Few things say summer like a perfectly grilled ribeye steak—juicy, smoky, and seared to perfection. Whether you’re firing up a gas or charcoal grill, learning how to grill ribeye like a pro transforms an ordinary meal into a steakhouse-worthy experience right in your backyard.
This guide will walk you through everything: choosing the best cut, seasoning, grilling techniques, flavor variations, and tips to master the perfect steak. Plus, we’ve packed it with helpful FAQs and internal links to other grilling favorites.
🥩 Why Ribeye is the King of Grilled Steaks
The ribeye steak is renowned for its rich marbling, intense beefy flavor, and juicy tenderness. It comes from the rib section of the cow, making it naturally more flavorful than leaner cuts like sirloin or filet mignon. Ribeye holds up well to high-heat grilling and develops a beautiful crust without drying out.
Whether you prefer bone-in or boneless, thick-cut or thin, ribeye is a reliable choice for grill masters and beginners alike.
Grilled Ribeye Steak
Ingrédients
Method
- Remove steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.
- Preheat your gas grill to high (450–500°F). For charcoal, set up two zones: direct and indirect heat.
- Brush the steak with olive oil and season both sides with salt, pepper, and optional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika.
- Place the steak on direct heat and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until a deep crust forms.
- Move the steak to indirect heat and continue cooking to your preferred doneness: Rare: 120°F (6–7 min) Medium-Rare: 130°F (8–10 min) Medium: 140°F (10–12 min) Medium-Well: 150°F (12–14 min)
- Remove steak from grill and let rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing or serving.
Notes
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 (1.25–1.5 inch thick) ribeye steak (12–16 oz)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: garlic powder, smoked paprika, fresh rosemary
🔥 How to Grill Ribeye Steak (Step-by-Step)
1. Let the Steak Come to Room Temperature
Remove your steak from the fridge 30 minutes before grilling. This ensures even cooking.
2. Preheat the Grill
Heat your gas grill to high (about 450°F to 500°F). For charcoal grills, create two zones: one direct, one indirect.
3. Season Generously
Brush the steak with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your preferred spice mix. Simple is often best.
4. Sear the Steak
Place the steak on the hot side of the grill. Sear for 4–5 minutes per side until a dark crust forms.
5. Move to Indirect Heat
Transfer the steak to indirect heat (or lower the flame). Cook to your desired doneness:
| Doneness | Internal Temp | Approx Time |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120°F | 6–7 mins |
| Medium-Rare | 130°F | 8–10 mins |
| Medium | 140°F | 10–12 mins |
| Medium-Well | 150°F | 12–14 mins |
6. Rest the Steak
Remove from the grill and let rest for 5–10 minutes. This locks in juices and enhances tenderness.
🧂 Best Steak Seasoning Options
Want to elevate the flavor? Try one of these seasoning ideas:
- Classic Garlic Rub: Olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder
- Smoky Spice Mix: Paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt
- Herb Butter Finish: Top with compound butter made with parsley, garlic, and lemon zest
Looking for more flavor inspiration? Don’t miss our Grilled BBQ Marinade Ideas for steak night variety.
🔁 Flavor Variations
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Coffee Crust Ribeye | Add ground espresso and brown sugar to your rub |
| Chimichurri Ribeye | Top with homemade Argentinian herb sauce |
| Asian-Inspired | Marinate in soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger |
Try pairing with a tropical side like our Pineapple Fried Rice for a unique twist.
🥗 Pair It with Bold Summer Salads
Ribeye steak’s rich marbling pairs beautifully with bright, acidic sides. A crisp salad like our Watermelon Feta Salad adds a refreshing contrast that balances the savory flavor of grilled beef. The sweet and salty combo keeps the meal light, even with such a hearty protein at the center.
🍸 Refreshing Cocktails to Serve with Steak
Every juicy steak deserves a chilled cocktail. Try serving your grilled ribeye with a tangy Frozen Pineapple Margarita to give the meal a tropical twist. The citrusy notes of the drink cut through the richness of the meat, making each bite even more satisfying.
🍠 Great Sides to Serve Alongside
A well-rounded steak dinner always includes satisfying sides. Our Grilled Sweet Potato Wedges are smoky, lightly sweet, and simple to prepare right on the grill alongside your steak. Plus, they add beautiful color and balance to your plate.
🔥 Turn It into a Steakhouse Experience at Home
Want to elevate your dinner even more? Finish your ribeye with a spoonful of Garlic Herb Butter just before serving. It melts into the hot steak, creating a luxurious, restaurant-quality finish that’s truly unforgettable.
🍴 Try Steak in a Different Format
Got leftovers? Transform your ribeye into a second meal by slicing it thin and adding it to our Grilled Steak Tacos. It’s a great way to stretch your steak and enjoy those incredible flavors in a casual, crowd-pleasing dish.
🌽 Grill-Friendly Vegetables That Match Ribeye
Don’t forget the veggies! Grilled steak loves company, and a medley of grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and our Grilled Corn on the Cob makes the perfect side dish. Season simply with salt and olive oil to let the char shine through.
🌟 Try a Ribeye Surf & Turf Twist
Want to go all out? Pair your grilled ribeye with a few skewers of Garlic Butter Shrimp. The surf and turf combo is indulgent yet approachable, and it’s ideal for impressing guests at your next summer cookout.
🍷 What to Serve with Grilled Ribeye
- Grilled asparagus or corn on the cob
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts
- Fresh garden salad
- Red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec
Bonus: Need a drink pairing? Try our Frozen Piña Colada for a summery contrast.
❓ FAQ – Grilled Ribeye Steak
1. How do I know when ribeye is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check internal temp. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare.
2. Can I cook ribeye on a stovetop?
Yes! Sear in a cast-iron skillet over high heat and finish in the oven.
3. Should I marinate ribeye steak?
Not necessary. Ribeye is flavorful on its own, but a quick marinade can enhance taste.
4. Bone-in or boneless ribeye?
Both are delicious. Bone-in retains more moisture, while boneless cooks more evenly.
5. How do I make grill marks?
Place the steak at a 45-degree angle, sear for 2 minutes, then rotate 90 degrees.
🥳 Conclusion: The Perfect Steak Starts Here
Grilling the perfect ribeye steak doesn’t need to be complicated. With quality meat, the right temperature, and a little seasoning magic, you can rival any steakhouse from the comfort of your backyard.
Serve it up with your favorite sides, enjoy with a bold wine or tropical cocktail, and don’t forget to check out our other grill-worthy recipes like BBQ Chicken Marinade or Grilled Pineapple Skewers.
Ready to fire it up?