Ingredients
Scale
- 2 bison ribeye steaks, about 8 ounces each, 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil (for high smoke point)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme (optional but recommended)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for finishing)
- Substitution tip: If you can’t find bison ribeye, grass-fed beef ribeye is a good alternative, but bison will always be leaner and have that unique flavor.
Instructions
- Take the bison ribeye steaks out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. Letting them come to room temperature ensures even cooking—something I learned the hard way when my first steak came out cold in the middle.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. This helps achieve that beautiful crust we all crave.
- Generously season both sides of the steaks with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy here; seasoning is key.
- Heat a heavy skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until it’s very hot. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan.
- Carefully place the steaks in the hot pan. You should hear a satisfying sizzle—if not, the pan isn’t hot enough.
- Cook the steaks without moving them for about 3-4 minutes. This is where patience pays off—resist the urge to poke or flip them too early.
- Flip the steaks and add the smashed garlic cloves, rosemary or thyme sprigs, and butter to the pan.
- As the butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and spoon the infused butter over the steaks. This technique, called basting, adds flavor and keeps the meat moist. I do this every time, even on busy nights, because it really makes a difference.
- Cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your steak more done. Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure—130°F for medium-rare is ideal for bison ribeye.
- Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting lets the juices redistribute so every bite is juicy and tender.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
Keywords: Bison Ribeye Steak, recipe, cooking, food
