Welcome to the ultimate guide on BBQing a ribeye steak perfectly every time. Whether you’re new to grilling or you’ve been doing it for years, our expert tips will ensure you get juicy and delicious results.
Sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled ribeye steak is special. The charred crust and the tender, flavorful meat are unbeatable. But, perfecting that steak takes some knowledge. We’re here to help!
Follow our step-by-step guide, and you’ll wow your family and friends with a mouthwatering BBQ ribeye steak. We’ll show you how to pick the right steak and master the grilling technique, guiding you through each step.
Whether it’s a backyard cookout or you just want to up your grilling game, let’s explore the world of BBQ ribeye steaks. We’ll share secrets to making a meal that’ll have everyone wanting more.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn expert tips on how to BBQ a ribeye steak to perfection.
- Choose the right ribeye steak based on marbling, thickness, and grade.
- Discover techniques for preparing the ribeye steak with marinades and dry rubs.
- Master the art of preheating and setting up the grill for optimal cooking.
- Grill the ribeye steak correctly using the right temperature and flipping techniques.
Choosing the Right Ribeye Steak
Before you start the grill, picking the right ribeye steak is essential. The steak’s quality will determine how tasty your BBQ turns out. Consider these points when selecting your ribeye steak:
- Marbling: Aim for ribeye steaks with lots of marbling. This is the fat within the meat. It makes the steak flavorful and tender. The more marbling, the tastier your steak.
- Thickness: The steak’s thickness matters. Thicker steaks are best for grilling. They stay juicy and get a nice crust outside, while the inside remains perfectly pink.
- Grade: Look at the steak’s grade. USDA Prime is top-notch, with great marbling and tenderness. Choice grade is also great, offering good quality at a better price.
Take your time at the butcher or store to pick the right steaks. Look for visible marbling and the thickness you like. The right choice lays the groundwork for an awesome BBQ.
Now you know how to pick the perfect ribeye steak. Let’s get it ready for the grill. Keep reading to learn how to prepare your steak for a delicious BBQ.
Preparing the Ribeye Steak
Getting your ribeye steak ready for a BBQ is key. To make your steak perfect for grilling, just follow these steps:
Gather Your Ingredients
First, get everything you need for your ribeye steak. This includes marinade, dry rub, spices, and herbs. Having it all set makes preparing easier.
Seasoning Options
You can make your ribeye steak taste even better in different ways. Choose from marinades, dry rubs, or use both. Marinades are made of acids like vinegar or citrus juices, oils, and spices. They make the steak tender and flavorful. Dry rubs are spice and herb mixes that give a tasty crust when grilled.
Marinating the Ribeye Steak
If marinating is your choice, put the steak in a dish or sealable bag. Cover it with the marinade. Make sure it’s fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Then, refrigerate. You can do this for 30 minutes to 24 hours. The longer, the more flavor. Just throw away any marinade that touches raw meat.
Applying Dry Rubs
For a dry rub, coat both sides of the steak well with your spice mix. Press it in so it sticks. Let the steak sit out for 20-30 minutes before grilling. This helps the flavors soak into the meat better.
Now that your ribeye steak is seasoned just right, it’s grill time! The next part will show you how to heat and set up your grill for a great BBQ.
Preheating and Setting Up the Grill
Before you start grilling, it’s essential to properly preheat and set up your grill. To ensure your ribeye steak cooks evenly and to perfection, follow these steps:
- Start by cleaning the grill grates with a wire brush. This removes leftover residue from previous uses. It prevents sticking and ensures optimal flavor.
- Next, check your fuel source. For a gas grill, make sure the propane tank is connected and full. If using charcoal, have enough briquettes or lump charcoal for the right temperature.
- Turn on all burners if your grill has multiple ones. For gas grills, set burners to medium-high. With charcoal, pile the coals into a pyramid shape and light them. Use a chimney starter for this.
- Close the grill lid and let it preheat for 10-15 minutes. This makes the grates heat up evenly for perfect searing.
- For charcoal grills, to make different heat zones, move hot coals to one side with tongs. This is for both direct and indirect grilling.
- Use a grill thermometer to check the temperature. For medium-rare ribeye steak, aim for 130°F to 135°F (54°C to 57°C).
- Once the desired temperature is reached, you’re ready to grill your ribeye steak.
