Pan-Seared Rib Eye Steak With Smoked Paprika Rub

What's Cooking?'s Note:

I picked up a kosher ribeye steak at Trader Joe's last week and pan-seared it using the technique that's become my hands-down favorite: Alton Brown's pan searing method. It turned out so perfectly-- tender and pink on the inside with a brown, spice-laden crust on the outside. The simple smoked paprika spice rub gave it a sweet, barbecued flavor. This is such an easy way to cook up a smoky, juicy ribeye steak without firing up the grill.

• Total Time: 10 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 5 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 2

• 1 boneless rib-eye steak (1 1/2-inch thick)
• 1 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (if using kosher meat) or 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (if you're using non-kosher meat)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Directions:

1. Bring the steak to room temperature.
2. Mix all spices and oil into a thick paste. Rub spice rub mixture onto both sides of the steak.
3. Optional: If you have the time, wrap the steak with plastic wrap and allow to sit for 15 minutes or longer at room temperature.
4. Put a 10 to 12-inch cast iron skillet in the oven, and heat oven to 500 degrees. When the oven thermometer indicates that it has reached 500 degrees, remove the pan from the oven (do not turn oven off). Transfer quickly to a stovetop burner on high heat.
5. Immediately place the steak in the middle of the pan. Cook for 30 seconds without moving. Flip with tongs and cook for 30 seconds on the second side. Quickly remove the pan from the heat and place into the oven. Cook for two minutes on each side for a medium rare steak, or three minutes on each side for a medium steak.
6. Transfer steak to a wooden cutting board and make a loose tent of aluminum foil over it. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Reviews

[Brianna & Caitlyn's Dad]

I have cooked rib eyes this way several times. THE TASTIEST STEAK YOU MAY EVER EAT!!!!! It cooks fast, even, and your makes your taste buds explode as you are smelling it cook. Never had a problem with smoke. The only problem I ever had was waiting for it to finish. I am actually going to cook two of them tonight. YUM YUM!! Enjoy.

[D. Duckie]

We loved this - even my "I hate steak" children wanted more. I was looking for a quick and easy rub and saw this - we love smoked paprika. We ended up modifying the technique as we grilled the steaks (New York Strips) - the cook times weren't too far off and hubby said this could be made often. Thanks!

[jdod13]

Technique is perfect - would have been better if I didn't forget to turn the oven off with the dirty pan still in it. Got a bit smokey in the kitchen after that. Steak was amazing - will be how I cook steak indoors from now on.