How To Grill Ribeye Steak (Extra Tender Juicy)

Timothy Woods
Published by Timothy Woods
Last Updated On: December 4, 2023

If you are a BBQ fanatic, you well know that ribeye is not just any piece of steak; this prime cut is the epitome of summer evening BBQ.

An ideal evening consists of a thickly cut and perfectly cooked ribeye steak - rich and buttery thanks to the copious ribbons of fat marbling.

None of us want to mess up this classic steak! So, the secret to achieving a perfectly cooked-though, juicy ribeye steak requires following several straightforward steps - here are the main factors to consider to accomplish a ribeye oozing delicious flavor right off the grill.

Quick Summary

  • Grilling ribeye steak involves selecting a 1.5-inch thick cut, seasoning, and grilling at high heat of 450°F to 500°F.
  • The steak should be removed from the grill once it reaches 135-145°F, then rested for several minutes for juice reabsorption.
  • Alternative methods for preparing ribeye steak include pan-searing and oven broiling.

Ultimately, we'll discuss the steps to grilling ribeye, including prepping and seasoning or marinating the ribeye steak, the perfect spot and time to place the steak on the grill, how long to cook the ribeye, and the best ways to serve this classic piece of steak.

The Perfect Cut Of Ribeye Meat For Grilling

  •       A boneless cut of ribeye is easier to cook evenly.
  •       Opt for a piece of ribeye around 1.5 inches

Whether you opt for a boneless or bone-in ribeye steak, both are perfect candidates for the grill.

The bone adds extra flavor and moisture; however, it can complicate the cooking process as the meat next to the rib (bone) cooks more slowly.

Then, to prevent your well-marbled, juicy steak from being overdone before you can achieve a beautiful sear, ensure that the steak is at least 1-inch-thick, even better 1.5-inches-thick [1].

A thicker piece of streak allows you to achieve a juicy, medium to rare center with a well-seared exterior.

Preparing And Marinating Rib Eye

Ribeye meat on a plastic container with marinate

Prepping your ribeye before popping it onto the grill is essential to ensure this king cut stays tender and juicy.

First, ensure that the ribeye is completely thawed.

The safest option is to allow the steak to defrost in the refrigerator (at least 24 hours) to prevent bacterial growth [2].

In addition, avoid thawing the steak in the microwave as this method strips the meat of its yummy juices.

Bring the ribeye to sit at room temperature - be sure to remove the steak from the fridge 30 to 40 minutes before cooking.

Season the ribeye.

While ribeye steak naturally offers a juicy and buttery flavor, you can follow the trend by rubbing kosher salt and pepper on the steak or go for a spicy, mouth-watering alternative.

The Gordon Ramsey-inspired marinade will take your ribeye steak to the next level [3]!

Rub the seasoning or marinade on all sides of the ribeye steak.

You'll need the following ingredients:

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tbsp dry basil
  • 2 tsp dry parsley flakes
  • 1/2 tsp white or black pepper

Combine the list of ingredients in a 1-gallon bag and add the ribeye to the bag. Then, squeeze out the excess air and mush the steak around to ensure that it is well coated with the marinade. Lastly, refrigerate the steak for at least two hours to remove from the marinade before grilling as usual.

How To Grill The Ribeye On The Grill?

Isolated ribeye on grill

While the ribeye marinates in the fridge, give the grill gates a thorough clean and preheat the BBQ to medium-high heat.

Prepare a hot charcoal fire, allowing the coals to form white ash or preheat the grill to 450°F to 500°F; a higher temperature leaves little margin for error.

Tip: If you use a charcoal grill, start the fire around 30 to 40 minutes before grilling the ribeye.

The fire's ready as soon as the coals are white or ash-covered. Test the heat by holding your hand 4 to 5 inches over the coals for 4 seconds before it's too hot [4].

Cook the prepared ribeye steak on the grill for between five to eleven minutes on each side to achieve your desired taste and texture.

  • Five to seven minutes = Rare
  • Seven to nine minutes = Medium
  • Nine to eleven minutes = Well-done

Temperature And Rest Time Estimates For Grilling Ribeye

Close up image of a ribeye being cooked in a grill

As a second alternative, use a food thermapen to test the internal temperature of the ribeye.

Here's a rough estimate of what the temperatures indicate:

  •       Bleu steak = 110°F
  •       Rare Steak = 120-130°F
  •       Medium Rare Steak = 130-135°F
  •       Medium Steak = 135-145°F
  •       Medium Well Steak = 145-155°F
  •       Well steak = upwards of 155°F

Then, if you cut into ribeye or any other piece of steak for that matter when it comes straight from the grill, you'll notice a vast pool of juices oozing out over your plate.

However, if you wait several minutes before cutting into the ribeye, the juices will reabsorb back into the steak.

After removing the steak from the grill, the typical rest period is around five minutes for every inch of thickness.

According to the spruce eats, you can also rest the steak by taking it off the grill, transferring it onto a cutting board, and tenting the steak under a piece of foil for five to seven minutes [5].

Alternative Methods To Preparing Ribeye

Ribeye inside a pan griller

While the best way to prepare ribeye is by popping it onto a grill, you can pan-sear or broil ribeye steak in the oven as well.

Pan-Searing Ribeye Steak

Preparing ribeye steak on your stovetop also ensures excellent results. You can still achieve a gorgeous golden-brown sear and a moist, juicy flavor.

  • Ensure that the ribeye is wholly thawed and reaches room temperature before cooking. Then, remove the piece of steak from the fridge for around 30 minutes before grilling.
  • Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium to high heat. Note that a hot pan delivers the best sear!
  • Season the ribeye steak with your desired choice of seasoning.
  • Place the into the hot skillet and avoid adding water or covering the pan.
  • Grill the ribeye until it reaches a temperature of 130-145°F to achieve a medium-rare to medium steak.
  • Allow the steak to rest to ensure the juices sink back into the meat, keeping it moist and flavorsome.

Grilling Ribeye In The Oven

Grilling ribeye steak in the oven is pretty straightforward.

  • First, ensure that the steak is completely thawed and reaches room temperature before cooking.
  • Ensure that you set the oven for broil and preheat it.
  • Season the ribeye steak with your desired choice of seasoning.
  • Place the steak onto the broiler pan's rack and position the pan in the oven, ensuring that the ribeye is 3 to 4 inches away from the heat.
  • Broil the ribeye until it reaches a temperature of 130-145°F to achieve a medium-rare to medium steak.
  • Allow the steak to rest to ensure the juices sink back into the meat, keeping it moist and flavorsome.

Related Articles:


References:

  1. https://www.mychicagosteak.com/steak-university/best-thickness-steak#:~:text=easier%20to%20overcook.-,While%201%20inch%20is%20a%20good%20starting%20point%2C%20the%20best,when%20it%20comes%20to%20doneness.
  2. https://www.foodsafety.com.au/blog/four-methods-for-defrosting-food-safely
  3. https://www.gordon-ramsay-recipes.com/preparation-step-by-step/the-best-steak-marinade.html
  4. https://www.thespruceeats.com/grilled-rib-eye-steaks-recipe-101015
  5. https://www.thespruceeats.com/the-secret-to-a-juicy-steak-995233
Was this article helpful?
YesNo

About the author

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *