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Cast Iron Cowboy Steak Recipe with Perfect Caramelized Crust

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A foolproof recipe for cooking a thick, bone-in cowboy ribeye steak with a perfect caramelized crust and juicy, tender interior using a cast iron skillet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 Cowboy Steak (16–24 oz, 1.5 to 2 inches thick, bone-in ribeye)
  • 1–2 teaspoons Coarse Kosher Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons High Smoke Point Oil (grapeseed, avocado, or refined canola)
  • 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
  • 2 cloves Fresh Garlic, smashed
  • 2–3 sprigs Fresh Thyme or Rosemary

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place your cast iron skillet on the stove and heat it over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes until smoking hot.
  2. Season your steak generously with coarse kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides. Let the steak sit out for at least 30 minutes beforehand to reach room temperature.
  3. Add the high smoke point oil to the hot skillet and swirl to coat. Immediately lay the steak in the pan; you should hear a loud sizzle.
  4. Sear without moving for 3-4 minutes until a deep mahogany crust forms. Peek under with tongs but don’t flip prematurely.
  5. Flip the steak to the other side and sear for another 3 minutes.
  6. Add the butter, smashed garlic, and fresh herbs to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and baste the steak repeatedly with the melted butter and aromatics for 1-2 minutes.
  7. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 5-7 minutes for medium-rare (internal temp 130-135°F). Adjust time for desired doneness.
  8. Remove the steak from the skillet and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes.
  9. Slice against the grain and serve immediately, spooning any leftover butter and pan juices over the top.

Notes

Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking and better crust formation. Use a thermometer to avoid overcooking. Rest steak for 10 minutes before slicing to retain juices. Butter basting is essential for flavor and crust development. If dairy-free, substitute butter with high smoke point oil but expect less richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: cowboy steak, cast iron steak, ribeye steak, caramelized crust, steak recipe, cast iron skillet, butter basted steak

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/cast-iron-cowboy-steak-recipe-with-perfect-caramelized-crust/