Cooking steak is a very important skill to have when on a carnivore diet. Here's our favorite method, the reverse sear. This recipe is great for those on a carnivore diet, keto diet, animal-based diet, or low carb diet (but can and should be enjoyed by anyone).
Over my last 3 years of eating a carnivore and now "meat-based" diet, I've eaten a lot of steak (and tried a lot of different methods to make it). My favorite method by far is the reverse sear. It never fails to make the perfect steak, and is so easy to do. Cooking steak low and slow before searing it allows for the meat to become extra tender and flavorful.
When I first started carnivore, I searched for steak recipes that didn't include marinades or seasonings but couldn't find many. I've learned that when meat is cooked properly, it doesn't need extra seasonings to taste great! Of course, if you feel good having seasonings, by all means, have them. This recipe tastes great with and without seasoning. I am no longer strict carnivore myself, but much of what I cook now follows the simplicity of carnivore!
This blog post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support!
Frequently Asked Questions
What meat cuts will this recipe work for?
The reverse sear method will work for just about any kind of steak. Including new york strip, ribeye, chuck, filet mignon, picanha, t-bone, porterhouse, etc. It's great for beef, bison, lamb, elk, venison, and more.
How long does it take to cook?
The timing greatly varies depending on the thickness of your steak. That's why it's so important to have a meat thermometer for precision (that way you don't over or under cook). But in general I'd say on average the oven portion takes as little as 30 minutes to as long as one hour.
Can I use this method with a different oven temperature?
Yes, of course. The recipe is very versatile. You could go as low as 200 degrees Farenheit or as high as 325. It's up to you and how much time you have on hand. The idea with the reverse sear is to cook the meat "low and slow" at the beginning to allow the connective tissue to break down and the meat to tenderize.
Do I really have to let my steak rest?
I know it's tough to wait to eat it, but I'd highly recommend it. Letting the steak rest really helps lock in the flavors and it ensures the meat will be very tender. But it will still probably taste good if you decide to dive right in!
Can I use this method with my grill or smoker?
Yes, of course! We love doing reverse sear in our smoker. It adds such a nice layer of flavor. Just follow the same instructions cooking the steak at a low temp until it reaches your desired internal temperature, then sear it on both sides over high heat.
Do I need to use 100% grass-fed steak?
Nope! This recipe will work for any type of steak. In my opinion, pasture-raised is best in terms of quality and flavor, but conventional steak is an excellent option for those that can't afford grass-fed. It's still packed with nutrients! Just eat the best meat you can afford.
Where can I source high quality meats from?
If you can't find a good local farm to source your meats from, here are some regenerative farms that will ship their meats to your doorstep (if you live in the USA). I've personally tried all of these companies, and would recommend any of them!
White Oak Pastures (code: RIBEYERACH)
Northstar Bison (code: RIBEYERACH)
Wild Pastures (discount through this link)
REP Provisions (code: RIBEYERACH15
What kind of meat thermometer should I use?
I'd recommend finding a meat thermometer that is wireless or that will alert you when your meat reaches it's desired temp. This makes the cooking process very hands off. If you cook a lot of meat, it's well worth it to invest in a meat thermometer. I've been using Meater for years and love it. Thermopro has some good options as well.
You can use the reverse sear method using only a quick read meat thermometer. It just requires that you keep a close eye on your steak so as to not let it overcook.
Can I add seasoning to my steak?
Yes, of course! Eat however you feel best. I did a strict carnivore diet for over a year with no seasonings, but am now more "animal-based". I typically add some organic seasonings to my steaks now and do really well with that. But it still tastes amazing just with meat and salt if that's what you're going for!
If you try this recipe, let me know what you think in the comments down below! Thank you so much for visiting my blog. Be sure to follow along on Instagram and YouTube for more recipes and fun content!