The moment I sliced into my Reverse Sear Cowboy Steak, the tender, juicy interior nearly sent me into culinary bliss. This bone-in ribeye isn’t just a cut of meat; it’s an experience waiting to unfold in your kitchen. Picture it: slow-roasted to medium-rare perfection, it transitions from a comforting warmth to a sizzling, rich crust thanks to a quick sear. As the garlic-herb butter melts over the top, filling your home with its savory aroma, you’ll know you’ve created something truly special.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply indulging in a quiet evening at home, this steak promises to impress. It’s the kind of meal that turns mundane nights into memorable experiences, reminding us why homemade food holds a unique charm. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this delectable recipe that makes even the busiest of weeks feel like a culinary celebration.
Why is Reverse Sear Cowboy Steak a must-try?
Irresistible Flavor: The rich, beefy flavor of the bone-in ribeye is elevated by a mouthwatering garlic-herb butter that seeps into every juicy bite.
Ultimate Cooking Technique: The reverse sear method guarantees a perfect medium-rare interior with a satisfying crust, making it foolproof for any home cook.
Easy Preparation: Minimal effort is needed, as this recipe requires just a few ingredients and cooking steps for a stunning outcome.
Impressive Presentation: Slice into this steak to reveal a beautiful pink center, certain to wow your dinner guests or family.
Versatile Delight: Pair it with your favorite sides or sauces; this steak works beautifully with everything from roasted vegetables to creamy mashed potatoes, turning any meal into a feast.
Reverse Sear Cowboy Steak Ingredients
For the Steak
• Bone-in Ribeye Steak (2½ pounds) – This luscious cut features rich marbling, yielding a tender and juicy foundation for your meal.
• Coarse Salt (1 teaspoon) – Enhances the steak’s flavor and draws moisture to the surface for a perfect crust.
• Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons) – Ideal for brushing on the steak pre-sear due to its high smoke point, ensuring a flawless finish.
For the Garlic-Herb Butter
• Butter (8 ounces, softened) – The creamy base that elevates flavor and adds richness when melted over the steak.
• Garlic (3 cloves, grated or minced) – Infuses aromatic depth into the butter, enhancing the overall experience of the Reverse Sear Cowboy Steak.
• Fresh Thyme (1 tablespoon, finely chopped) – Brings an earthy essence; feel free to swap with oregano for a different twist.
• Fresh Rosemary (1 tablespoon, chopped) – Adds a fragrant quality to the butter; sage serves as a delightful alternative if desired.
How to Make Reverse Sear Cowboy Steak
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Prepare Steak: Start by removing your beautifully marbled ribeye steak from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 1 hour, allowing for even cooking and maximum tenderness.
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Make Garlic-Herb Butter: While the steak warms, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and rosemary in a bowl. Once combined, shape the mixture into a log using parchment paper and refrigerate until firm.
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Roasting: Preheat your oven to 225°F. Generously season the steak with coarse salt, then place it on a wire rack in a baking dish. Roast until it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F for rare or 125°F for medium-rare, which will take about 50-70 minutes, depending on your steak.
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Rest Steak: Once out of the oven, gently tent the steak with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes. This step is essential, as the carry-over cooking will continue to raise the temperature.
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Sear Steak: Brush the steak with vegetable oil and heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it’s sizzling hot. Sear each side for 1-1½ minutes until a rich, golden-brown crust forms, basting with your melted garlic-herb butter during the last sear for added flavor.
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Serve: After searing, slice the steak into generous portions and drizzle with any remaining garlic-herb butter for a beautiful finish. Enjoy!
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for an added touch of elegance.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Reverse Sear Cowboy Steak
Fridge: Wrap leftover steak tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its juiciness.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the steak in freezer-safe foil or an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without compromising flavor.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat in a skillet over low heat for the best results without drying it out.
Garlic-Herb Butter: Leftover butter can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or frozen in portions for future use.
What to Serve with Reverse Sear Cowboy Steak?
Elevate your dining experience by pairing this spectacular steak with delightful sides that complement its rich flavors.
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Creamy Mashed Potatoes: These buttery potatoes offer a smooth, velvety texture that balances the steak’s boldness wonderfully.
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Charred Asparagus: The slight smokiness from grilling perfectly contrasts with the juicy steak, adding freshness to your plate.
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Garlic Herb Rice: Fluffy rice infused with garlic and herbs absorbs the delicious juices from the steak, creating a harmonious bite.
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Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their crispy edges add an irresistible crunch, while the earthiness enhances the richness of the ribeye.
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Red Wine Reduction: A luscious sauce drizzled over the steak intensifies its flavors, making each bite even more delectable.
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Mixed Green Salad: A light, refreshing salad with tangy vinaigrette provides a crisp counterpoint to the steak’s savory richness and rounds out the meal.
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Grilled Corn on the Cob: The sweetness of grilled corn complements the savoryness of the steak, making it a fun and tasty addition.
