This Lemon Herb Butter Pan Fried Ribeye recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that delivers a perfectly seared, juicy steak with a flavorful lemon herb butter topping. The ribeye is pan-fried to achieve a golden crust and finished off with a buttery, herbed sauce that elevates the flavor. It’s an ideal meal for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, offering a restaurant-quality experience at home.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Lemon Herb Butter:

• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)

• 1 lemon, zested

• 1 teaspoon thyme leaves

• 1 teaspoon minced rosemary

• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

For the Ribeye Steaks:

• 2 (12 oz) ribeye steaks

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

• 1 tablespoon fresh cracked black pepper

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Directions

1. Make the Lemon Herb Butter:
   Mix together the butter, lemon zest, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside until ready to use.

2. Prepare the Steaks:
   Pat the ribeye steaks dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.

3. Cook the Steaks:
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil and butter. Once the butter has melted and the pan is hot, add the steaks. Sear the steaks for 4-5 minutes on each side, depending on your preferred doneness. For medium-rare, cook for about 4 minutes per side.

4. Rest the Steaks:
   Once the steaks are done, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for at least 5 minutes to retain the juices.

5. Serve:
   After resting, top each steak with a pat of the lemon herb butter. Let the butter melt over the steak and serve immediately.

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

• Calories: 766 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 39g

• Protein: 51g

• Fat: 44g

• Saturated Fat: 11g

• Cholesterol: 175mg

• Sodium: 1899mg

• Potassium: 866mg

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 5g

• Vitamin A: 6592 IU

• Vitamin C: 8mg

• Calcium: 72mg

• Iron: 5mg

Why Ribeye?

Ribeye steak is a popular choice for steak lovers due to its rich flavor and tenderness. The marbled fat throughout the ribeye ensures that the steak remains juicy and flavorful, even when cooked at high heat. This cut of beef is perfect for pan-frying, as the fat helps create a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the interior moist and tender. The ribeye’s robust flavor is a natural match for the bold, herbed butter, making it a standout choice for this dish. Whether you prefer your steak medium-rare or well-done, the ribeye’s texture and flavor shine through with each bite.

The Lemon Herb Butter: A Flavorful Finish

The real star of this dish is the lemon herb butter, which adds an aromatic and flavorful finish to the perfectly cooked ribeye steak. The butter is combined with fresh lemon zest, thyme, and rosemary, providing a bright, herby, and slightly tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the ribeye. The lemon zest gives the butter a refreshing, citrusy kick, while the thyme and rosemary bring earthy, aromatic notes. The butter melts over the hot steak, creating a luscious sauce that soaks into the meat and adds an extra layer of flavor. This simple yet indulgent topping elevates the ribeye, turning a classic steak into a memorable dish.

Cooking the Ribeye Steaks: Pan-Frying Perfection

Pan-frying is the ideal method for cooking ribeye steaks because it allows for excellent control over the sear while preserving the juiciness of the meat. Start by patting the ribeye steaks dry with paper towels to remove any moisture, which helps achieve a crispy crust. Generously seasoning both sides of the steaks with kosher salt and cracked black pepper ensures that the steaks are well-seasoned.

Once the seasoning is applied, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a combination of vegetable oil and butter. The oil has a high smoke point, which allows you to sear the steak at high heat, while the butter adds richness and flavor. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the steaks and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side. For a medium-rare steak, aim for about 4 minutes per side, adjusting the cooking time if you prefer a different level of doneness.

After the steaks are seared, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes. Resting the steaks allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.

Serving the Lemon Herb Butter Pan Fried Ribeye

Once the ribeyes have rested, top each steak with a pat of the lemon herb butter. The heat from the steak will melt the butter, creating a glossy finish that soaks into the meat and infuses each bite with flavor. This dish is perfect for serving alongside simple sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad. The buttery, herbed topping adds richness, so it pairs well with lighter sides to balance the overall meal.

For an extra touch, you can garnish the steaks with additional fresh herbs, like a sprig of rosemary or thyme, for a beautiful presentation.

Nutritional Benefits of Lemon Herb Butter Pan Fried Ribeye

This dish is rich in protein, with each serving providing about 51 grams of protein from the ribeye steak. Protein is essential for muscle repair and overall health, making this a satisfying and filling meal. The ribeye also provides healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats from the olive oil and butter used in the cooking process. While the dish is relatively high in calories due to the steak and butter, it’s a great choice for a special meal or occasion. The addition of fresh herbs like thyme and rosemary adds antioxidants and additional health benefits to the dish.

The lemon herb butter provides a balance of flavor without adding excessive sugar or carbs, and the overall fat content is moderate. For those following a low-carb or keto diet, this dish fits perfectly within those parameters, offering a rich, satisfying meal that doesn’t rely on carbohydrates.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

The Lemon Herb Butter Pan Fried Ribeye is a must-try for anyone who enjoys a juicy, flavorful steak with a little extra flair. The combination of searing the ribeye to perfection and finishing it with a rich, herby butter makes this dish feel indulgent and special, yet it’s easy to prepare in just a few steps. Whether you’re looking to impress a loved one or treat yourself to a gourmet meal at home, this dish delivers on both flavor and simplicity. The lemon herb butter brings brightness and complexity, making this ribeye steak a truly standout dish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Lemon Herb Butter Pan Fried Ribeye is an elegant, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any special occasion or romantic dinner. The combination of a perfectly cooked ribeye steak, buttery lemon herb sauce, and simple seasonings makes this dish an unforgettable culinary experience. With just a few ingredients and simple cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. Serve it with your favorite sides, drizzle the flavorful lemon herb butter over the steak, and enjoy a meal that’s both rich in flavor and beautifully satisfying.