Properly preheating and setting up your grill is crucial. It gives you that perfect sear and juicy ribeye steak. Follow these instructions to get your grill ready before you begin.
Grilling the Ribeye Steak
Now comes the fun part – grilling the ribeye steak! Follow these instructions to grill your steak perfectly every time.
Grilling Times
The grilling time varies based on the steak’s thickness and your desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick ribeye steak:
- Rare: Grill 4-5 minutes per side for an internal temperature of 125°F.
- Medium Rare: Grill 5-6 minutes per side for 135°F.
- Medium: Grill 6-7 minutes per side for 145°F.
- Medium Well: Grill 7-8 minutes per side for 155°F.
- Well Done: Grill 8-10 minutes per side for 160°F or more.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness. Cooking times are approximations.
Flipping Techniques
To get great grill marks and even cooking, follow these flipping steps:
- Place the steak at a 45-degree angle to the grates.
- Wait until grill marks form before flipping.
- Flip it to the other side at a 45-degree angle.
- Keep grilling until it’s as done as you like.
Avoid flipping the steak too much. It can prevent proper searing.
Remember, close the grill lid after flipping for consistent temperature and even cooking.
Achieving Your Desired Level of Doneness
Use a meat thermometer to reach your preferred steak doneness. Insert it into the thickest part without touching the bone. Here are the temperatures:
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium Rare: 135°F
- Medium: 145°F
- Medium Well: 155°F
- Well Done: 160°F or higher
Let the steak rest a few minutes off the grill before slicing. This makes it juicy and flavorful.
Now your ribeye steak is ready! Enjoy it with your favorite sides and sauces.
Resting and Slicing the Ribeye Steak
After cooking your ribeye steak to perfection, it’s important to let it rest. Letting it rest makes the steak more tender and tasty. Here’s how you do it right:
To let your ribeye steak rest the right way, follow these tips:
- Move the steak from the grill to a clean cutting board.
- Cover the steak with aluminum foil or a dish towel lightly. This keeps it warm while resting.
- Give the steak 5-10 minutes to rest. Thicker steaks might need more time to rest.
- Don’t cut into the steak while it’s resting to keep all the juices inside. This makes every bite juicy and tender.
After resting, now it’s time to slice your ribeye steak. Here are the steps to slice it:
- Find a sharp knife and cut across the grain of the meat. Cutting this way makes the steak tender and easy to chew.
- Make your slices thin and even. This helps in chewing and evenly spreads the taste.
- Put the slices on a plate or platter to show off the juicy, well-cooked steak.
Slicing your ribeye steak correctly improves its texture and presentation. Follow these slicing tips to serve your ribeye steak like an expert.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Your ribeye steak is ready, and it’s time to enjoy it! Perfect grilling is more than just the steak. We have chosen some ideas and matches to make your steak even better.
Side Dishes
Every steak dinner needs tasty sides. You could add to your steak:
- Grilled asparagus spears
- Roasted garlic mashed potatoes
- Creamed spinach
- Loaded baked potato
These sides bring more flavors and looks to your meal. They make your dining experience fuller and more enjoyable.
Sauces and Condiments
Make your ribeye steak better with the right sauce. You might like these:
- Classic homemade steak sauce
- Red wine reduction
- Garlic butter
- Horseradish cream
These sauces and condiments boost your steak’s taste. They add more depth and richness.
Wine Recommendations
A good wine can take your steak to another level. These wines are great choices:
- A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon
- A bold Malbec
- A rich Merlot
- A velvety Pinot Noir
These wines match the strong flavors of the ribeye. They make your meal even better.
With these ideas and pairings, your steak will turn into a work of art. Now, relax, enjoy every bite, and love the mix of tastes. Bon appétit!
Conclusion
Our expert tips make grilling a ribeye steak easy, so it’s juicy every time. Follow our detailed guide, and you’ll wow your guests. This guide helps create a tasty, tender steak everyone will love.
Start by picking the right ribeye steak. Choose ones that are thick and have lots of marbling. Using marinades or dry rubs before cooking makes the steak more flavorful and soft.
Before grilling, get your grill hot and ready. Follow our advice for the perfect doneness. Whether using direct or indirect heat, we’ve got you covered. Let your steak rest after grilling to keep it juicy.
To complete the meal, add your favorite sides, sauces, and wine to your grilled ribeye. With these steps, your BBQ steak will be the star of any get-together. Enjoy your grilling!
