As temperatures rise and the days grow longer with the onset of spring, it’s time to dust off your grill and don those aprons. We’re going to walk you through the steps of cooking the perfect grilled ribeye steak. With the right techniques and a little knowledge, you will be able to create a deliciously juicy steak that’s charred to perfection on the outside, tender and flavorful on the inside.
Choosing the Best Cut
Just as the conductor is crucial for the symphony, the cut of meat sets the stage for the perfect barbecue. Ribeye is often favored by steak enthusiasts for its rich flavors and marbling, which gives it a tender, juicy texture when cooked. Picking out the best ribeye steak for grilling requires some knowledge and attention to detail.
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Start by looking for a steak that’s at least 1.5 inches thick. This thickness ensures the steak has enough mass to remain juicy throughout the grilling process. Next, look for generous marbling, those white streaks and specks that run through the meat. They melt during the cooking process, infusing the meat with rich flavors and ensuring it stays tender. A bone-in ribeye is a great option as well, as the bone can add additional flavor during cooking.
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Perfect Seasoning for Your Steak
Seasoning a steak is a matter of personal preference, but there are some classic combinations that can enhance the natural flavor of the ribeye. At a minimum, you will need salt and pepper. Using a coarse salt, like kosher or sea salt, will create a better crust on the steak and infuse it with flavor. Freshly ground black pepper provides a kick that complements the richness of the meat.
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While the salt and pepper duo is a classic, you can play around with other seasonings. Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika can lend a nice depth of flavor. Apply your seasoning at least 40 minutes before you plan to cook the steak. This gives the salt time to penetrate the meat and enhances the overall flavor.
The Art of Grilling the Steak
The secret to a great grilled steak lies in high heat for searing and lower heat for cooking to your preferred consistency. Preheat your grill on the highest setting, then reduce to medium-high once you’re ready to cook.
To create those desirable grill marks, place your ribeye at a 45-degree angle to the grill grates. After about 2 to 3 minutes, rotate the steak 90 degrees. After another 2 to 3 minutes, flip the steak and repeat the process on the other side.
Remember, grilling times vary depending on the thickness of your steak and the temperature of your grill. The key is to take your time and not rush the process.
Checking the Steak’s Temperature
Ensuring the perfect doneness for your steak involves accurate temperature checking. A digital meat thermometer is your best tool for this. For a medium-rare ribeye, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). For medium, look for a temperature of 145°F (63°C). Always insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak for the most accurate reading.
It’s important to note that your steak will continue to cook for a few minutes after it’s removed from the grill. This is due to residual heat. So, it’s best to remove the steak from the grill when it’s about 5°F below your desired final temperature.
Giving Your Steak the Perfect Finish
The perfect final touch to a grilled ribeye steak is a pat of butter. The heat from the steak will melt the butter, creating a delicious, savory sauce. As the steak rests, this buttery goodness will get soaked up, only enhancing the flavor.
To do this, place a pat of butter on top of the steak immediately after it comes off the grill. You can also use compound butter – butter mixed with herbs and garlic – for additional flavor. Let your steak rest for at least 10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making every bite as juicy and flavorful as possible.
So, there you have it. With the right cut, perfect seasoning, precise grilling techniques, accurate temperature checking, and a buttery finish, you can achieve a perfectly juicy grilled ribeye steak. All you need now is a sunny day and hungry friends or family to share your culinary masterpiece with. Grilling season is here, and you’re more than ready for it. Happy grilling!
Preparing Your Grill and Steak
Before we start, it’s essential to prep your grill and ribeye steak. You’ll need to preheat your grill to high heat. This process could take around 15 minutes, so it’s a perfect time to take your steak out of the refrigerator. It’s best to let your steak sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling. This equilibration time allows the steak to cook more evenly once it hits the grill.
While you’re waiting for the grill to heat up and the steak to reach room temperature, you can prepare your steak marinade if you choose to use one. Marinades can add extra flavor to your ribeye, but they aren’t necessary. If you do decide to marinate your steak, remember to pat it dry before putting it on the grill. Too much liquid could cause flare-ups on the grill and lead to a less than perfectly grilled ribeye.
When your grill is hot and your steak is at room temperature, lightly brush each side of the ribeye with olive oil. This step will help prevent the steak from sticking to the grill grates. Now, you’re all set. With your grill hot and your steak ready, it’s time to put your steak on the grill.
The Perfect Grilling Time
Grilling time is crucial for getting a perfectly juicy and tender ribeye steak. For a medium rare steak, around 5 to 7 minutes per side should suffice. If you prefer your steak medium, aim for about 7 to 10 minutes per side.
Remember, these are rough estimates and exact grilling time can depend on factors like the steak’s thickness and the grill’s temperature. Use your meat thermometer to check internal temperatures and ensure you get your steak to your desired level of doneness.
For a bit of extra flavor, consider basting your steak with a mixture of melted butter and herbs during the final few minutes of grilling. This step can add a burst of flavor and help keep your steak moist.
Conclusion
Grilling the perfect ribeye steak is more of an art than a science. It takes patience, attention to detail, and a bit of practice. However, with the instructions provided in this guide, even a novice griller can achieve a delicious, juicy, perfectly grilled ribeye steak.
Remember the steps: choose the right cut, season it well, prepare your grill, grill it on high heat, check the steak’s internal temperature, finish it off with a pat of butter, and let it rest before digging in. The reward is a mouthwatering, flavorful, and tender ribeye steak that is sure to impress your guests.
So, let’s fire up those grills and let the steak sizzle. Here’s to a successful grilling season full of tasty ribeye steaks. Happy grilling!
