Cowboy ribeye steak has a lot of aliases: Butchers call this bone-in cut a rib chop, while chefs refer to it as the aforementioned cowboy or hatchet steak. It’s also known as the “meat-eaters steak” for its rich, but not overpowering flavor. Whatever you decide to name it, if you're cooking this special piece of meat, it’s important to get a nice sear to help break down external fat and internal marbling before you finish the steak in the oven. For maximum flavor, we use a simple rub with oregano, paprika, and brown sugar to coat the meat, letting it sit for three to four hours or overnight before cooking.
Directions
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Preheat oven to 375 degrees with rack in center position.
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Pat steak dry thoroughly with paper towels.
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In a spice grinder, combine cumin, coriander, and peppercorns. Pulse until coarsely ground and transfer to a medium bowl. Add salt, paprika, brown sugar, oregano, and garlic and mix until combined.
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Rub steak on all sides with spice mixture and let stand at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours or up to overnight in the refrigerator. If marinating in refrigerator, remove 1 hour before cooking to bring steak to room temperature.
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Heat a large cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Sear steak on both sides until blackened, 8 to 10 minutes total. Transfer to oven and roast 15 to 20 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted into center of steak registers 125 degrees for medium-rare.
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Transfer steak to a carving board and let stand at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
