Sep 06 2026
RestaurantsDonovan's Meatery12oz Wagyu Ribeye Recipe

12oz Wagyu Ribeye Recipe

Inspired by Donovan's Meatery
Time55m
Serves1

Make 12oz Wagyu Ribeye Recipe in just 55m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Steak & Seasoning

Method

Prep

  1. 1

    Bring to room temperature

    Remove the 12 oz wagyu ribeye from the refrigerator and pat dry with paper towels. Leave uncovered or loosely covered at room temperature for 30–45 minutes to take the chill off. Dryness on the surface helps form a good crust.

  2. 2

    Season

    Season both sides generously and evenly with the kosher salt (about 1.25 tsp total) and freshly ground black pepper (about 3/4 tsp). Lightly sprinkle the optional garlic powder if using. Press seasonings gently into the meat so they adhere.

Sear & Cook

  1. 3

    Preheat pan

    Place a heavy skillet (cast iron preferred) over high heat and let it get very hot, 4–5 minutes. It should be smoking lightly when ready. Meanwhile, add 1 tablespoon neutral oil to the pan right before adding the steak to prevent sticking and help conduct heat.

  2. 4

    Sear first side

    Add the steak to the hot pan, laying it away from you to avoid splatter. Sear without moving for 2–3 minutes, until a deep brown crust forms. If the steak is thicker than 1 in, aim for 3 minutes to develop a strong crust.

  3. 5

    Sear second side

    Flip the steak and sear the second side for 2 minutes to brown. Use tongs to hold and sear the fat edge for 30–45 seconds to render some fat and crisp the edge, if present.

  4. 6

    Reduce heat and baste

    Lower heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, the crushed garlic cloves, and the thyme/rosemary sprigs to the pan. As the butter melts and foams, tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the steak repeatedly with the melted butter and pan juices for 1.5–3 minutes. This helps finish cooking and adds flavor.

  5. 7

    Check doneness

    For a 12 oz ribeye about 1–1.25 in thick, remove when internal temperature reads: 115–120°F for rare, 125–130°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium. Because wagyu has abundant marbling, medium-rare (125–130°F) is recommended. Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center to check temperature during basting.

Rest & Finish

  1. 8

    Rest

    Transfer the steak to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let it rest for 7–10 minutes (depending on thickness) to allow juices to redistribute; internal temp will rise ~5°F during resting.

  2. 9

    Finish and serve

    During resting, sprinkle the sea salt flakes lightly over the top to taste and add the optional compound butter or finishing oil if using. Slice against the grain into 1/4–1/2 inch slices and serve immediately, optionally spooning any rested butter or pan juices over the slices.

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