POV How to Cook a Steak
POV How to Cook a Steak is a medium American recipe that serves 2. 720 calories per serving. Recipe by J. Kenji López-Alt on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $17.10 total, $8.55 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.25 lb Ribeye Steak (prime ribeye, about 2‑inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons Kosher Salt (coarse, for dry brine)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for initial sear)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into pieces for basting)
- 1 sprig Fresh Rosemary (optional, for flavor)
- 2 sprigs Fresh Thyme (optional, for flavor)
- 1 piece Shallot (roughly chopped)
- 1 clove Garlic Clove (crushed, skin left on)
- to taste Black Pepper (optional, added before searing)
- 2 tablespoons Bourbon (for deglazing pan)
- 1 teaspoon Whole Grain Mustard (adds tang to sauce)
- 0.25 cup Chicken Stock (preferably homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Powdered Gelatin (optional, to thicken sauce if using store‑bought stock)
Instructions
Dry Brine the Steak
Generously sprinkle the ribeye on all sides with kosher salt, then place it on a wire rack set over a plate so air can circulate. Cover loosely with a clean kitchen towel and refrigerate uncovered for 24–48 hours.
Time: PT5M
Prep Aromatics
Roughly chop the shallot, smash the garlic clove (skin on), and keep rosemary and thyme sprigs whole.
Time: PT5M
Pat the Steak Dry
Remove the steak from the fridge, discard the towel, and pat the surface completely dry with paper towels.
Time: PT3M
Preheat the Skillet
Place the heavy skillet over medium‑high heat and let it heat for about 3 minutes until a few drops of water sizzle and evaporate.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium-high
Sear the First Side
Add 1 Tbsp olive oil to the hot skillet, then lay the steak down away from you. Let it sit without moving for 4 minutes to develop a deep brown crust.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium-high
Flip and Begin Basting
Flip the steak, add the butter, rosemary, thyme, shallot, and garlic. Tilt the pan so butter pools, then spoon the hot butter over the steak every 15 seconds.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium-high
Cook to Desired Doneness
Continue flipping and basting until the internal temperature reaches 120 °F for rare or 130 °F for medium‑rare. Remove the steak 5–10 °F early; it will carry over cook while resting.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium-high
Rest the Steak
Transfer the steak to a cutting board, loosely tent with foil, and let rest for 8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Make the Bourbon‑Mustard Pan Sauce
While the steak rests, return the skillet to medium heat. Carefully add bourbon to deglaze, letting any flame subside. Stir in mustard, then add chicken stock (and gelatin if using). Reduce by half, then whisk in a knob of butter off the heat until emulsified.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Slice and Serve
Slice the rested steak against the grain into ½‑inch slices, arrange on a plate, drizzle with pan sauce, and serve immediately.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 720
- Protein
- 55 g
- Carbohydrates
- 2 g
- Fat
- 55 g
- Fiber
- 0 g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Contains Dairy, Contains Alcohol
Allergens: Dairy, Alcohol
Last updated: April 7, 2026






