Rib eye steak is a classic cut of beef that is known for its tenderness and rich, beefy flavor. If you prefer your steak cooked to a perfect medium rare, this article will guide you through the steps to achieve just that.

Step 1: Prepare the Rib Eye

Before cooking, take the rib eye steak out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. This will ensure that the steak cooks evenly and prevents it from becoming tough. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper, or your favorite steak seasoning.

Step 2: Preheat the Grill or Pan

McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning, 11.62 oz
McCormick Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning, 11.62 oz
$6.80
$6.43
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: October 6, 2024 7:29 am

If you have a grill, preheat it to high heat. Alternatively, you can use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan to cook your rib eye. Preheat the skillet or pan over medium-high heat until it is hot.

Step 3: Cook the Rib Eye

Place the rib eye steak on the grill or in the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium rare. Flip the steak only once during cooking to ensure a nice sear. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; the ideal temperature for medium rare is around 130°F (54°C).

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Once the rib eye steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak. Slice the rib eye against the grain and serve immediately.

Remember, cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the heat of your grill or pan. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

With these simple steps, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked rib eye steak that is medium rare. Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using a skillet indoors, this cooking technique will result in a juicy and flavor-packed steak that will impress your family and friends.

Newman's Own Steak Seasoning; Perfect Spices for Cooking Ribeye, Tri Tip, Pork Ribs, Bacon, Chicken, Ham, and Ground Turkey; No MSG, Gluten Free; Kosher; 8.65 Oz. Bottle
Newman's Own Steak Seasoning; Perfect Spices for Cooking Ribeye, Tri Tip, Pork Ribs, Bacon, Chicken, Ham, and Ground Turkey; No MSG, Gluten Free; Kosher;...
$8.99
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: October 6, 2024 7:29 am

Preparing the Rib Eye

Before you start cooking your rib eye, it’s important to properly prepare the meat to ensure it cooks evenly and has the best flavor. Follow these steps to get your rib eye ready for cooking:

  1. Remove the rib eye from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will help the meat cook more evenly.
  2. Pat the rib eye dry with paper towels. Removing any excess moisture from the meat will help it sear better.
  3. Season the rib eye with salt and pepper. Generously season both sides of the steak to enhance its flavors.
  4. Let the rib eye sit with the seasoning for at least 30 minutes. Allowing the rib eye to marinate in the seasoning will help the flavors penetrate the meat.

Once you’ve prepared the rib eye, you’re ready to start cooking it to a perfect medium rare:

Choosing the Right Cut

When it comes to cooking a rib eye steak to perfection, choosing the right cut is crucial. The rib eye is a highly flavorful and tender cut of beef, known for its rich marbling and juicy taste. Here are a few factors to consider when selecting a rib eye:

See also  How long to cook ham on traeger

Quality of Meat

For the best tasting rib eye steak, it’s important to choose a high-quality piece of meat. Look for beef that is well-marbled with fat throughout the muscle, as this will help to keep the steak moist and tender during cooking.

Thickness of the Steak

The thickness of the rib eye steak will also impact the cooking time and final result. Thicker steaks will require more time on the grill or in the oven to reach the desired medium-rare doneness. It’s recommended to choose steaks that are at least 1 inch thick to ensure even cooking.

Braswell's Robust Ribeye Steak Seasoning
Braswell's Robust Ribeye Steak Seasoning
$9.85
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: October 6, 2024 7:29 am
Thickness Cooking Time
1 inch 4-5 minutes per side
1.5 inches 6-7 minutes per side
2 inches 8-10 minutes per side

By choosing the right cut of rib eye steak, you’ll be on your way to cooking a delicious and perfectly medium-rare steak every time.

Seasoning the Meat

Before cooking the rib eye steak, it is important to season it properly to enhance its flavor. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Take the rib eye steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will ensure that the meat cooks evenly.

2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasoning stick better to the meat.

3. Sprinkle both sides of the steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The salt will help to bring out the natural flavors of the meat, while the pepper will add a nice kick.

The Bridge Collection 5.25" Glass Rib Eye Steak Ornament - Meat Slab for BBQ Grill Christmas Ornament
The Bridge Collection 5.25" Glass Rib Eye Steak Ornament - Meat Slab for BBQ Grill Christmas Ornament
$17.99
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: October 6, 2024 7:29 am

4. Optionally, you can add other seasonings to the meat, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or steak seasoning. These additional flavors will complement the taste of the rib eye steak.

5. Gently press the seasonings onto the surface of the meat, ensuring that they adhere well.

6. Once the meat is seasoned, let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the steak.

Following these steps will result in a perfectly seasoned rib eye steak with balanced flavors.

Cooking the Rib Eye

Once you have selected a quality rib eye steak, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these steps to achieve a delicious medium rare steak:

Sorbus® Non-Stick Rib Rack - Porcelain Coated Steel Roasting Stand – Holds 4 Rib Racks for Grilling & Barbecuing - Perfect BBQ Accessories for Smoker and Grill - Durable and Convenient Design (Black)
Sorbus® Non-Stick Rib Rack - Porcelain Coated Steel Roasting Stand – Holds 4 Rib Racks for Grilling & Barbecuing - Perfect BBQ Accessories for Smoker and...
$21.99
$19.99
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: October 6, 2024 7:29 am

1. Bring the Rib Eye to Room Temperature

Remove the rib eye from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will ensure more even cooking throughout the steak.

