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Easy Stovetop Ribeye Steak with Compound Butter

This Ribeye Steak with Compound Butter makes a juicy, flavorful steak about as easy as possible! No oven necessary since this steak is cooked solely on your stovetop. Discussion of grass-fed vs. grain-fed beef included.

I have a rule about eating at restaurants: I only order dishes that I can't make easily at home. This Ribeye Steak with Compound butter is the reason that I haven't ordered a ribeye steak at a restaurant for years. It's so good that no restaurant ribeye compares!But it's not just amazing, it's also super easy. You won't need your oven to prepare this Ribeye Steak with Compound butter. Instead, you can prepare it solely using your stovetop in about 15 minutes.

Grass-Fed vs. Grain-FedI used organic, grass-fed ribeye steaks for this recipe and I highly recommend that you do too. Beef from grass-fed cows is better for everyone - humans, cows and the environment. It's better for you because it has less of the saturated fats that researchers claim are connected to elevated cholesterol and more of the things that are good for you, like omega 3 fatty acids, conjugated linoleic acid (which has been associated with reduced cancer risk and weight loss), and the precursors to vitamin A, vitamin E, and antioxidants glutathione and Superoxide Dismutase (source). Cows also benefit from eating grass because grazing in an open field is what a cow's body is designed to do. It's only when cows are confined in overcrowded and unsanitary pens and plumped up on corn that their health declines and antibiotics are needed to prevent serious and constant illness. The National Humane Education Society explains it well:Overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and substandard feed contribute to health problems. This intense confinement of cattle increases the risk of bacterial infection, so injectable antibiotics and hormones are used to keep them healthy and get them to slaughter weight.

So, letting cattle eat grass is better for cows and produces meat that is better for you. What about the impact to the environment? Although there is no unequivocal answer yet, Oregon State University shared a study indicating that small, well-managed farms that let cows graze are better for the environment. The grass that the cows graze on pulls enough carbon dioxide out of the air to partially offset the methane produced by the cows. In addition, a well-managed grass-fed cattle operation rotates the cattle between fields, reducing soil erosion and the concentration of waste that runs off into the ground water. The land that small farms use for grazing is also land that is not typically suitable for growing crops, which makes unproductive land purposeful. And don't forget, using less antibiotics and hormones is inarguably better for the environment.But "wait," you say. "Grass-fed beef is ssoooooo expensive!" It is true that grass-fed beef is more expensive than CAFO beef. A Consumer Reports article explained why: The reason grass-fed beef is pricier has to do with beef producers’ profit margin: It can take a farmer up to a year longer (and an extra year’s worth of food, care, and labor) to get a grass-fed animal to reach slaughter weight than for a conventionally raised one. Grass-fed cattle also tend to be smaller at slaughter, so there’s less meat to sell per head.More expensive or not, there are too many benefits of grass-fed beef to ignore, such as the impact to the environment, healthier cows and a better nutrient profile of the meat. The same Consumer Reports article cited above found that ground beef from grass-fed cows "is less likely to harbor superbugs—bacteria that are resistant to three or more classes of antibiotics [such as E. coli]." Need I say more?

I also use ghee and butter from grass-fed cows for the same reasons. I buy my ghee at Natural Grocers and my butter at Costco (Kerrygold brand). Tips & TricksI've included Amazon links to products below for your convenience. Some of them are affiliate links, which means that I may receive a small commission if you purchase a product through one of my links. Thank you for supporting Taste Abounds!To make ribeye steaks from grass-fed cows affordable, I buy my grass-fed, organic ribeye steaks at Costco. A pack of six 10-oz steaks only set me back about $45, which is a steal! I've also seen grass-fed ribeye steaks available for sale at a reasonable price at Walmart, believe it or not. Natural Grocers also sells a few different brands of grass-fed steaks. Their steaks are generally more expensive than Costco or Walmart, but they conduct random audits on their producers, making them the place to shop if you are concerned about animals being treated humanely. Don't forget that you need a good pan to cook your steaks in! I have been using a Calphalon Unison 12" Griddle Pan for about 5 years now and love it. It has held up to heavy use and is still going strong with no sticking and easy cleaning. I'm a huge fan! Cooking TipsSince I'm encouraging you to cook a ribeye steak from a grass-fed cow, I feel compelled to explain the how that steak my be different from a conventional steak and how to cook it so that your steak turns out tender and flavorful. Meat from a grass-fed cow tends to be lower in fat, which makes it susceptible to drying out and getting tough. Because of this, the most you should cook a grass-fed steak is medium. A grass-fed steak should never be cooked until well done! And of course, because I am telling you this, I also need to tell you that consuming raw or undercooked meat increases the risk of foodborne illnesses. Regardless, I prefer my steaks medium-rare.An easy way to determine the doneness of your steak is the cheek, chin, forehead rule. I am quoting Food52, but this "face comparison" has been around for awhile:

