One of the best cuts of beef to indulge in for your keto lifestyle is ribeye. It's a fatty, flavorful cut perfect for grilling or searing in a cast iron skillet. Let's discuss some keto-friendly tips and tricks for cooking ribeye in a cast iron skillet that helps you consistently achieve a perfectly cooked steak.
Choose The Right Ribeye
When cooking ribeye in a cast iron skillet, the first step is choosing the right meat cut. Look for ribeye with a good amount of marbling – the white lines of fat that run throughout the steak. This fat is what gives the ribeye its rich flavor and juiciness. A thicker cut of ribeye will also be easier to cook to the desired doneness without overcooking it.
Seasoning The Steak
The next step is to season your ribeye before cooking. For a keto-friendly seasoning, keep it simple and use salt and pepper. Rub the steak with a generous amount of kosher salt and fresh black pepper on both sides, pressing the seasoning into the meat. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, allowing the seasoning to penetrate.
Preheat The Cast Iron Skillet
Before cooking the steak, preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for at least 5 minutes. You want the skillet hot enough to create a good sear on the steak. If the pan is not hot enough, the steak will steam instead of searing, resulting in a less flavorful steak.
Cooking The Steak
Once the skillet is hot, add a tablespoon of oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, and swirl to coat the bottom of the skillet. Carefully add the ribeye to the skillet and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. Flip the steak over and cook for another 2-3 minutes for medium rare. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness. Use tongs to flip the steak instead of a fork to avoid piercing the meat and releasing the juices.
For an extra unique twist, try adding some fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the skillet during the cooking process to infuse the steak with added flavor. After cooking the steak, the herbs can also be used to make a quick pan sauce by deglazing the skillet with a splash of beef broth. This will add an extra depth of flavor to your keto-friendly ribeye meal.
Resting The Steak
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
Serving The Steak
Now that your ribeye is cooked to perfection, it's time to serve it up! Slice the steak against the grain into 1/4 inch thick slices, and serve with your favorite keto-friendly sides, such as roasted vegetables or a side salad. You can also drizzle the steak with melted butter or garlic butter to boost flavor and healthy fats.
Cooking ribeye in a cast iron skillet is a delicious and keto-friendly way to enjoy this cut of beef. Remember to choose the right cut, season it well, preheat your skillet, cook it to your desired level of doneness, and let it rest before serving. With these tips and tricks, you can cook a perfect ribeye every time.
What is your favorite way to cook ribeye? Please share your tips with us!
Choose The Right Ribeye
When cooking ribeye in a cast iron skillet, the first step is choosing the right meat cut. Look for ribeye with a good amount of marbling – the white lines of fat that run throughout the steak. This fat is what gives the ribeye its rich flavor and juiciness. A thicker cut of ribeye will also be easier to cook to the desired doneness without overcooking it.
Seasoning The Steak
The next step is to season your ribeye before cooking. For a keto-friendly seasoning, keep it simple and use salt and pepper. Rub the steak with a generous amount of kosher salt and fresh black pepper on both sides, pressing the seasoning into the meat. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, allowing the seasoning to penetrate.
Preheat The Cast Iron Skillet
Before cooking the steak, preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for at least 5 minutes. You want the skillet hot enough to create a good sear on the steak. If the pan is not hot enough, the steak will steam instead of searing, resulting in a less flavorful steak.
Cooking The Steak
Once the skillet is hot, add a tablespoon of oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, and swirl to coat the bottom of the skillet. Carefully add the ribeye to the skillet and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. Flip the steak over and cook for another 2-3 minutes for medium rare. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness. Use tongs to flip the steak instead of a fork to avoid piercing the meat and releasing the juices.
For an extra unique twist, try adding some fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to the skillet during the cooking process to infuse the steak with added flavor. After cooking the steak, the herbs can also be used to make a quick pan sauce by deglazing the skillet with a splash of beef broth. This will add an extra depth of flavor to your keto-friendly ribeye meal.
Resting The Steak
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and juicy final product.
Serving The Steak
Now that your ribeye is cooked to perfection, it's time to serve it up! Slice the steak against the grain into 1/4 inch thick slices, and serve with your favorite keto-friendly sides, such as roasted vegetables or a side salad. You can also drizzle the steak with melted butter or garlic butter to boost flavor and healthy fats.
Cooking ribeye in a cast iron skillet is a delicious and keto-friendly way to enjoy this cut of beef. Remember to choose the right cut, season it well, preheat your skillet, cook it to your desired level of doneness, and let it rest before serving. With these tips and tricks, you can cook a perfect ribeye every time.
What is your favorite way to cook ribeye? Please share your tips with us!
