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How to Cook a Frozen Steak (Without Thawing First)

Recipe by Adam Ragusea

A foolproof method for cooking a thick frozen ribeye steak using the reverse‑sear technique. The steak is slowly brought up to temperature in a low oven, then finished with a quick, buttery sear in a hot pan for a perfect crust and tender interior.

MediumAmericanServes 2

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Source Video
25m
Prep
2h 30m
Cook
21m
Cleanup
3h 16m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.85
Total cost
$7.93
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Cooking the frozen steak in a low oven until internal temperature reaches 115 °F.
  • Searing the steak in a very hot pan with oil.
  • Basting with butter, rosemary, and garlic during the final 30 seconds of searing.

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; keep face away and use a splatter guard if needed.
  • The skillet and oven handle become extremely hot; use oven mitts.
  • Always use a meat thermometer to avoid under‑ or over‑cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of ribeye steak in American cuisine?

A

Ribeye steak, cut from the rib section of the cow, has long been a staple of American barbecue and steakhouse culture. Its marbling and rich flavor made it a favorite for both home cooks and professional chefs, symbolizing indulgence and the tradition of grilling over high heat.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of steak cooking exist within the United States?

A

In the U.S., steak is prepared in many ways: Texas‑style brisket smoking, New York strip grilling, Midwest butter‑basting, and the West Coast reverse‑sear method popularized by modern chefs. Each region emphasizes different heat sources and finishing techniques.

cultural
Q

How is a reverse‑seared steak traditionally served in American steakhouse culture?

A

Traditional American steakhouse service presents a reverse‑seared steak sliced against the grain, often accompanied by a pat of compound butter, a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and simple sides like roasted potatoes or creamed spinach.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is ribeye steak commonly associated with in American culture?

A

Ribeye steak is a popular centerpiece for holidays such as Thanksgiving, Fourth of July barbecues, and special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries where a high‑quality cut signals a celebratory meal.

cultural
Q

How does reverse‑searing a frozen ribeye fit into the broader American cooking tradition?

A

Reverse‑searing reflects the American culinary trend of combining low‑and‑slow cooking with high‑heat finishing to maximize tenderness and crust. Applying it to a frozen steak shows the modern home cook’s focus on convenience without sacrificing classic steakhouse quality.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a classic ribeye steak versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients are simply the steak itself, coarse salt, black pepper, and a high‑smoke‑point oil. Acceptable substitutes include using clarified butter or ghee for basting, rosemary or thyme for aromatics, and avocado oil instead of canola.

cultural
Q

What other American dishes pair well with reverse‑seared frozen ribeye steak?

A

Pairs beautifully with classic sides such as garlic‑mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus, creamed spinach, corn on the cob, or a simple mixed green salad with vinaigrette.

cultural
Q

What makes reverse‑seared frozen ribeye steak special compared to other steak cooking methods?

A

Cooking the steak from frozen eliminates the need for thawing, reduces the risk of uneven temperature, and the low‑heat oven step gently brings the interior up to temperature, resulting in a more uniform doneness and a tender bite.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making reverse‑seared frozen ribeye steak at home?

A

Common errors include searing the steak before it reaches a safe internal temperature (causing a gray band), using too much butter too early (burning), and not patting the steak dry, which prevents a proper crust.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe add butter, rosemary, and garlic only during the last 30 seconds of searing?

A

Butter has a low smoke point and will burn if exposed to the pan’s extreme heat for too long. Adding it at the end allows the steak to develop a crust first, then the butter imparts flavor and a glossy finish without scorching.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Adam Ragusea specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Adam Ragusea focuses on food science, technique‑driven cooking tutorials, and honest recipe development, often explaining the why behind each step to help home cooks improve their skills.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Adam Ragusea's approach to American steak cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Adam Ragusea emphasizes scientific reasoning, precise temperature control, and cost‑effective methods, whereas many other channels may rely on high‑end equipment or vague instructions. His videos often include experiments and data to back up the techniques.

channel

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