If you'd like your steak medium-rare, it should feel like your cheek: tender and soft but still fleshy (as opposed to raw, which would be just soft).

If you want a medium steak, touch your chin: The steak should still be tender, but with some resistance.

For a medium-well steak, it should feel like your forehead: fleshy but with a good deal of resistance.

Two additional things to remember. First, let your steak rest for about 5 minutes after removing it from the heat. It will allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring the juiciest, most tender steak possible. Second, the steak will continue cooking after it is removed from the heat, so pull it off slightly earlier than you would for a steak cooked to your level of perfection. The last and I think most important tip for cooking a killer steak is to smear butter on the top while it rests. The Compound Butter in this recipe is a perfect example. It adds moisture and flavor that makes the steak melt in your mouth!I like to serve these ribeye steaks with my mashed cauliflower. It also can be prepared in about 15 minutes, and together they make a delicious meal that is gluten-free, grain-free, low-carb, keto and Primal. Ribeye Steaks with Compound ButterGluten-free | Grain-free | Egg-free | Nut-free | Low-carb | Keto | PrimalPrep Time: 5 minutesCook Time: 8 minutes (+ rest time)Total Time: about 15 minutes Ingredients: - 2 10-oz ribeye steaks (about 1-inch thick) - 1 tsp ghee - ½ tsp salt - 2 Tbsp butter, room temperature - 1 Tbsp dried chives - 1 clove garlic, minced - 1/8 tsp salt Directions:Heat a pan to medium heat.Prepare the steaks by removing from the packaging and patting dry. Sprinkle each side with salt and pepper.Add the ghee to the pan. Once melted and hot, add the steaks. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until both sides have some color and the steak is cooked until desired doneness. Remove the steaks from the pan and set aside to rest.While the steaks are cooking, mince or press the garlic into the butter and add the chives and salt. Stir well and set aside.Spread a tablespoon of butter onto each steak while it is resting. Serve once the steak has rested. Enjoy!

Disclosure: this post includes affiliate links for convenience. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

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bargain buys

30 Organic Pantry Essentials to Buy at Costco

Sales of organic foods increased 10.8% in 2016, marking the fourth straight year of double digit growth. Growth in sales of organic foods far surpassed the 3.3% of the overall food market, and for good reason. The National Organic Standards set strict guidelines that ensure the following:

Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge (source);

Bioengineering (a.k.a. genetic modification) is not used for producing organic foods (source);

Food is not irradiated (i.e. exposed to ionizing radiation) (source);

Synthetic additives, like partially and fully hydrogenated oils (transfats) and artificial colors, are not used as ingredients.

People are experiencing better health after eating organic foods and voting with their dollar for foods that nourish their bodies. But I still hear people say that they can't afford to eat organic. Thankfully, "big box" and bargain wholesale stores, like Costco, have started selling organic foods for affordable prices! I'm here today to tell you about the pantry essentials that I buy at Costco. Most of them are organic, but for the few that aren't, I will explain why I buy them anyway. I hope this list will help you to stock your pantry with high-quality organic essentials without breaking the bank!Please note that price and availability may vary by store. Basics

There are a lot of great bargains in this category, almost all of them organic and all found at prices that will save you a lot of money! The only product that isn't organic is the Himalayan sea salt. Since salt is a mineral, not an agricultural product, there is no organic label and no such thing as "organic salt".
- organic lemon juice (2 1L bottles) ~ $8
- organic apple cider vinegar (2 32-oz bottles) ~ $6
- organic chicken stock (6 32-oz cartons) ~ $12
- organic bone broth (6 32-oz cartons) ~ $19
- Himalayan pink sea salt (5 lbs) ~ $8 Oils

Having proper cooking oils is essential. I tend to favor monounsaturated oils, like olive and avocado oil, over polyunsaturated oils, like vegetable oil. The only oil on this list that isn't organic is the avocado oil. I buy this avocado oil by Chosen Foods anyways for a couple of reasons: 1) avocados are not known for being highly contaminated with pesticides, and 2) this brand of avocado oil is certified GMO-free. Avocado oil is typically pretty pricey, so $10 for a 34 oz bottle is a steal! The olive oil and coconut oil is also bargain priced.

