Grilling a rib eye steak can be a delicious way to enjoy a juicy and flavorful piece of meat. However, achieving the perfect cook on your rib eye requires careful timing and attention to detail. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.
For a medium-rare steak: Preheat your grill to high heat. Rub the steak with olive oil, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor. Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 130-135°F (55-57°C). Grilling times may vary, so it’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking.
If you prefer a medium steak: Grill the rib eye for approximately 5-6 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135-145°F (57-63°C). Remember to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the steak and the heat of your grill. Let the steak rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute.
Pro tip: To achieve those perfect grill marks, only flip the steak once. Resist the temptation to constantly move or press down on the meat as this can interfere with even cooking and cause the juices to escape, resulting in a drier steak.
It’s important to note that these cooking times are just guidelines, and the best way to tell if your rib eye is done to your liking is by using a meat thermometer. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the grill, so it’s better to slightly undercook it and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. With practice and attention, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect cook every time.
How to cook a rib eye on the grill
Cooking a rib eye on the grill is a delicious way to enjoy this flavorful cut of meat. Follow these simple steps to achieve a perfectly grilled rib eye:
1. Preheat the grill: Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that your rib eye cooks evenly and develops a nice char on the outside.
2. Season the meat: Generously season both sides of the rib eye with salt and pepper. You can also add your favorite seasonings or marinade for extra flavor.
3. Place the rib eye on the grill: Once the grill is preheated, carefully place the seasoned rib eye on the hot grill grates. Close the lid and let it cook for about 4-5 minutes.
4. Flip and continue cooking: After 4-5 minutes, use a pair of tongs to flip the rib eye over. Close the lid and let it cook for an additional 4-5 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Adjust the cooking time according to your desired level of doneness.
5. Rest the meat: Once the rib eye is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and results in a more tender and flavorful steak.
6. Serve and enjoy: Slice the rib eye against the grain and serve it with your favorite side dishes. Enjoy the delicious flavors of a perfectly grilled rib eye!
Preparing the rib eye
Before grilling your rib eye, you’ll need to take a few steps to prepare the meat. Here’s what you should do:
1. Bring the rib eye to room temperature Take the rib eye out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will allow the meat to cook more evenly. |
2. Season the rib eye Amazon Grocery, Beef Ribeye Steak, Boneless, USDA Choice
Amazon.com
Gently pat the rib eye dry with paper towels. Liberally season both sides of the meat with salt and black pepper, or your preferred steak seasoning. This will enhance the flavor of the rib eye. |
3. Preheat the grill Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure that your rib eye gets those beautiful grill marks and a nice sear on the outside. |
4. Allow the rib eye to rest Once the grill is preheated, let the rib eye rest for a few minutes before placing it on the grill. This will allow the meat to relax and cook more evenly. The Bridge Collection 5.25" Glass Rib Eye Steak Ornament - Meat Slab for BBQ Grill Christmas Ornament
Amazon.com
|
Seasoning the rib eye
Before grilling your rib eye, it’s important to season it properly to enhance the flavor. Here are some seasoning options:
- Salt and pepper: A simple combination of salt and pepper can bring out the natural flavors of the rib eye. Be sure to season both sides of the steak evenly.
- Garlic and herb rub: Create a flavorful rub using minced garlic, dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley, salt, and black pepper. Massage the rub onto the rib eye, allowing it to infuse the steak with delicious aromas.
- Marinade: Consider marinating the rib eye in a mixture of olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices. This will help tenderize the meat and add additional flavor.
- Dry brine: For a juicy and well-seasoned steak, try a dry brine. Generously sprinkle kosher salt on both sides of the rib eye and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Rinse off the salt before grilling.
Choose the seasoning method that suits your taste preferences and let the flavors meld with the rib eye before grilling.
Preheating the grill
Before you start cooking your rib eye steak on the grill, it is important to preheat the grill to ensure even cooking and to achieve those beautiful grill marks.
Here are some steps to preheat your grill:
- Make sure your grill is clean by removing any leftover food particles or debris.
- Turn on the grill and set the burners to high heat.
- Close the lid of the grill and let it heat up for about 10-15 minutes.
- After the grill has preheated, use a grill brush to clean the grates again to ensure there are no remaining particles.
- Now your grill is preheated and ready for cooking the rib eye steak!
Remember, preheating the grill is an essential step in achieving a perfectly cooked rib eye steak.
Preheat your grill to: | Cooking time for rib eye steak: |
---|---|
Medium heat | 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare |
High heat | 6-8 minutes per side for medium |
High heat | 8-10 minutes per side for well-done |
Grilling the rib eye
Grilling a rib eye steak is a popular and delicious way to cook this flavorful cut of meat. The process requires some attention and precision in order to achieve the perfect level of doneness and a beautiful sear on the outside.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to grill a rib eye steak:
1. Preheat the grill: Start by preheating your grill to high heat. This will ensure that the grill grates are hot and ready to sear the steak.
