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Cowboy Butter Steak

A rich and flavorful bone-in ribeye steak topped with creamy cowboy butter, featuring garlic and lemon zest, ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Keyword: Cowboy Butter Steak, easy steak recipe, gourmet steak, indulgent dinner, ribeye
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 1000kcal

Ingredients

Steak Preparation

  • 1 pound bone-in ribeye steak This cut is tender and flavorful.
  • 1 3/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided Use 1 tsp for seasoning the steak and 3/4 tsp for the butter mixture.
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil For frying the steak.

Cowboy Butter Mixture

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened Two sticks of butter, softened to room temperature.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced For added flavor.
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons chives, thinly sliced Plus more for serving.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce Adjust to taste.
  • 2 teaspoons prepared horseradish
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder

Instructions

Preparation

  • Heat a medium stainless steel or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Pat the steak dry and season it generously with 1 tsp kosher salt.
  • In a small bowl, blend softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, chives, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, horseradish, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, chili powder, and the remaining 3/4 tsp kosher salt until smooth and decadent.

Cooking

  • Pour neutral oil into the hot skillet, swirling it to ensure even coverage. Gently place the steak in the pan and let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
  • Flip the steak over, reduce the heat to medium, and add 2 tablespoons of the cowboy butter to the pan. Spoon the melted butter over the steak and continue to cook until the internal temperature reaches 125°F, about 3-4 minutes more.
  • Once cooked to your liking, transfer the steak to a cutting board and allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Cut away from the bone and slice across the grain for the perfect juicy bite.
  • Before serving, top the steak with flaky sea salt, a generous dollop of cowboy butter, and a sprinkle of fresh chives.

Notes

For healthier alternatives, consider using plant-based butter or a leaner cut of steak. Pair with sides like creamy mashed potatoes or crispy roasted vegetables.