Easy Carnivore Ribeye Steak Recipe: Perfectly Seared and Full of Flavor
Ribeye steak is the ultimate carnivore meal—rich, tender, and bursting with flavor. The beauty of cooking a ribeye is in its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and a little attention to detail, you can prepare a mouthwatering steak that’s perfect for anyone following a carnivore or keto lifestyle. This recipe uses minimal seasonings, allowing the natural flavors of the beef to shine.
Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in or boneless ribeye steak (around 1-1.5 inches thick)
- 2 tbsp beef tallow, butter, or ghee (for searing)
- Salt (preferably sea salt or kosher salt)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (optional for extra flavor, but can be omitted for strict carnivores)
- 1 garlic clove (optional)
- Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional for added aromatics)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Steak:
Start by taking your ribeye steak out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking. Allowing the steak to come to room temperature helps it cook more evenly. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture—this is key to achieving a good sear.
Generously season both sides of the steak with salt. If you’re not following a strict carnivore diet, feel free to add a bit of freshly cracked black pepper. However, for a true carnivore approach, just salt the steak to highlight the beef’s natural taste.
2. Heat Your Pan:
Heat a large, heavy-duty skillet (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high heat. Add your choice of fat: beef tallow, butter, or ghee. Beef tallow is a great option for a pure animal-based cooking fat, while butter or ghee adds a rich, savory flavor. Let the fat melt and heat until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke. This ensures you get a nice sear on the steak without burning the fat.
3. Sear the Steak:
Once your pan is hot, carefully place the ribeye steak in the skillet. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as the steak makes contact with the pan. For a medium-rare steak, sear it for about 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving it. Don’t be tempted to check the steak too often—let it develop a beautiful brown crust.
After 4-5 minutes, flip the steak and reduce the heat to medium. Add a whole garlic clove (smashed) and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the pan. These aromatics will infuse the steak with an extra layer of flavor as it continues to cook. Let the steak sear for another 4-5 minutes on the second side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
4. Check Doneness:
For accurate doneness, you can use a meat thermometer. Here are the general temperature ranges:
- Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
- Medium-rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
If you prefer a different doneness, adjust the cooking time accordingly. For a thicker steak, you may need to lower the heat and cook it for a few extra minutes to reach your preferred internal temperature.
5. Rest the Steak:
Once your steak is done, remove it from the pan and transfer it to a plate. Let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing into it. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is juicy and tender.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the ribeye against the grain to maximize tenderness. The steak should be perfectly seared on the outside and juicy on the inside. Serve it on its own for a pure carnivore experience, or pair it with a side of crispy bacon or beef liver if you’re looking to go all-in on the meat.
Tips for the Perfect Ribeye:
- Room Temperature: Bringing the steak to room temperature before cooking helps it cook more evenly.
- Pat Dry: Removing excess moisture ensures a great sear.
- Don’t Overcrowd: If you’re cooking multiple steaks, make sure the pan isn’t too crowded. Overcrowding the pan will cause the steaks to steam rather than sear.
Variations and Add-ons:
- Butter Baste: For extra richness, during the last 2 minutes of cooking, spoon the melted fat over the steak to enhance the flavor.
- Bone-In Option: A bone-in ribeye, also known as a cowboy steak, will deliver even more flavor due to the bone. Just increase the cooking time slightly.
- Optional Toppings: If you’re looking to mix it up while staying within a carnivore approach, you can top the steak with a dollop of rendered beef tallow or a slice of high-quality cheese.
This easy ribeye steak recipe is an excellent choice for a delicious, protein-packed meal that will keep you full and satisfied while following a carnivore or keto diet. It’s simple, flavorful, and emphasizes the rich, natural taste of high-quality beef.