2. Season the steak: Before placing the steak on the grill, season it generously with salt and pepper, or your preferred steak seasoning. You can also marinate the steak in your favorite marinade for added flavor.
3. Place the steak on the grill: Carefully place the seasoned rib eye steak on the hot grill grates. You should hear a sizzling sound as it makes contact with the heat, which is a good sign.
4. Cook the steak: Cook the rib eye steak over high heat for about 4-6 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak and the level of doneness you prefer. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness:
- Rare: 120-125°F (49-52°C)
- Medium rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
- Medium: 140-145°F (60-63°C)
- Medium well: 150-155°F (66-68°C)
- Well done: 160°F (71°C) and above
5. Let it rest: Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to become even more tender and flavorful.
6. Serve and enjoy: Slice the rib eye steak against the grain and serve it hot. You can pair it with your favorite side dishes and sauces for a complete and delicious meal.
Grilling a rib eye steak is a skill that takes practice, but with these tips, you can impress your guests with a perfectly grilled and juicy steak.
Checking the doneness
Once you’ve grilled your rib eye for the recommended time, it’s important to check its doneness to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness. Here are some methods to check the doneness of your rib eye:
1. Finger test
The finger test is a popular method to check the doneness of a steak. Gently press the center of the steak with your index finger and compare the firmness to different parts of your hand:
Finger position | Doneness |
---|---|
Thumb and pinky finger touching | Very rare |
Thumb and ring finger touching | Rare |
Thumb and middle finger touching | Medium rare |
Thumb and index finger touching | Medium |
Thumb and no fingers touching | Well done |
Keep in mind that this method requires practice to accurately determine the doneness.
2. Meat thermometer
Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to check the internal temperature of your rib eye steak. The following temperatures are considered safe for consumption:
Doneness | Internal temperature (°F) |
---|---|
Very rare or bleu | 115-120 |
Rare | 125-130 |
Medium rare | 135-140 |
Medium | 145-150 |
Well done | 160+ |
Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the rib eye, avoiding any bones to get an accurate reading.
By using either of these methods, you can ensure that your rib eye is cooked to your desired level of doneness, whether it’s rare, medium rare, medium, or well done.
Q&A
What is the recommended cooking time for a rib eye on the grill?
The recommended cooking time for a rib eye on the grill can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired doneness. As a general guideline, for medium-rare, you can cook a 1-inch thick rib eye for about 6-8 minutes on each side. For medium, cook it for about 8-10 minutes on each side. Keep in mind that these cooking times are approximate, and it’s always best to use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches the desired internal temperature.
How long should I cook a rib eye steak on the grill for medium-rare?
To cook a rib eye steak to medium-rare on the grill, you can follow a cooking time of about 6-8 minutes on each side for a 1-inch thick steak. However, it’s important to note that cooking times can vary depending on the heat of your grill and the thickness of the steak. For the most accurate results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Medium-rare is typically achieved at around 135°F (57°C).
What is the cooking time for a rib eye on the grill for medium doneness?
If you prefer your rib eye steak cooked to medium on the grill, you can cook it for about 8-10 minutes on each side. Again, these cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the heat of your grill. To ensure the steak is cooked to the desired doneness, use a meat thermometer and check for an internal temperature of around 145°F (63°C) for medium.
How do I know when a rib eye steak is cooked on the grill?
To know when a rib eye steak is cooked to your liking on the grill, it’s best to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, the steak should reach around 135°F (57°C) with a warm, red center. For medium, aim for an internal temperature of around 145°F (63°C) with a slightly pink center. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook as it rests, so it’s okay to remove it from the grill a few degrees below your desired temperature.
Can I use a grill pan to cook a rib eye steak?
Yes, you can definitely use a grill pan to cook a rib eye steak if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill. Preheat the grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it to prevent sticking. Cook the steak for the same recommended cooking times as you would on a regular grill, turning it halfway through the cooking time. Just keep in mind that a grill pan may not provide the same smoky flavor as an outdoor grill, but it can still give you a deliciously seared steak.
What is the best way to grill a rib eye?
The best way to grill a rib eye is to start by preheating your grill to high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning blend. Place the steak on the grill and cook it for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should read around 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare. Let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving.
How long does it take to cook a rib eye on the grill?
The cooking time for a rib eye on the grill depends on the thickness of the steak and how well-done you like it. As a general guideline, you can cook a 1-inch thick rib eye for about 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare. If you prefer a more well-done steak, you will need to increase the cooking time. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should read around 135°F (57°C) for medium-rare.