Reverse-Seared Steak

Reverse-Seared Steak is a medium American recipe that serves 2. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Nick DiGiovanni on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 30 min

Cost: $12.18 total, $6.09 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2 pieces Ribeye Steak (about 1.5‑inch thick, 12‑oz each, room temperature, fat cap left on)
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt (generously applied to all sides)
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons Canola Oil (high smoke‑point oil for searing)

Instructions

  1. Season the Steaks

    Pat the steaks dry with paper towels, then generously coat both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Preheat Oven and Set Up Rack

    Preheat the oven to 275°F. Place a wire rack on a sheet tray and set the steaks on the rack.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 275°F

  3. Low‑and‑Slow Bake

    Insert the tray into the oven and bake until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (about 50 minutes for a 1.5‑inch steak).

    Time: PT50M

    Temperature: 275°F

  4. Rest While Heating Skillet

    Remove the steaks from the oven and let them rest on a plate while you heat the cast‑iron skillet.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Heat Oil to Shimmer

    Add 2 Tbsp of canola oil to the hot skillet and heat over high until the oil just begins to shimmer.

    Time: PT3M

  6. Render the Fat Cap

    Hold the steak with tongs and press the fat‑cap side against the pan. Cook until the fat turns golden brown and renders, about 2 minutes.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Sear the First Side

    Lay the steak flat on the skillet (fat‑cap side down is already rendered). Let it sit untouched until a deep brown crust forms, about 3 minutes.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Flip and Sear the Other Side

    Turn the steak over with tongs and sear the opposite side for another 3 minutes, or until the crust matches the first side.

    Time: PT3M

  9. Final Rest

    Transfer the steak to a clean plate, loosely tent with foil, and let rest 5 minutes before slicing.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
55 g
Carbohydrates
0 g
Fat
42 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Paleo, Keto, Gluten-Free, High-Protein

Last updated: April 7, 2026

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Reverse-Seared Steak

Recipe by Nick DiGiovanni

A foolproof reverse‑sear method that gives you a perfectly cooked, juicy interior and a deep, caramelized crust on a thick steak. Season, low‑and‑slow bake, then finish in a hot cast‑iron pan for restaurant‑quality results.

MediumAmericanServes 2

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Source Video
29m
Prep
52m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 31m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$12.18
Total cost
$6.09
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Season the Steaks
  • Low‑and‑Slow Bake
  • Heat Oil to Shimmer
  • Render the Fat Cap
  • Sear the First Side
  • Flip and Sear the Other Side

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can splatter; use long tongs and keep face away from the pan.
  • The cast‑iron skillet will be extremely hot; use oven mitts.
  • Always insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part, avoiding bone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

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

A

Reverse searing became popular in American steakhouse cooking as a way to achieve a consistent medium‑rare interior while still getting a restaurant‑quality crust. It reflects the modern American focus on precision and using tools like meat thermometers.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of reverse seared steak in the United States?

A

In the Southwest, cooks often finish the steak with a splash of chipotle butter; in the Midwest, a simple herb butter is common. The core technique—low‑and‑slow oven cooking followed by a hot sear—remains the same across regions.

cultural
Q

How is reverse seared steak traditionally served in American steakhouse settings?

A

It is typically sliced against the grain and served on a warm plate with a side of roasted vegetables or a classic steak sauce, sometimes accompanied by a pat of compound butter on top.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is reverse seared steak traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Reverse seared steak is a popular choice for holidays like Thanksgiving, Fourth of July barbecues, and special dinner parties because it delivers a show‑stopping main course with reliable doneness.

cultural
Q

What makes reverse seared steak special or unique in American steakhouse cuisine?

A

The method separates the cooking stages, allowing precise control of internal temperature while still achieving a deep Maillard crust—something that traditional high‑heat searing alone can’t guarantee.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making reverse seared steak?

A

Common errors include not seasoning enough, cooking at too high an oven temperature, moving the steak during the sear, and skipping the rest period. Each mistake can lead to uneven doneness or a missing crust.

technical
Q

Why does this reverse seared steak recipe use a low oven temperature of 275°F instead of a higher temperature?

A

A low temperature cooks the steak evenly from edge to center, preventing the outer layer from overcooking before the interior reaches the target temperature. This creates a uniform pink center before the final high‑heat sear.

technical
Q

Can I make reverse seared steak ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. You can season and bake the steaks up to the target temperature, then refrigerate them uncovered for up to 24 hours. Re‑sear in a hot skillet just before serving for a fresh crust.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Nick DiGiovanni focuses on creative, science‑backed cooking tutorials, often featuring modern techniques, quick meals, and detailed explanations that help home cooks understand the why behind each step.

channel
Q

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

A

Nick DiGiovanni emphasizes precise temperature control, the use of everyday kitchen tools like a meat thermometer, and clear visual cues, whereas many other channels rely on intuition or high‑heat grilling alone.

channel

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