If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful steak that’s tender on the inside with a beautiful crust on the outside, then this Oven Baked Ribeye Steak Recipe is going to become your new go-to. It’s a foolproof way to get steakhouse quality at home without needing a grill or complicated tools. The method combines searing and oven baking to lock in juices and create that perfectly cooked ribeye that’s just bursting with savory goodness. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked steak any other way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The key to this Oven Baked Ribeye Steak Recipe is simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in highlighting the rich, natural flavors of the ribeye while adding depth and aroma. You won’t find any unnecessary extras here; just the essentials to make your steak sing.
- 24 ounces boneless ribeye steaks (2 (1-inch thick) steaks): Choose well-marbled steaks for maximum juiciness and flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps create the perfect sear and prevents sticking.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Simple but essential seasonings that enhance the meat’s natural taste.
- 2-4 sprigs fresh thyme (optional): Adds a subtle herbaceous note that complements the richness of the steak.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick), plus more for serving: Butter melts over the steak to add indulgence and deepen flavor.
How to Make Oven Baked Ribeye Steak Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F, which is the perfect temperature to finish cooking your ribeye steaks evenly after the initial sear. This temperature helps develop a juicy, tender interior without drying out the meat.
Step 2: Prepare the Steaks
Rub both sides of each ribeye with olive oil. This step is key to achieving that beautiful crust. Generously season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, allowing the simple seasoning to enhance the steak’s natural flavor—don’t be shy here because seasoning is your friend!
Step 3: Sear the Steaks
Heat a cast iron skillet on medium-high until it’s very hot. Add the steaks and sear each side for 1-2 minutes. This creates that irresistible crust we all crave. The hotter the pan, the better, so don’t rush this process. The sear locks in moisture and adds incredible texture.
Step 4: Flip and Repeat
Turn the steaks over and give the second side the same love—1 to 2 minutes of searing until it’s richly browned. This balanced crust on both sides sets the stage for the baking step.
Step 5: Butter and Thyme Magic
Remove the pan from the heat, place a tablespoon of butter atop each steak, and add fresh thyme sprigs into the skillet. As the butter melts, it mixes with the thyme’s fragrance, infusing every bite with an herbal, buttery aroma that feels like pure indulgence.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake the steaks for 10-15 minutes, depending on how well done you like them. This gentle oven finish cooks the meat through while maintaining that juicy tenderness.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Remove your steaks from the oven and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every mouthful is tender, juicy, and downright delicious. Serve with an extra pat of butter if you want to go all out!
How to Serve Oven Baked Ribeye Steak Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, freshly chopped parsley, or a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil can elevate your steak presentation and flavor. The fresh thyme used during cooking can be placed on top as a fragrant accent if you love that herbal touch.
Side Dishes
This Oven Baked Ribeye Steak Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. For something special, try garlic butter sautéed mushrooms or a baked sweet potato to add color and complement the steak’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a show-stopping presentation, slice the ribeye against the grain and fan the pieces out on a warmed platter, topping with melted butter and herbs. Serving the steak on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of sauces or compound butters invites friendly sharing and makes every meal feel celebratory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover steaks, wrap them tightly in foil or store in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. Proper storage keeps the flavor safe and prevents drying out, making your next meal just as enjoyable.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover cooked steak by wrapping it securely in plastic wrap or foil, then placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best quality, try to consume within 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat your ribeye without sacrificing tenderness, wrap it in foil and warm it in the oven at 250°F for 15-20 minutes. This method gently reheats without toughness or dryness. Avoid microwave reheating as it can overcook and toughen the meat.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this Oven Baked Ribeye Steak Recipe?
Absolutely! While ribeye offers fantastic marbling and flavor, you can apply this method to other cuts like sirloin or filet mignon, but cooking times may vary depending on thickness and fat content.
How do I know when the steak is done to my liking?
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way: 125°F for rare, 135°F medium-rare, 145°F medium, and 155°F for medium-well. Remove the steak from the oven a few degrees before it reaches your target temperature since it will continue to cook while resting.
Why is resting the steak important?
Resting lets the juices redistribute through the meat instead of spilling out when you cut it. This keeps your steak juicy and tender, making every bite as enjoyable as possible.
Can I skip the thyme in this recipe?
Yes, thyme is optional but highly recommended because it adds a lovely herbal aroma and subtle flavor. If you don’t have fresh thyme, you can omit it without detracting from the overall deliciousness.
What type of pan works best for the sear?
A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains and distributes heat evenly, creating a perfect crust quickly. A heavy stainless steel pan can also work if you don’t have cast iron.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Oven Baked Ribeye Steak Recipe will change the way you think about cooking steak at home. It’s a beautifully simple yet impressive method that brings out the best in your ribeye, delivering a juicy, flavorful, and satisfying meal every time. Grab your cast iron skillet, fire up your oven, and prepare to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this incredible steak experience with you.
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Oven Baked Ribeye Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 steaks
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This oven baked steak recipe delivers perfectly seared and tender ribeye steaks with a rich buttery finish. By searing the steaks in a hot cast iron skillet and then finishing them in the oven with fresh thyme and butter, you achieve a beautifully caramelized crust and juicy interior. Ideal for a quick yet impressive meal for two.
Ingredients
Steak
- 24 ounces boneless ribeye steaks (2 steaks, 1-inch thick each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Baking and Serving
- 2–4 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (¼ stick), plus more for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F to ensure it’s hot and ready for finishing the steaks.
- Prepare the Steaks: Rub both sides of each ribeye steak evenly with olive oil. Generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Steaks: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add the steaks to the skillet and sear for 1-2 minutes, allowing a nice crust to form for optimal flavor and texture.
- Flip and Sear Second Side: Turn the steaks over and sear the other side for another 1-2 minutes, ensuring an even crust on both sides.
- Add Butter and Thyme: Remove the skillet from heat briefly. Place a tablespoon of unsalted butter on each steak and add the fresh thyme sprigs to the pan to infuse aromatic flavor during baking.
- Bake the Steaks: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the steaks for 10-15 minutes, or until reaching your desired internal temperature and doneness.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the skillet from the oven and let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes. This step helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender, succulent meat. Serve with additional butter if desired.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to check the steak’s internal temperature for perfect doneness (130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium).
- Resting the steak is crucial to retain juices and avoid dryness.
- Fresh thyme is optional but adds a wonderful herbaceous aroma.
- Use a cast iron skillet for best sear and even heat distribution.
- Adjust cooking time based on steak thickness and oven variations.
