I’ll be honest, this ribeye steak appetizer recipe has quickly become one of my favorites to whip up for gatherings. Every time I make it, the tender, flavorful beef paired with perfectly seasoned sushi rice earns rave reviews.

It’s so simple yet feels like a gourmet dish you’d order at a high-end restaurant. The thinly sliced ribeye strips topped with sesame seeds and scallions are not just delicious but also look spectacular on the plate.

If you’re a fan of hearty steak dishes like ribeye steak and potatoes, this recipe will add a delightful starter to your repertoire.

Ingredients

1 pound ribeye steak, sliced into thin strips
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, crushed (or garlic cubes)
3 cubes ginger
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Scallions, for garnish
Prepared sushi rice, for plating

Note: This recipe serves 4 as an appetizer.

Variations

If you’re looking to mix things up or cater to specific dietary preferences, here are some ingredient variations you can try for this ribeye steak recipe:

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free soy sauce to keep the dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of chili oil or sprinkle red chili flakes into the marinade for some heat.
Sugar-Free: Replace brown sugar with a few drops of your preferred sugar substitute like stevia.
Citrusy Twist: Include fresh lime juice in the marinade to brighten the flavor.
Veggie Addition: Toss in thinly julienned bell peppers or snap peas to stir-fry alongside the steak.

If you enjoy bite-sized steak dishes, you can also explore ribeye steak bites for another quick and flavorful appetizer idea.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marination Time: 4 hours
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours, 20 minutes

Equipment You Need

Sharp Knife: For slicing the ribeye steak into thin strips.
Cutting Board: Keeps your countertop clean and organized.
Zip-Top Bag: Perfect for marinating the steak and locking in flavor.
Sauté Pan or Grill Pan: Ensures even cooking when searing the steak strips.
Tongs or Spatula: Helps flip the steak strips without tearing them.

How to Make Ribeye Steak Appetizers?

This crowd-pleasing appetizer is incredibly easy to prepare. Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s packed with flavor.

Step 1: Marinate the Steak

Start by prepping the marinade. Combine soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, crushed garlic, and ginger cubes in a zip-top bag. Mix it well by squishing the bag with your hands. Add the thinly sliced ribeye steak into the marinade. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring the strips are fully coated in the mixture. Pop the bag in the fridge and allow the steak to marinate for at least 4 hours. If you can plan ahead, overnight marination will make the meat even more flavorful.

Step 2: Prepare the Sushi Rice

While the steak soaks up the delicious marinade, prepare your sushi rice. You can follow any classic sushi rice recipe to get the right texture and seasoning. Aim for sticky rice that holds its shape when plated. Once it’s ready, set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Sear the Steak

Heat a sauté pan or grill pan over high heat with a drizzle of vegetable oil. Remove the steak strips from the marinade (but don’t toss out the extra marinade yet) and carefully place them into the hot pan. Sear the strips for about 2-3 minutes. The high heat will give the meat a nice, dark sear while keeping it tender and juicy.

Step 4: Plate and Garnish

For a stunning presentation, scoop a small mound of sushi rice onto each serving plate. Place the cooked ribeye strips neatly on top of the rice. Drizzle any remaining marinade over the steak for a little extra flavor. Garnish the dish with sesame seeds and thinly sliced scallions for an elegant finishing touch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve these beautiful ribeye appetizers warm. Watch your guests’ faces light up as they savor the perfect combination of juicy steak and seasoned rice.

Credit: kosher.com

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This ribeye steak appetizer is a must-try. Here’s why:

Effortlessly Gourmet: It comes together quickly with simple ingredients but has an elegant final presentation.
Customizable: You can tweak the flavor profile to fit your taste or dietary needs.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of tender meat and seasoned rice is addictive.
Time-Saving: Most of the prep is hands-off thanks to the long marination time.
Impressive Anytime: Works as both an appetizer and a fancy dinner option.

How to Serve Ribeye Steak Appetizers?

These appetizers are perfect for impressing your guests at any event. For a visual flair, serve them on individual small plates or stylish appetizer platters. Arrange the ribeye strips atop the rice neatly, and sprinkle the scallions and sesame seeds generously. You can also add a dash of chili oil around the plate for vibrant color and extra spice. For more inspiration on steak-serving ideas, you can also review these fantastic steak recipes, which pair perfectly with special occasions or casual meals.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for this recipe:

Calories: 210 (approx. per serving)
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 15g

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this recipe is how well you can prepare it ahead of time. If you marinate the steak a day in advance, you’ll save time on the day of your event. Once cooked, the steak can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the steak in a skillet with the leftover marinade to retain its moisture. For longer storage, freeze the cooked steak strips in portions, and they’ll stay good for up to 2 months.

Tips for Making the Recipe

After trying this recipe a few times, here are some tricks that have really helped me nail it every single time:

Freeze the ribeye for about 30 minutes before slicing. It makes cutting super thin, even strips so much easier.
Don’t skip the high heat when searing. It locks in the juices and adds a deep, caramelized color.
Always prepare extra marinade. A little extra sauce drizzled over the plated dish works wonders!
Use fresh scallions for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. It’s worth it.
If you’re making this for a larger crowd, consider doubling the recipe and making extra sushi rice ahead of time.

With its perfect balance of flavors and gorgeous presentation, this ribeye steak appetizer is bound to become one of your favorite recipes. Give it a try and bring a bit of restaurant-style sophistication to your table!