How To Cook A Ribeye On The Grill
Grilling ribeye steak is a tempting idea for any barbecue party or family event. Although ribeye is one of the easiest steaks to cook, it requires proper preparation and cooking techniques to get that juicy and flavorful texture. Learning how to cook a ribeye steak on the grill can be a valuable skill that requires some practice, but after following these steps, you’ll be able to cook the perfect steak every time.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before you grill your steak, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment. You will need:
– Ribeye steaks (1-2 inches thick)
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper
– A hot grill (gas or charcoal)
– Tongs
– A meat thermometer
Prepare the Ribeye Steak
Start by removing the ribeye steaks from the fridge at least 30 minutes before grilling to allow them to reach room temperature. This step is essential as it will aid in even cooking throughout the steak.
Then, season the ribeye steaks with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to ensure the seasonings penetrate every corner of the steak. Avoid over-seasoning the steak, as ribeye is flavorful on its own, and you don’t want to overpower the natural flavor.
Grilling the Ribeye Steak
To achieve the perfect grill marks, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using gas, set one burner on high and the rest on medium. When using charcoal grill, spread the charcoal evenly over the grilling surface and let it burn until the coals are covered with ash.
Once the grill is hot, use tongs to place the ribeye steaks on the grilling surface. Sear each side for 1-2 minutes or until grill marks appear before reducing the heat to medium.
To grill the steak evenly, flip it every 2-3 minutes, ensuring that each side is exposed to heat for an equal amount of time. However, avoid flipping the steak too frequently as it can cause the juices to escape, leaving the steak dry and tough.
Cooking Time
When cooking ribeye, timing is crucial. A general rule of thumb is to cook the steak for four to six minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak. To ensure perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Medium-rare steak should have an internal temperature of about 130-135°F, while medium steak should be around 140-145°F.
If you like your steak rare or well-done, adjust the temperature according to your taste. However, avoid overcooking the steak as it can lead to dry and tough meat.
Resting the Steak
After cooking the steak, remove it from the grill and place it on a plate. Cover it with aluminium foil and let it rest for five minutes. Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicer and more flavorful.
Serving the Steak
After the steak has rested, remove the foil and slice it against the grain, ensuring that each slice is around ¼ inch thick. This step is vital as it will help make the steak easier to chew.
Serve the ribeye steak with your preferred side dishes, and enjoy the delicious and juicy flavors.
Cleaning the Grill
After enjoying your ribeye steak, it is crucial to clean the grill properly, ensuring that the next time you use it, it is safe and ready to grill. Before cleaning, allow the grill to cool down, then remove the burnt bits and ashes.
Use a grill brush to scrub the grates until all the grime and grease are removed, and then wipe down the grill with a damp cloth or towel.
Conclusion
Grilling a ribeye steak can be an enjoyable experience when using the right techniques. Follow the steps highlighted in this article, and impress your guests with a flavorful and juicy ribeye steak. Remember always to choose the highest quality meat and let it come to room temperature before grilling. Additionally, invest in a meat thermometer to ensure proper cooking and doneness. Happy grilling!
How do I prepare a ribeye for grilling?
Step 1: Season the steak
Rub both sides of the steak with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning blend.
Step 2: Let it come to room temperature
Take the steak out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before grilling to allow it to come to room temperature.
Step 3: Prepare the grill
Use a high heat to sear the outside of the steak.
How long should I cook a ribeye on the grill?
Step 1: Sear over high heat
Place the steak on the grill and sear for 2-3 minutes per side over high heat.
Step 2: Reduce heat and cook to desired doneness
Move the steak to a cooler part of the grill and continue cooking to your desired doneness. For a medium-rare steak, cook for an additional 3-4 minutes per side.
Step 3: Let it rest
Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
How do I know when my ribeye is done?
Step 1: Use a meat thermometer
The most accurate way to determine doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak without touching bone. For rare, the thermometer should read 125°F; for medium-rare, 135°F; for medium, 145°F; for medium-well, 150°F; and for well-done, 160°F.
Step 2: Test for doneness by touch
If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can test for doneness by touch. Rare steaks will feel soft and spongy when pressed, medium steaks will feel firm but springy, and well-done steaks will feel firm and unyielding.
Step 3: Cut into the steak
As a last resort, you can cut into the steak to check for doneness. But be aware that this will release juices and may result in a less-tender steak. The color of the meat will give you an idea of how cooked it is; rare steak will be bright red, medium steak will be pink, and well-done steak will be brown.
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