North Dakota Cowboy-Style Pan-Seared Steak with Herb Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Perfectly seared ribeye steaks finished with a fragrant herb butter, embodying the hearty flavors of the Great Plains, served with a simple side of roasted garlic potatoes. This american-inspired grilling ready in about 25 minutes pairs ribeye steaks, kosher salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 650 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.1 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat steaks dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add steaks and sear without moving for 3 minutes until deep brown crust forms on the bottom.
  3. Step 3: Flip steaks and cook for 3-4 minutes more for medium-rare, adjusting time for desired doneness (add 1-2 minutes for medium).
  4. Step 4: Remove steaks from skillet and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes. While steaks rest, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter, minced garlic, thyme, and rosemary to the skillet. Swirl continuously for 1 minute until fragrant and butter is golden.
  5. Step 5: Pour herb butter over rested steaks and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does North Dakota Cowboy-Style Pan-Seared Steak with Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover North Dakota Cowboy-Style Pan-Seared Steak with Herb Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ribeye steaks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in North Dakota Cowboy-Style Pan-Seared Steak with Herb Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale North Dakota Cowboy-Style Pan-Seared Steak with Herb Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with North Dakota Cowboy-Style Pan-Seared Steak with Herb Butter?

American grilling like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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