- Avocado Oil by Chosen Foods (34 oz bottle) ~ $10
- Organic Olive Oil, Kirkland Brand (2L/68 oz) ~ $15- Organic virgin coconut oil (84 oz jar) ~ $19

Baking & Sweeteners

There only two things in this category that aren't organic: honey and almond flour. I'm not concerned that the honey is not organic because it is so difficult for honey to earn the organic certification. The surroundings must be controlled to make sure the bees are only visiting organic plants and the end product must be tested to ensure that there are no chemical or antibiotic residues (source). You can imagine how difficult it is to control tiny flying insects and other variables like wind! This is why organic honey is very expensive and simply not worth it to me.

The other product on this list that isn't organic is almond flour. I admit that I'd rather buy organic almond flour because a lot of pesticides are used on conventional almond farms. Logic would suggest that the shell around the almond offers the nut inside significant protection, but there is very little research to confirm this (source). I suppose I am crossing my fingers and hoping that is true, because organic almond flour is so much more expensive that I can't pass up this fabulous deal on almond flour at Costco!

- almond flour, sifted and finely ground (3 lb bag) ~ $13
- organic maple syrup (34 oz) ~ $11
- Raw & unfiltered local honey (48 oz) ~ $11.50

Rice & Grains

I don't tend to eat or cook with a lot of rice or grains, so I'm sure there are more items available at Costco that I am missing (like edamame pasta that I have seen at Costco). But there are a lot of good deals to be found! Here are a few:- organic short grain brown rice (12 lb bag) ~ $12.50
- organic masoori rice (20 lb bag) ~ $15
- organic quinoa (4.5 lb bag) ~ $11.50
- organic ground golden flaxseed (64 oz bag) ~ $8
Canned Goods & Non-Perishable Foods

Organic canned tomato products are not the only things on this list that are a screaming deal, the organic applesauce, peanut butter, and coconut milk are, too!- organic tomatoes, whole peeled (3 28-oz cans) ~ $6
- organic tomato sauce (12 15-oz cans) ~ $8
- organic tomato paste (12 6-oz cans) ~ $7
- organic stewed tomatoes (8 14.5-oz cans) ~ $6.50
- organic diced tomatoes (8 14.5-oz cans) ~ $6.50- organic black beans (8 15-oz cans) ~ $7
- organic applesauce (4 47-oz jars) ~ $12
- organic peanut butter (2 28-oz jars) ~ $10- organic coconut milk (6 14-oz cans) ~ $9 Non-Dairy Milks, Juice & Water

There are lots of great deals in this category! The non-dairy milks are the non-refrigerated versions in packaging that allows them to be stored at room temperature.- organic rice milk (12 32-oz cartons) ~ $14
- organic soy milk, plain or vanilla (12 32-oz cartons) ~ $14
- organic almond milk, vanilla (6 32-oz cartons) ~ $8
- organic coconut milk (6 32-oz cartons) ~ $11
- organic coconut water (12 11-oz cartons) ~ $10
- San Pellegrino sparkling mineral water (24 17-oz bottles) ~ $17
- Perrier sparkling mineral water (24 17-oz bottles) ~ $17 Organic Pantry Essentials at Costco
A well stocked-pantry is essential to any home cook, especially a home cook striving to make delicious and nutritious meals for special diets like gluten-free, low-carb, Paleo or vegan! I don't fulfill all of my pantry needs at Costco, but I have found some great deals that I have come to rely on. I hope that by sharing this list, I have helped you realize that you can stock your pantry with organic essentials without breaking your budget.

Questions or comments? Please feel free to leave them below!

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Lots of people think they are limited to tasteless food when they switch to a healthy or restricted diet. Well my name is Laura, and I started this blog to prove that wrong! I share all sorts of recipes here, from Paleo to vegan, Whole30 to AIP. All are gluten-free, low-glycemic, extra nutritious and delicious. If you have a craving for taste, it's my hope that you find something to satisfy it here!

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