This mouthwatering, easy-to-make, Pan-Seared Steak comes together in about 30 minutes and can be cooked all in one pan for a quick and easy weeknight meal that your family will love! You can easily switch up the seasoning or add your favorite herbs to suit your taste, so don’t be shy, feel free to get creative! This recipe is perfect for using what you have in your kitchen, making it a fantastic “clean out the fridge” dinner option. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients For Pan-Seared Steak
- 1 Ribeye Steak (or your choice of cut)
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil or Butter
- 1-2 Cloves Garlic (optional)
- Fresh Herbs (like Thyme or Rosemary, optional)

Let’s Get Cooking!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep the Steak
Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is vital; it ensures even cooking throughout. A cold steak is like a stubborn kid, just won’t cooperate!Season Generously
Season both sides of the steak generously with a couple pinches of salt and black pepper. Feel free to press the seasoning into the meat lightly. You want to season it well, this isn’t the time to be shy!Heat the Skillet
Grab a heavy skillet (cast iron is ideal) and heat it over medium-high heat for about 2-3 minutes. Then add the olive oil or butter. You’ll know it’s ready when the oil is shimmering or the butter is foaming, smell that? Delicious!Sear the Steak
Once the oil is hot, add the steak to the pan. Don’t move it around; let it do its thing! Sear it for 3-5 minutes (depending on the steak thickness) until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms.Flip and Add Flavor
Flip the steak over and cook for another 3-5 minutes for medium-rare. Now is a great time to add the garlic and herbs if you’re using them. Trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly!Check for Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, 130°F for medium-rare is just perfect. If you prefer it more done, go ahead and cook a little longer, but don’t overdo it, nobody wants a shoe leather steak!Rest the Steak
Remove the steak from the pan and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This step is SO crucial, it allows the juices to redistribute, making it juicy and tender when you cut into it.Serve and Enjoy!
Slice against the grain and serve with your favorite sides. And don’t forget, make sure to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the pan to add a touch of sauce over your steak!
A Personal Connection
Okay, listen up: this is my go-to recipe when I want to indulge in a little comfort food! I’m a real sucker for perfectly seared steak, it just hits the spot every time. My kids are always excited when they see this on the dinner table, asking for seconds before they even finish their first slice. The best part is you can mix and match flavors based on what you love or what you have on hand, cooking should always be fun and freeing!
If you loved this pan-seared steak, be sure to check out my Birria Tacos, or my Corn Dog for more delicious meals your family will love!

Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal without the fuss. It’s literally like a little miracle in your skillet!
Crowd-Pleaser
Honestly, this steak is a crowd-pleaser, even my pickiest eaters clean their plates. You could serve it at a fancy dinner or a casual family meal and end up a hero for the evening.
Customizable
You can totally use whatever ingredients you have lying around. Got some expired herbs? Use them! Want to toss in some onions? Go for it! Flexibility is key, and that’s what makes cooking at home so fun.
Loaded with Flavor
With just a few key ingredients, this steak is loaded with tons of flavor! The garlic and herbs give it that restaurant-quality taste, and trust me, you’ll want to make this over and over again.
Comfort Food
This pan-seared steak qualifies as pure comfort food! With each bite, you’re enveloped in a warm, cozy hug. Just imagine sinking your teeth into that juicy, tender meat heavenly!
Serving & Storage
Serving Suggestions
Pair your pan-seared steak with classic sides like garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad! It also goes well with a crisp glass of red wine if you’re looking to elevate the dinner experience.
Storage
Leftover steak? No problem! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I suggest slicing the steak only when you’re ready to eat it again, this way, it will retain its tenderness!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, place the steak in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. You can also pop it in the oven at 250°F to heat it gently without overcooking.
Freezer Friendly?
Yes! You can freeze leftover steak for up to 3 months. Just be sure to wrap it tightly with foil or in a freezer-safe bag, nobody likes freezer burn.
And there you have it, a warm, inviting way to make The Perfect Pan-Seared Steak that your family will adore. Cooking doesn’t need to be complicated, and this recipe proves that simple ingredients, cooked with care, can lead to heavenly results. Happy cooking! And don’t forget to experiment! You never know what delicious combination you might stumble upon next time!
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