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Chocolate Mousse: To finish off your meal, a rich and creamy dessert like chocolate mousse perfectly contrasts the hearty steak, creating a satisfying ending.
Expert Tips for Reverse Sear Cowboy Steak
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Prepping the Steak: Allow the ribeye steak to reach room temperature before cooking; this promotes even cooking and a more tender result.
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Use a Thermometer: Invest in an instant-read meat thermometer for precise doneness; you’ll want to remove the steak from the oven 5-10°F below your desired final temperature.
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Searing Secrets: Be sure to avoid adding black pepper until the final searing phase to prevent burning; the focus should be on achieving that beautiful crust.
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Ventilate Wisely: Ensure your kitchen is well-ventilated; the high heat during searing can create smoke that may fill your kitchen.
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Resting Time Matters: After roasting, let the steak rest for 10 minutes under foil. This helps redistribute the juices, giving you that melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Reverse Sear Cowboy Steak Variations
Feel free to unleash your creativity and make this recipe your own with these delightful twists!
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Herb Swap: Replace thyme and rosemary with parsley or tarragon for a fresh flavor profile. Each herb adds a unique spin to the garlic-herb butter.
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Garlic Variation: For a kick, incorporate roasted garlic instead of fresh. This provides a sweeter, caramelized taste that enhances the steak’s richness.
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Spice it Up: Add a touch of heat by mixing in some red pepper flakes with the garlic-herb butter. This subtle heat can awaken everyone’s taste buds.
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Other Steaks: Substitute the ribeye with strip steak or filet mignon. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the particular cut.
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Butter Options: Try using compound butter with blue cheese or even a touch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor that surprises the palate.
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Sweet Twist: Add a drizzle of honey to your garlic-herb butter for a delightful sweet note that balances the savory richness beautifully.
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Citrus Zest: A hint of lemon or orange zest in your butter can provide a bright freshness, elevating the overall flavor of the steak.
Get ready to transform your dining experience by experimenting with these enticing variations!
Make Ahead Options
These Reverse Sear Cowboy Steaks are perfect for meal prep, saving you precious time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the garlic-herb butter up to 2 weeks in advance; simply combine the softened butter with garlic, thyme, and rosemary, shape into a log, wrap in parchment, and refrigerate. The steak itself can also be seasoned and placed on a wire rack up to 24 hours ahead. When you’re ready to serve, roast the steak straight from the fridge until it reaches your desired doneness, then quickly sear it as instructed. This way, you’ll ensure a delicious steak experience without the last-minute rush!
Reverse Sear Cowboy Steak Recipe FAQs
How do I select the perfect ribeye steak?
Absolutely! When choosing a ribeye steak, look for one with lots of marbling, which indicates tenderness and flavor. The meat should have a deep red color with white streaks of fat running through it. Avoid steaks with dark spots or a dull appearance, as these can signify poor freshness.
How should I store my leftover steak?
Very simply! Wrap your leftover Reverse Sear Cowboy Steak tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and place it in the fridge. It should be consumed within 3 days for optimal flavor and juiciness. If you’re looking to store it for longer, consider freezing it for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze my raw ribeye steak?
Absolutely! If you want to save your raw ribeye steak for a later date, simply wrap it tightly in freezer-safe foil or place it in a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Make sure to label the bag with the date, and you can freeze it for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
What should I do if my steak is overcooked?
If you feel like your steak has gone a little too long in the oven while roasting, don’t panic! To salvage it, slice the steak thinly against the grain and serve it with a delicious sauce, like an herb-infused gravy or chimichurri. This can help introduce moisture back into the dish.
Is there any dietary consideration I should keep in mind?
Great question! The Reverse Sear Cowboy Steak is perfect for meat lovers. However, if you’re cooking for guests with dietary restrictions, check for allergies related to garlic or butter, as these are common allergens. For a dairy-free version, you can make a herb oil instead of the garlic-herb butter, using olive oil and herbs of your choice!
How do I properly reheat leftover steak?
To ensure your reheated Reverse Sear Cowboy Steak retains its original juiciness, thaw it overnight in the fridge if frozen. Heat a skillet over low heat and add a splash of broth or water along with the steak. Cover it to help steam and warm up slowly for about 5-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until warmed through.
Savor the Ultimate Reverse Sear Cowboy Steak Experience
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Remove the ribeye steak from the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 1 hour.
- Mix softened butter, minced garlic, fresh thyme, and chopped rosemary in a bowl; shape into a log and refrigerate until firm.
- Preheat your oven to 225°F. Season the steak with coarse salt and place it on a wire rack in a baking dish.
- Roast until it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F for rare or 125°F for medium-rare (about 50-70 minutes).
- Tent the steak with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Brush the steak with vegetable oil and sear in a hot cast-iron skillet for 1-1½ minutes on each side, basting with melted garlic-herb butter.
- Slice the steak and drizzle with remaining garlic-herb butter before serving.