How to make the perfect homemade steak

Save yourself the money and trouble of a reservation this Valentine’s Day, and instead make your better half swoon over a homemade steak. Step 1: Open the windows and turn on the hood! This gets smoky. Next, let 2 boneless rib-eye steaks rest at room temperature for about 1 hour on paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Place a cast-iron pan (or heavy pan) over high heat until the pan is just smoking. Liberally season the first steak with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then place it in the pan for 5 minutes. For medium, flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and drop in 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter and several sprigs of fresh thyme. Baste the steak for about 1 minute by tilting the pan and repeatedly spooning the melted butter over the steak. Transfer the cooked steak to a sheet pan and place it in a 200-degree oven to keep warm while you make the other steak. Let the next steak rest for 5 minutes before serving. 

I buy my steaks at The Smokehouse Market, where you can get a top choice, boneless rib-eye for about $19/pound. Weight isn’t important here; just be sure you have a good thickness and plenty of marbling.