Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak with Garlic Thyme Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A tender ribeye steak pan-seared to perfection and finished with a rich garlic thyme butter sauce. This american-inspired beef ready in about 45 minutes pairs (8 oz each) ribeye steak, 1-inch thick, 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.

Prep: 35 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Remove 2 ribeye steaks (8 oz each) from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to reach room temperature. Season both sides evenly with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast iron skillet over high heat until just smoking, about 3 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Add steaks and sear without moving for 4 minutes until a deep brown crust forms, then flip and sear the other side for 3 minutes for medium-rare.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 3 smashed garlic cloves, and 3 fresh thyme sprigs to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the steaks with the melted butter and aromatics continuously for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove steaks from pan and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving with the garlic thyme butter spooned on top.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak with Garlic Thyme Butter take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (35 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 Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak with Garlic Thyme 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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak with Garlic Thyme 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 Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak with Garlic Thyme 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 Pan-Seared Ribeye Steak with Garlic Thyme Butter?

American beef 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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