Cowboy Steak Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 bone-in ribeye steaks (each around 1.5-2 inches thick, about 16-20 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or beef tallow, for extra flavor)
• 4 cloves garlic (crushed)
• 2 tbsp butter (grass-fed if possible)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme (a few sprigs)
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for added depth of flavor)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Steaks:
   • Remove the cowboy steaks from the refrigerator about 30-60 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. This ensures the steak cooks more evenly.
   • Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel to remove any moisture. This helps achieve a better sear.
   • Generously season both sides of the steaks with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. For additional flavor, you can sprinkle on some smoked paprika and garlic powder, depending on your preference.
2. Heat the Pan or Grill:
   • For Grilling: Preheat your grill to high heat (about 450-500°F or 230-260°C). Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
   • For Pan-Seared: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or beef tallow to the pan, and let it heat up until it’s shimmering but not smoking. A good pan will help develop a delicious crust.
3. Sear the Steaks:
   • On the Grill: Place the steaks directly on the grill grates. Sear each side for 4-6 minutes for medium-rare, or adjust the time based on your preferred level of doneness. Rotate the steaks 90 degrees halfway through each side’s grilling time to create beautiful crosshatch grill marks.
   • On the Stove: Once the oil is hot, add the steaks to the pan. You should hear a sizzle when they hit the pan—this means you’re getting a nice sear. Sear the steaks for 4-5 minutes per side. Flip them only once, so you get a perfect caramelized crust.
4. Add Butter and Herbs:
   • After flipping the steaks (or during the last 2 minutes of cooking), add butter, crushed garlic cloves, and rosemary or thyme to the pan. Allow the butter to melt and baste the steaks by spooning the melted butter over them using a spoon. This adds richness and flavor to the meat.
   • If grilling, you can add the butter and herbs to a small saucepan to melt and drizzle over the steaks after they’re cooked.
5. Check for Doneness:
   • To check if the steaks are cooked to your desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 130°F (54°C). For medium, aim for 140°F (60°C), and for well-done, it should reach 160°F (71°C).
   • If you don’t have a thermometer, the “touch test” can help. Press the center of the steak with your finger: soft and squishy means rare, firm but yielding means medium, and firm means well-done.
6. Rest the Steaks:
   • Once your steaks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the heat and place them on a cutting board or plate. Let them rest for at least 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your steak is juicy and tender when you cut into it.
7. Serve:
   • After resting, slice the steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. Serve the steak with the garlic and herb butter drizzled over the top.

Optional Sides:

• Grilled Asparagus or Broccoli: Perfect for pairing with a cowboy steak.
• Carnivore-Friendly Mushrooms: Pan-fried in butter, they make a great topping for the steak.
• Cauliflower Mash: For a low-carb, creamy side.

Tips for the Perfect Cowboy Steak:

• Quality of Meat: The best cowboy steaks come from high-quality cuts of beef, so choose a good butcher or trusted source for your steaks.
• Cooking Time: Thickness matters. Thicker steaks need longer to cook, so adjust your grilling or pan-searing time accordingly. For extra thick cuts, you can finish them in the oven (at 350°F) for a few minutes after searing to ensure even cooking.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different herb and spice combinations for the butter. Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even a bit of lemon zest can give the steak a unique flavor.

This Cowboy Steak recipe offers a great balance of smoky, savory, and rich flavors. The juicy and tender meat combined with the flavorful garlic butter makes for a true carnivore feast. Enjoy!