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Perfect Whiskey-Glazed Ribeye Steak Recipe with Garlic Herb Butter

whiskey-glazed ribeye steak - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for a juicy, flavorful ribeye steak glazed with a sweet whiskey sauce and topped with rich garlic herb butter. Perfect for special occasions or weeknight treats.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 to 16-ounce ribeye steak, well-marbled
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) bourbon or rye whiskey
  • 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (for glaze)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced (for herb butter)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened (split between herb butter and cooking)
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh thyme
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Generous coarse salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 12 teaspoons lemon juice (optional, for herb butter)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, thyme, and a splash of lemon juice. Mix well and set aside.
  2. Season the Ribeye: Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  3. Heat the Pan: Place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers and just starts to smoke.
  4. Sear the Steak: Place the ribeye in the hot pan and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until a deep brown crust forms.
  5. Flip and Add Butter: Turn the steak using tongs. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the pan and baste the steak by spooning melted butter over it repeatedly for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Make the Whiskey Glaze: Remove the steak to a warm plate. Pour off excess fat from the pan, then add whiskey and brown sugar. Stir constantly over medium heat until sugar dissolves and glaze thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Glaze the Steak: Return the steak to the pan and spoon the glaze over both sides. Warm through for about 1 minute, then remove from heat.
  8. Rest and Serve: Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5-7 minutes.
  9. Finish with Garlic Herb Butter: Slice the steak against the grain and top each serving with a generous dollop of garlic herb butter.

Notes

Let the steak rest after cooking to redistribute juices. Use a meat thermometer to achieve medium-rare at 130°F (54°C). Be cautious when adding whiskey to the hot pan to avoid flare-ups. Fresh herbs are preferred for the garlic herb butter but dried can be substituted at one-third the amount. The recipe is naturally gluten-free but check labels if sensitive.

Nutrition

Keywords: whiskey-glazed ribeye, ribeye steak, garlic herb butter, whiskey glaze, steak recipe, easy steak dinner, bourbon steak, cast iron steak