Do not crowd.
Sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until a deep golden crust forms.
Flip steaks and reduce heat to medium-high .
Add butter, garlic, and herbs to the pan.
Tilt pan and baste the steaks continuously with the foaming butter for 1–2 more minutes .
Check Doneness
4
Remove steaks when just under desired temp. Carryover heat will finish the job.
Rest & Serve
5
Transfer steaks to a cutting board and let rest for 5–10 minutes .
Top each steak with a coin of herb butter .
Slice against the grain or serve whole, spooning melted butter over top.
To Serve
6 Pair with:
Garlic mashed potatoes
Charred broccolini or asparagus
Red wine jus , chimichurri, or roasted mushrooms
Variations
7
Add blue cheese or crumbled goat cheese to the butter
Swap in shallots or smoked paprika for a deeper herb butter twist
Use reverse-sear method for thicker steaks (roast low, then sear)
Pairing Suggestions
8
Red wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec
Beer: Stout, porter, or a full-bodied ale
Non-alcoholic: Black cherry soda, pomegranate shrub, or iced oolong tea
Ingredients For the Steak
2 ribeye steaks (1¼–1½ inch thick, about 12–14 oz each)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp high smoke point oil (grapeseed, canola, or avocado)
2 tbsp unsalted butter (for basting)
2 cloves garlic, smashed
2 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary
For the Herb Butter
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
1 small garlic clove, grated or minced
½ tsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of chili flakes
Directions Make the Herb Butter
1
In a small bowl, mix softened butter , herbs , garlic , lemon zest , salt, and pepper.
Scoop onto a sheet of parchment or plastic wrap and roll into a log . Twist ends and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (or freeze for long-term use).
Slice into coins just before serving.
Prep the Steaks
2
Remove steaks from fridge 30 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels — moisture prevents searing.
Season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper on both sides.
Sear the Steaks
3
Heat a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over high heat until smoking.
Add oil , then lay in the steaks (away from you). Do not crowd.
Sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until a deep golden crust forms.
Flip steaks and reduce heat to medium-high .
Add butter, garlic, and herbs to the pan.
Tilt pan and baste the steaks continuously with the foaming butter for 1–2 more minutes .
Check Doneness
4
Remove steaks when just under desired temp. Carryover heat will finish the job.
Rest & Serve
5
Transfer steaks to a cutting board and let rest for 5–10 minutes .
Top each steak with a coin of herb butter .
Slice against the grain or serve whole, spooning melted butter over top.
To Serve
6 Pair with:
Garlic mashed potatoes
Charred broccolini or asparagus
Red wine jus , chimichurri, or roasted mushrooms
Variations
7
Add blue cheese or crumbled goat cheese to the butter
Swap in shallots or smoked paprika for a deeper herb butter twist
Use reverse-sear method for thicker steaks (roast low, then sear)
Pairing Suggestions
8
Red wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec
Beer: Stout, porter, or a full-bodied ale
Non-alcoholic: Black cherry soda, pomegranate shrub, or iced oolong tea
Ribeye Steak with Herb Butter