Cast Iron Rib Eye Steak with Chimichurri Sauce is a fast, easy dinner recipe that is perfect for feeding a crowd.
When I was in my twenties, I used to be intimidated by the thought of cooking steak. I'm not sure why, but it just seemed more complicated to me than cooking chicken or seafood.
Since then, I've come to realize that cooking steak is actually SO easy. It's one of the easiest proteins to cook with.
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🌟 Why rib eye is the perfect cut
Rib eye is the center best portion of the rib steak. It's one of the most popular cuts of beef, with good reason. It's super tender, juicy, and easy to cook.
That makes it perfect for this cast-iron dish!
🛒 Ingredient notes
For the steaks
Since we're topping the steaks with yummy chimichurri sauce, I kept the steak seasoning simple:
- rib eye steaks
- kosher salt
- pepper
- garlic
- rosemary
For the chimichurri sauce
- olive oil
- chopped parsley
- cilantro
- red wine vinegar
- garlic
- red pepper flakes
- kosher sal and pepper
✅ Step-by-step instructions
Make the Chimichurri sauce
- Mix together all ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir well and let sit for at least 30 minutes up to overnight.
Make the steaks
2. Generously season steaks on both sides with rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper. Heat butter in a large cast iron skillet (or other heavy skillet) over medium heat.
3. Add steaks to the hot pan. If they are too large to cook both in one skillet, cook in batches; you want to be sure each steak has room around it to cook evenly. Cook until you see the bottom turning brown, about for 4-5 minutes, before flipping over to cook the other side. Spoon butter from the pan over each side as it cooks.
4. Once steaks are cooked to your liking, from skillet and allow to rest on a carving board/plate for at least 10 minutes.
5. Serve with Chimichurri sauce spooned over the sliced steaks.
❓Recipe FAQs
Resting the steak completes the cooking process and seals in all the tasty juices so the meat doesn't dry out.
Chimichurri sauce is so versatile! Here are a few recommendations:
-use as a marinade and serve over simple lemon & herb grilled chicken
-spoon over grilled white fish, such as Cod, Halibut, or Tilapia
-use as a salsa in shrimp tacos
-fancify your french fries with a generous topping
-use it as a salad dressing
🍷 What wine pairs well with steak
Most big red wines pair beautifully with this rib eye steak with chimichurri sauce. Try Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, or a GSM (Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre blend) to complement the big, bold flavors of this dish.
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Cast Iron Rib Eye Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Ingredients
Rib Eye Steak
- 2 large, boneless rib eye steaks (approx 2-3 lbs)
- 1-2 tablespoons chopped rosemary
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (use more as needed)
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (use more as needed)
- 3 tablespoons butter
Chimichurri Sauce
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup finely chopped parsley (curly or Italian flat leaf)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- ½ tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes OR chopped red chili pepper if you want more spice
- kosher salt
- pepper
Instructions
Make the Chimichurri Sauce
- Mix together all ingredients in a medium bowl. Stir well and let sit for at least 30 minutes up to overnight.
Make the Rib Eye Steaks
- Generously season steaks on both sides with rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Heat butter in a large cast iron skillet (or other heavy skillet) over medium heat.
- Add steaks to the hot pan. If they are too large to cook both in one skillet, cook in batches; you want to be sure each steak has room around it to cook evenly. Cook until you see the bottom turning brown, about for 4-5 minutes, before flipping over to cook the other side. Spoon butter from the pan over each side as it cooks.
- Once steaks are cooked to your liking, remove steaks from skillet and allow to rest on a carving board/plate for at least 10 minutes. Serve with chimichurri sauce spooned over the sliced steaks.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is a general estimate. Actual nutrition details may vary depending on the exact foods & brands you use to make this recipe. It does not take into account any substitutions, toppings, or optional ingredients.
Lucas says
Love chimichurri sauce! Thanks for sharing!
Frank says
That's something I never would have thought of... Looks great!
Catherine @ To & Fro Fam says
I always think of cooking steak on the grill, not a cast iron pan, so this post was surprising! I have such fond memories of eating chimichurri sauce, since I studied abroad in Argentina when I was in college. I brought home tons of spice and herb mixes so I could make it at home. I could have used this recipe!
Jenni LeBaron says
Cast iron is the perfect vessel for a great steak and we love chimichurri at my house. I like that you've seasoned the steak with rosemary too. We have so much in our yard right now!
Katie Carrick says
I didn't realize chimichurri sauce was this simple. My husband is a big steak fan, and I'm always down for a reason to open a nice bottle of red.
Aish Manu says
Looking Flavourful Chicken Recipe, Spicy , i am going to prepare Now, this is Awesome recipe.
Cindy @ A Uniquely Edible Magic says
You know, I used to be intimidated of cooking steak too! But I'm now convinced to give this recipe a try :)
Sues says
Oh man, suddenly I'm seriously craving steak! I don't make it at home nearly enough, but I definitely need to change that immediately. And I need to make that chimichurri sauce, too!
Emily says
This chimichurri sauce is perfection Love this simple meal!
Natalie says
I love chimichurri sauce! This steak looks so juicy and delicious - perfect for a comforting dinner!
Becca says
Wow, this recipe looks so easy and flavorful! I’m definitely going to try this one. My husband loves steak and I am always looking for new ways to prepare it :)