When it comes to steak dinner ideas that hit the mark with both flavor and flair, this rib steak with blue cheese compound butter is in a league of its own. Rich, juicy beef rib steak seared to perfection and finished with a creamy, tangy butter melting right over the top—this dish is restaurant-level luxury without the pretentiousness. Whether you’re planning a cozy night in or trying to impress a dinner guest, this recipe delivers everything you love about classic steak recipes for dinner, with just the right twist to make it feel new again. Think of this as the perfect cross between hearty and sophisticated, with enough flavor to satisfy any steak lover's craving.
Rib Steak with Blue Cheese Compound Butter
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Cast-iron skillet (for a beautiful sear)
Mixing bowl (for the butter)
Plastic wrap or parchment paper (for shaping butter)
Tongs
Meat Thermometer (for precision)
For the Steak
- 2 large bone-in ribeye steaks 1.5 inches thick, about 16 oz each
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Kosher salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 cloves garlic smashed
For the Blue Cheese Compound Butter
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese gorgonzola or Roquefort work well
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Step 1: Make the Blue Cheese Butter
In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, blue cheese, lemon zest, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated. Spoon the butter mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and form it into a log. Twist the ends tightly and refrigerate until firm—at least 30 minutes. This compound butter can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Step 2: Prepare the Steaks
Bring the ribeye steaks to room temperature—about 30 minutes out of the fridge. Pat them dry with paper towels, then rub both sides with olive oil. Generously season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Step 3: Sear the Steaks
Preheat your oven to 400°F (perfect for most ribeye steak recipes oven style). Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until it's smoking hot. Add a bit of oil, then place the steaks in the pan. Sear for 2 minutes per side until a rich crust forms. During the last minute of searing, add garlic and rosemary to the pan for aromatic flavor.
Step 4: Finish in the Oven
Transfer the skillet to the oven and roast the steaks for 5–7 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness (130°F for medium-rare). This method is a tried-and-true approach for oven ribeye steak or eye steak recipes, giving you that coveted juicy interior with a perfect outer crust.
Step 5: Rest and Top
Remove the steaks from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist. Top each steak with a generous slice of blue cheese butter and let it melt decadently over the top before serving.
Pairings in Detail
This rich and savory ribeye is best paired with sides that can stand up to its bold flavor. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Red Wine: A full-bodied cabernet sauvignon or malbec enhances the richness of the beef and the funkiness of the blue cheese.
- Sides: Roasted garlic mashed potatoes, charred Brussels sprouts, or creamed spinach work wonderfully.
- Salad: A crisp wedge salad with bacon, tomato, and blue cheese dressing mirrors the flavors in the butter and adds refreshing contrast.
- Bread: A slice of warm, crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up the melted butter and steak juices.
For dessert, a dark chocolate mousse or a simple vanilla gelato will balance the savory richness of the steak without overpowering your palate.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely. While ribeye is prized for its marbling and tenderness, this recipe can also work with other beef rib recipes like a T-bone or porterhouse. For leaner alternatives, filet mignon recipes or even a chop steak recipe can adapt well with the blue cheese butter.
2. Can I cook this in a crockpot?
This specific recipe thrives on high heat and a quick sear for the best texture, so a crockpot ribeye steak recipe wouldn’t be ideal here. However, slow cooking is excellent for Swiss steak recipes or other braised beef dishes.
3. How can I repurpose leftovers?
Leftover steak recipes are a fantastic way to stretch your effort. Try slicing leftover steak thinly for steak sandwiches, adding it to a salad with blue cheese crumbles, or even making steak tacos. The butter will add a punch of flavor no matter the application.
4. Is there a marinade I can use before cooking?
If you like marinated steaks, a simple ribeye steak marinade of olive oil, garlic, rosemary, and balsamic vinegar will enhance the natural flavors without overpowering the blue cheese finish.
5. What’s the best method if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?
No worries—ribeye steak in the oven can still be delicious using a stainless steel or oven-safe nonstick pan. Just make sure it can handle high temperatures for the initial sear.
