Deep frying a whole ribeye steak allows you to achieve a crispy, juicy and flavorful exterior while keeping the inside tender and medium-rare. When done right, deep fried ribeye can be an impressive dish to serve. The key is knowing how long to fry the steak to perfection.
What You Need
- Whole ribeye steak, 1-1.5 inches thick
- Buttermilk for soaking
- Seasoned flour (flour, salt, pepper, spices)
- Vegetable or peanut oil for frying
- Deep fryer or heavy pot for frying
- Meat thermometer
Preparation
Start by soaking the ribeye in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes up to overnight. This helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor. Remove the steak from the buttermilk and coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour, pressing to adhere. Let the floured steak sit for 15 minutes before frying.
Heating the Oil
Pour oil to a depth of 3-4 inches in your deep fryer or heavy pot. Heat the oil to 350°F, monitoring with a deep fry or candy thermometer. Maintaining the proper oil temperature is key to achieving perfect results.
Frying Time
For a 1-1.5 inch thick ribeye steak, the frying time will be:
- Rare: 2-3 minutes per side
- Medium rare: 4 minutes per side
- Medium: 5 minutes per side
Slowly lower the steak into the hot oil using tongs. Fry for the desired cook time, flipping halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to double check doneness. Remove the steak from the oil and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Internal Temperatures
Use these temperatures as a guide when deep frying ribeye:
| Doneness | Internal Temp |
|---|---|
| Rare | 125°F |
| Medium Rare | 135°F |
| Medium | 145°F |
Tips for Perfect Results
- Bring the oil to temperature before adding food. This prevents the oil from cooling too much.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry in batches for even cooking.
- Flip the steak halfway through to evenly brown.
- Let oil return to 350°F between batches.
- Blot steak with paper towels before serving to remove excess oil.
- Fry an extra minute per side if you want a crisper exterior.
Serving Suggestions
Deep fried ribeye steak makes a stellar entree. Consider serving it with:
- Roasted vegetables
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Macaroni and cheese
- Sauteed mushrooms
- Caesar salad
- Wine reduction sauce
Storing and Reheating
Leftover fried ribeye can be stored for 2-3 days refrigerated. Reheat in a 300°F oven until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Deep frying ribeye steak allows you to achieve the perfect balance of crispy outside and tender, juicy meat inside. Follow these frying times and temperatures for delicious results. Just be sure not to overcook the steak when frying or reheating. With the right technique, deep fried ribeye can be an impressive meal.