Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The main dish is Ultimate Broiled Ribeye Steaks with Herb Butter, featuring either ribeye or New York strip steaks.
What cuts of meat are recommended?
You can use ribeye steaks or New York strip steaks for this recipe.
How thick should the steaks be?
The steaks should ideally be 1 to 2 inches thick.
What ingredients are in the herb butter?
The herb butter consists of softened unsalted butter, minced fresh thyme, and Dijon mustard, seasoned with salt and pepper.
How do I prepare the herb butter?
Combine the ingredients, roll them into a log using waxed paper or parchment, and refrigerate for about 30 minutes until firm.
Why should I trim the fat from the steaks?
Trimming excess exterior fat helps minimize smoke while broiling.
What is the purpose of the kosher salt in the roasting pan?
Two cups of kosher salt in a disposable roasting pan act as a drip catcher to prevent flare-ups during broiling.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for the initial cooking phase.
How long do the steaks cook at 375°F?
The steaks should cook for 6-8 minutes in the oven to raise their internal temperature.
Should I dry the steaks before cooking?
Yes, pat the steaks dry with paper towels before seasoning and again after the initial oven cook.
What should I do after the first 6-8 minutes of cooking?
Turn the steaks over, pat them dry, and let them rest for 10 minutes while preheating the broiler.
How far should the steaks be from the broiler heating element?
Position the steaks about 1 to 1.5 inches from the heating element.
How often should I flip the steaks under the broiler?
Flip the steaks every 3 minutes until they reach the desired internal temperature.
What is the target temperature for medium-rare?
The target internal temperature for medium-rare is 125-130°F (52-54°C).
How long does the broiling process take in total?
Broiling generally takes between 6 to 16 minutes depending on your broiler's strength.
When should I add the herb butter?
Add a quarter of the herb butter log to each steak immediately after removing them from the broiler.
Why do I need to rest the steaks at the end?
Resting the steaks for 5 minutes under foil helps lock in the juices.
Can I use salted butter?
The recipe calls for unsalted butter so you can better control the salt levels yourself.
Is Dijon mustard necessary?
The Dijon mustard provides a gourmet depth of flavor to the herb butter, which is a key part of the recipe.
What kind of salt is best for seasoning?
Kosher salt is recommended for both seasoning the meat and for the drip pan.
Can I use dried thyme instead of fresh?
Fresh thyme is preferred for the best flavor, but you can use a smaller amount of dried thyme if fresh is unavailable.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed for 4 steaks, typically serving 4 people.
What equipment do I need for the salt-pan method?
You will need a 3-inch deep disposable roasting pan and a cooling rack that fits over it.
How do I know when the butter is firm enough?
It usually takes about 30 minutes of refrigeration for the butter log to become firm enough to slice.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific source?
Yes, it is inspired by the techniques used by Cook's Country from America's Test Kitchen.
What is the total cook time?
Total cook time includes 6-8 minutes of baking, a 10-minute rest, and 6-16 minutes of broiling.
Do I need to season the steaks with anything other than salt and pepper?
No, the combination of high-quality meat, salt, pepper, and herb butter provides all the necessary flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, the gourmet presentation and steakhouse flavor make it ideal for special occasions.
Can I use this method for other steak cuts?
While optimized for ribeye and NY strip, this method works well for other thick-cut steaks.
How should I store leftover herb butter?
Any leftover herb butter can be kept wrapped in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for later use.