Pan-Seared Ribeye with Gulfport-Inspired Cajun Spice Rub

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

A tender ribeye steak pan-seared with a bold Cajun spice rub reminiscent of Mississippi Gulfport flavors, finished with a garlic butter drizzle. This american-inspired beef ready in about 22 minutes pairs (10 oz each) Ribeye steak, 1-inch thick, Paprika, Cayenne 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: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 American cuisine 650 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, mix 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper to create the Cajun rub. Pat dry two 10-ounce ribeye steaks and rub both sides evenly with the spice mixture.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 3 minutes. Add the steaks and sear for 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time for desired doneness.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 cloves minced garlic to the pan. Spoon the melted garlic butter over the steaks continuously for 1-2 minutes to baste and infuse flavor. Remove steaks, let rest 5 minutes, sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Ribeye with Gulfport-Inspired Cajun Spice Rub take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 with Gulfport-Inspired Cajun Spice Rub?

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 paprika from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Ribeye with Gulfport-Inspired Cajun Spice Rub?

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 with Gulfport-Inspired Cajun Spice Rub 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 with Gulfport-Inspired Cajun Spice Rub?

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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