2. Season the Steak

Generously season both sides of the rib eye with salt and pepper. You can also add your favorite herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.

3. Preheat the Grill or Pan

If you are using a grill, preheat it to high heat. If you are using a pan, heat it over medium-high heat until it is hot. Ensure the grill grates or pan are well-oiled to prevent sticking.

See also  How long should you cook pork chops on the stove

4. Cook the Rib Eye

Place the rib eye on the grill or in the hot pan. Allow it to cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium rare. Use a timer to ensure accurate cooking time.

Note: Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.

Durable Stainless Steel Rib Rack with a Silicone Oil Brush, BBQ Stand with 2 Handle for Smoker,Oven and Grill, Cook up to 5 Ribs at a time
Durable Stainless Steel Rib Rack with a Silicone Oil Brush, BBQ Stand with 2 Handle for Smoker,Oven and Grill, Cook up to 5 Ribs at a time
$24.99
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: October 6, 2024 7:29 am

5. Rest the Steak

Once the rib eye reaches the desired level of doneness, remove it from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a juicier steak.

Remember: The steak will continue to cook slightly while resting, so it’s important to slightly undercook it on the grill or pan.

Now that you know how to cook a rib eye medium rare, serve it hot and enjoy the flavorful and tender meat!

Preheating the Grill

Before you start grilling your rib eye steak, it’s important to preheat the grill. This ensures that the grill reaches the appropriate temperature for cooking the steak to perfection. Here are the steps to preheat the grill:

  1. Open the grill lid.
  2. Turn on the grill and set it to medium-high heat.
  3. Close the lid and let the grill heat up for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the grates to get hot and creates a nicely seared crust on the steak.

During the preheating process, it’s a good time to clean the grill grates if necessary. Use a grill brush to remove any leftover residue from previous cooking sessions.

COOK TIME Grill Pan Set of 2, BBQ Grill Topper for Outdoor Grill, Stainless Steel Grilling Baskets with Holes and Handles, Perforated Food Tray Barbecue Accessories for Vegetable, Fish, Meat, Seafood
COOK TIME Grill Pan Set of 2, BBQ Grill Topper for Outdoor Grill, Stainless Steel Grilling Baskets with Holes and Handles, Perforated Food Tray Barbecue...
$28.99
Amazon.com
Amazon price updated: October 6, 2024 7:29 am

Gas Grill Preheating:

  1. For gas grills, make sure the propane tank is connected and turned on.
  2. Locate the ignition switch or button and turn it on to ignite the burners.
  3. Set the burners to medium-high heat and close the lid. Allow the grill to heat up as mentioned previously.

Charcoal Grill Preheating:

  1. If you’re using a charcoal grill, arrange the charcoal in a pyramid shape in the center of the grill.
  2. Light the charcoal using either lighter fluid or a chimney starter.
  3. Let the charcoal burn until it’s covered with white ash, indicating that it’s hot and ready for cooking.

Once the grill is preheated, you’re ready to move on to the next steps in cooking your rib eye steak to a perfect medium rare!

Grilling the Rib Eye

Grilling a rib eye steak to medium rare perfection requires attention to detail and the right technique. Follow these steps to achieve a juicy and flavorful steak:

1. Prepare the steak

Prior to grilling, ensure that your rib eye steak is at room temperature. This helps it cook more evenly. Lightly brush the steak with oil and season it generously with salt and pepper. Allow the steak to sit for about 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.

2. Preheat the grill

Preheat your grill to high heat. This ensures that the steak gets a good sear on the outside while locking in the juices.

See also  How long to cook steak in slow cooker on high

3. Grill the steak

Place the rib eye steak on the hot grill grates. For medium rare, grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This will give you a nice charred crust while keeping the center pink and juicy.

Use tongs instead of a fork to flip the steak. Piercing the meat with a fork can cause the juices to escape, resulting in a dry steak.

4. Check for doneness

To ensure that your rib eye is cooked to medium rare, use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding the bone. The internal temperature should read between 130-135°F (54-57°C).

Alternatively, you can use the touch test. Gently press the center of the steak with your finger. It should feel slightly springy and give a little resistance.

5. Rest and serve

Once the rib eye is cooked to perfection, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Slice the rib eye against the grain and serve it immediately. Enjoy your delicious medium rare rib eye steak!

Q&A

What is rib eye?

Rib eye is a cut of beef that is known for its rich marbling and tenderness. It is taken from the rib section of the cow and is highly regarded for its juiciness and flavor.

What does medium rare mean?

Medium rare is a level of doneness for steak where the internal temperature reaches around 135°F (57°C). It is characterized by a warm red center and a slightly pinkish exterior.

How do I season a rib eye steak?

You can season a rib eye steak by generously applying a mixture of salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Rub the seasoning onto all sides of the steak and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

What is the best cooking method for rib eye steak?

The best cooking method for rib eye steak is a combination of searing and oven baking. Start by searing the steak in a hot skillet with oil for a few minutes on each side to develop a nice crust. Then transfer the steak to a preheated oven and continue cooking until it reaches the desired level of doneness.

How long should I cook a rib eye steak for medium rare?

The cooking time for a rib eye steak to reach medium rare can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the cooking method used. As a general guideline, a 1-inch thick steak will take about 4-5 minutes per side in a hot skillet, followed by 6-8 minutes in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C).

What is a rib eye?

Rib eye is a cut of beef that comes from the rib section of the cow. It is known for its rich marbling and intense flavor.