Cooking a perfect ribeye steak on the barbecue requires knowing the right techniques and cook times. With the right prep and methods, you can achieve a juicy, flavorful steak with a lovely crust. Here is a detailed guide on how long to BBQ a ribeye steak.
Introduction
Ribeye steak, also known as Scotch fillet or entrecôte, is a premium beef cut taken from the rib section. It is tender, finely marbled with fat, and packed with beefy flavor. When cooked right, the ribeye delivers a soft, juicy interior with crispy, browned exterior crust.
Grilling ribeye steaks over direct high heat is one of the best ways to prepare this cut. The hot fire sears the outside while keeping the inside moist and pink. However, nailing the timing can be tricky. Undercooking leaves the texture tough while overcooking dries out the meat.
So how long should you grill ribeye for perfect doneness? Here is a detailed guide with timing charts, tips, and techniques for grilling ribeyes.
How Long to Grill Ribeye Steak
The cook times for ribeye steak on the barbecue depends on the thickness of the cut and desired doneness.
Here is a guide on approximate grilling times for ribeye steaks of various thicknesses:
For Rare Doneness
- 1 inch thick ribeye steak – 4 minutes direct high heat
- 1 1/2 inch thick ribeye steak – 6 minutes direct high heat
- 2 inches thick ribeye steak – 8 to 10 minutes direct high heat
For Medium Rare Doneness
- 1 inch thick ribeye steak – 6 minutes direct high heat
- 1 1/2 inch thick ribeye steak – 8 to 10 minutes direct high heat
- 2 inches thick ribeye steak – 12 to 14 minutes direct high heat
For Medium Doneness
- 1 inch thick ribeye steak – 8 minutes direct high heat
- 1 1/2 inch thick ribeye steak – 10 to 12 minutes direct high heat
- 2 inches thick ribeye steak – 14 to 16 minutes direct high heat
As a general rule of thumb, grill ribeye steaks over direct high heat for around 3-4 minutes per side for rare, 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, and 5-6 minutes per side for medium doneness.
The times may vary slightly based on the steak’s marbling, grill temperature, and your desired degree of doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.
Tips for Grilling Ribeye Steak
Follow these tips for perfectly grilled ribeye steaks:
1. Pick Thick Ribeyes
Choose ribeye steaks at least 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. Thinner cuts will dry out quickly over direct heat. Thickness allows searing the exterior while keeping the inside moist.
2. Pat Steaks Dry
Blot steaks with paper towels before grilling. Excess moisture on the surface can inhibit browning and cause steaming. Ensure the meat is dry for proper searing.
3. Use Kosher Salt
Generously season both sides with coarse kosher salt before grilling. The large grains stick nicely and form a flavorful crust.
4. Preheat the Grill Well
Allow the grill to heat up for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Hot grates sear the steaks properly. Shoot for temperatures between 500°F to 550°F.
5. Don’t Move the Steaks
Let the steaks sit undisturbed when placing them over direct heat. Moving them too early prevents crust formation. Let them sear untouched for at least 2 minutes before flipping.
6. Baste with Butter
Brush melted butter on the steaks repeatedly as they grill. The milk proteins in butter help create a lovely browned crust.
7. Allow Resting Time
After grilling, let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
8. Shoot for 5°F Below Target Temperature
Pull the steaks off the grill when they are 5°F less than your desired doneness temperature. The heat will continue to cook the steak as it rests.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these pitfalls when grilling ribeyes:
- Putting cold meat directly over the fire – Let thicker steaks come up to room temperature before grilling for more even cooking.
- Using lean cuts – Well-marbled ribeyes have better flavor and moisture when grilled over direct heat.
- Moving the steaks too early – Resist the urge to move them for at least 2 minutes for proper searing.
- Pressing down on the meat – Pressing squeezes out the juices and causes the steak to stick. Use tongs for flipping.
- Under-salting – Be generous with coarse kosher salt to form a nice crust. Salt just before grilling.
- Overcooking – Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking. Judge doneness by temperature, not color.
- Cutting into the steak immediately – Always allow for adequate resting time before slicing to prevent juice loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thickness for ribeye steak?
For grilling ribeyes, choose steaks between 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. This provides enough meat to develop a flavorful, browned crust while keeping the interior moist and tender. Thinner steaks will cook too fast over direct heat.
Should you marinate ribeye for the grill?
Simple dry rubs work best for grilling ribeyes. Marinades can hamper browning by creating a barrier between the meat and grill grates. Stick with just salt and pepper or spice rubs.
How do you keep ribeyes moist on the grill?
Pat the steaks dry before grilling, allow them to come up to room temp, generously salt the exterior, and baste with melted butter as they cook. Pull them off just shy of your target temp. Resting after grilling also helps retain moisture.
What temperature do you grill ribeyes to?
Pull ribeyes off the grill when they are 5°F less than your desired doneness temperature: 125°F for rare, 130-135°F for medium rare, and 145°F for medium. The temperature will continue rising as the steak rests.
Can you grill ribeye on a gas grill?
Yes, ribeyes can be grilled wonderfully on a gas grill. Preheating adequately and using direct high heat on the burners will allow you to achieve similar results as grilling over charcoal or wood.
Conclusion
Grilling ribeye steak over high direct heat is one of the best ways to prepare this premium cut. Allow 1-2 minutes per side for rare, 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, and 3-4 minutes per side for medium doneness. Let the steaks come to room temp, pat dry, generously salt, and baste with butter. Resist the urge to move the steaks for the first 2 minutes. Always rest the steaks before slicing. Follow these tips for indulgently tender and juicy grilled ribeyes.