Here’s a detailed zero-carb-style recipe that’s filling, flavorful, and simple to make.
(Technically, most whole foods contain trace carbs, so “zero carb” usually means extremely low carb.)
Crispy Butter-Basted Steak & Eggs
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Main
2 ribeye steaks (about 10–12 oz each)
or Beef Ribeye Steak
4 large eggs
3 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon beef tallow or animal fat
Salt to taste
Black pepper (optional if doing strict carnivore)
Optional Zero/Very Low Carb Additions
Crispy beef bacon
Bone marrow
Fried halloumi cheese
Sardines in olive oil
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Equipment
Cast iron skillet
Tongs
Spoon for basting
Meat thermometer (recommended)
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Step 1: Prepare the Steaks
1. Remove steaks from the refrigerator 30–45 minutes before cooking.
2. Pat completely dry with paper towels.
3. Season generously with salt on all sides.
Dry steak = better crust.
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Step 2: Heat the Pan
1. Place cast iron skillet over high heat.
2. Add beef tallow.
3. Heat until lightly smoking.
A very hot pan is essential for a deep crust.
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Step 3: Sear the Steaks
Place steaks into the hot pan.
Cook without moving:
3–4 minutes first side
3–4 minutes second side
For thicker steaks:
Sear edges using tongs.
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Step 4: Butter Baste
Reduce heat slightly.
Add:
Butter
Tilt pan slightly and spoon melted butter continuously over steaks for 1–2 minutes.
This creates:
richer flavor
crisp exterior
juicy center
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Step 5: Check Doneness
Approximate internal temperatures:
Rare: 125°F / 52°C
Medium-rare: 135°F / 57°C
Medium: 145°F / 63°C
Remove steaks 5°F before target temp because they continue cooking while resting.
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Step 6: Rest the Steak
Transfer steaks to a plate.
Rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
This keeps juices inside the meat.
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Step 7: Cook the Eggs
Using the same skillet:
1. Lower heat to medium.
2. Crack eggs into remaining butter and steak fat.
3. Cook:
Sunny side up
Fried crispy
Over easy
Salt lightly.
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Optional Crispy Carnivore Upgrade
Add strips of beef bacon to the skillet before the steak:
Cook until crispy
Remove temporarily
Use rendered fat for cooking steaks
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Serving
Plate:
Steak
Eggs
Crispy bacon (optional)
Spoon extra butter from the pan over everything.
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Approximate Macros (Per Serving)
Depends on steak size, but roughly:
Protein: 45–60g
Fat: 40–70g
Net carbs: ~0–1g
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Variations
Garlic Butter Version
Add smashed garlic cloves during butter basting.
Air Fryer Version
Cook steak at:
400°F / 205°C
8–12 minutes depending on thickness
Burger Bowl
Use:
Ground beef patties
Fried eggs
Melted cheese
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Tips for Best Results
Ribeye works best because of fat content.
Avoid overcrowding the pan.
Dry surface = crispy crust.
Cast iron gives superior browning.
Let meat rest before slicing.
If you’d like, I can also give:
zero-carb chicken recipes
strict carnivore recipes
zero-carb desserts
meal prep ideas
Pakistani-style zero-carb meals
air fryer zero-carb recipes