A cowboy steak is a large cut of beef that is favored by many steak lovers. It is a ribeye steak that is cut over 1 inch thick, giving it a unique flavor and texture. While cooking a cowboy steak can seem intimidating, it doesn’t have to be! With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious steak that is cooked to perfection.
Preparing the Steak
Before you begin cooking the steak, you will need to prepare it correctly. Start by taking the steak out of the fridge and allowing it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help the steak cook evenly. Once the steak is at room temperature, season it liberally with salt and freshly ground pepper. You can also add other spices and herbs to the steak if you would like, such as rosemary or garlic powder.
Heat the Pan
Once the steak is seasoned and ready to go, it’s time to start cooking! Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be hot before you add the steak, so let it heat up for a few minutes. Once the pan is hot, add some oil and let it heat up for a few seconds. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
Sear the Steak
Once the pan is hot and the oil is shimmering, it’s time to add the steak. Carefully place the steak in the pan and let it sear for about 3-4 minutes. Don’t move the steak around in the pan, as this will cause the steak to lose its crust. After 3-4 minutes, flip the steak over and let it sear for an additional 3-4 minutes.
Reduce Heat and Add Butter
Once the steak has seared on both sides, reduce the heat to low and add a few tablespoons of butter to the pan. Let the butter melt and then baste the steak with it, flipping it over several times. This will help the steak cook evenly and add flavor.
Check the Temperature
After basting the steak, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, you are looking for an internal temperature of 135 degrees F. If the steak isn’t at the desired temperature yet, cover the pan with a lid and let the steak cook for a few more minutes.
Rest the Steak
Once the steak is cooked to the desired temperature, take it out of the pan and let it rest for at least 10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, giving it a more tender texture. During this time, you can also prepare any sides or sauces that you would like to serve with your steak.
Cut and Serve
After the steak has rested, it is ready to be cut and served. Cut the steak against the grain into thin slices, as this will help keep it tender. Serve the steak with your desired sides and sauces, and enjoy!
Conclusion
Cooking a cowboy steak can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! With just a few simple steps and the right ingredients, you can have a delicious steak that is cooked to perfection. From preparing the steak to resting it, you can make sure that your steak is cooked exactly the way you like it. Now that you know how to cook a cowboy steak, you can enjoy a delicious meal anytime!