Rib Eye Steak {PERFECTLY GRILLED}

Rib Eye Steak on the grill is the pinnacle of outdoor cooking.  Follow our tips and tricks to get a PERFECTLY grilled ribeye every time!

Rib eye steak seasoned with salt and pepper and tossed on the grill is one of my absolute favorite meals.  Make your grilled rib eye with a side of yum yum sauce and some buttery roasted carrots – then finish it all off with an easy icebox cake!

Rib Eye Steak

Rib Eye Steak Ingredients

• Rib eye steak – We used a beautiful USDA Prime boneless rib eye steak.  A ribeye should ideally be about 1.5 inches thick.
• Olive oil – I love a strong and fragrant olive oil when cooking steaks – it imparts a wonderful light flavor when grilled.
• Salt – A good course salt, heavier than table salt, is what you want for seasoning rib eye. I like to use my grinder.
• Pepper – Freshly ground black pepper is ideal.  Don’t be stingy, this tastes wonderful on your steak.

If you prefer a marinated steak, try our flank steak marinade recipe, it’s delicious on any cut of beef!

How Do You Grill a Rib Eye Steak

⭐ First, lay the rib eye steak out on a baking sheet or tray and brush all sides lightly with olive oil.

⭐ Next, liberally season all sides with salt and pepper.

⭐ Then, allow to rest for several minutes.

⭐ Finally, grill over high heat until center reaches desired temperature.

Are Rib Eye Steaks Good

Rib eye steaks are good because rib-eye steak has great marbling (veins of fat running through it), which provides tons of flavor and enough fat to keep the meat tender while cooking.

Is Boneless or Bone in Ribeye Better?

Conventional wisdom says bone in meat is generally better – however, I find that there are pros and cons to each. While a bone in steak will often be juicier and arguably slightly more flavorful, a de-boned piece of meat will be easier to cook evenly.

I know it is contrary to what most experts recommend, but for this reason I usually purchase boneless rib eye steak.

What is the Difference Between Prime Rib and Ribeye Steak?

If you’re wondering are prime rib and ribeye the same thing, the answer is no. Both prime rib and rib eye are cut from the rib of a cow.

The difference is that prime rib is typically a big cut of beef that contains a large bone, while a rib eye is a smaller steak that is boneless or only has a small piece of bone. A proper prime rib is cut from the best part of the rib, the “prime” part.

What is the Best Way to Cook Ribeye Steak on the Grill?

Season rib-eye steaks olive oil and a generous helping of salt and pepper all sides. Place seasoned steaks on a hot grill, and cook for 4 to 6 minutes on each side for medium-rare.

We recommend turning the steaks about once every two minutes for the juiciest result. Remove the steaks to a cutting board and allow to rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting.

If you are new to grilling, a meat thermometer is the best way to know when to remove your rib eye steaks from the grill.  Medium rare is between 130°F to 135°F.

How Long Do You Cook Ribeye Steak?

Here is our quick guide for how long you cook a rib eye steak on a grill. These times will vary depending on the temperature of your grill and the thickness of your steak. We always recommend using the highest quality meat (USDA Prime Beef) and a meat thermometer for best results.

Rare Steak (cool red center)

Place the ribeye on the grill and cook the meat for about two minutes on one side, then two minutes on the other side. Flip the meat over cook an additional 1 – 2 minutes on each side. for a total of about 6 – 8 minutes.

A rare steak will have a cool red center and measure about 125F on the meat thermometer.

Medium-rare Steak (warm red center)

Place the ribeye on the grill and cook the meat for about two minutes on one side, then two minutes on the other side. Flip the meat over cook an additional 2 – 3 minutes on each side. for a total of about 12 minutes.

A medium-rare steak will have a warm red center and measure about 135F on the meat thermometer.

Medium Steak (warm pink center)

Place the ribeye on the grill and cook the meat for about two minutes on one side, then two minutes on the other side. Flip the meat over cook an additional 2 minutes on each side, repeat once. for a total of about 16 minutes.

A medium cooked steak will have a warm pink center and measure about 145F on the meat thermometer.

Medium-well Steak (slightly pink center)

Place the ribeye on the grill and cook the meat for about two minutes on one side, then two minutes on the other side. Flip the meat over cook an additional 2 minutes on each side, repeat twice. for a total of about 18 – 20 minutes.

A medium-well steak will have a slightly pink center and measure about 150F on the meat thermometer.

Well Done Steak (little to no pink)

Place the ribeye on the grill and cook the meat for about two minutes on one side, then two minutes on the other side. Flip the meat over cook an additional 2 minutes on each side, repeat three or four times. for a total of about 22 – 24 minutes.

A well done steak will have a little to no pink and will measure about 160F on the meat thermometer.

How Do You Tenderize a Ribeye Steak

A rib eye steak is naturally very tender (especially if you choose USDA Prime Beef), but to tenderize a ribeye steak even more, you’ll want to salt it before grilling and allow the salt to break down the fibers of the meat.

You can massage the salt into the steak if you like for maximum results.

Should a Rib Eye Steak be Cooked Rare

It is recommended that for maximum flavor and juiciness, the rib eye steak should be cooked to medium doneness (145F) or less.  I personally believe rib eye is best when cooked to medium-rare (135F).

That said, you should cook the steak to your preferred doneness. The whole point is to enjoy your meal!

How Do I Cook a Thick Rib Eye Steak

A thick rib eye steak (2 inches or more in thickness) can be a little bit trickier, as we do not want to overcook the outside, but we do want to make sure the inside of the steak reaches our preferred temperature and doneness.

To cook a thick ribeye, you’ll want to grill it on both sides (flipping about every two minutes), until the exterior has about finished cooking.  Then, turn one side of the grill off, and move the steak to that side.

Close the grill and continue cooking the steak away from the direct heat until the center of the steak reaches your preferred temperature.

The Perfect Finish

What Temperature Do You Cook Rib Eye Steak on a Gas Grill?

The best temperature to cook rib eye steak on a gas grill is about 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This is hot enough to give you a good sear without charring or over cooking the steak.

Does Rib Eye Steak Need to Rest

Rib eye steak should rest at least five minutes and up to fifteen minutes before slicing.

When you rest the meat it will lose less juice when you cut it and the end result will be juicier and tastier.  Steaks should stand for 5 minutes before serving, but not not less than 3 minutes.

Grilled Rib Eye Steak Tips

🧂 Make sure to salt and pepper your meat at least ten minutes (and up to 30 minutes before grilling.  This will allow the salt to tenderize the ribeye steaks.

😴 Always allow the steaks to rest several minutes before cutting them.

🔪 Slice your steaks thinly against the grain for optimum tenderness and mouth feel.

Before Cooking

How Long Can Uncooked Rib Eye Steak Sit Out

Uncooked rib eye steak should never sit out more than two hours, though ideally it should be less. Food that sits out more than two hours is considered in the “danger zone” and can harbor dangerous bacteria.

How Long Does Uncooked Rib Eye Steak Last in the Refrigerator

Uncooked rib eye steak that has been purchased before its sell-by date may be stored up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Make sure it is unopened and remains in its pickling juices.

Can You Freeze Rib Eye Steak Before Cooking

You can freeze rib eye steak before cooking. Make sure the steak is in a sealed airtight container, and it will last up to 6 months in an upright freezer or as long as a year in a chest freezer.

I love stocking up and storing steaks in the freezer when I find them at a great price!

Storage and Leftovers

How Do You Store Leftover Rib Eye Steak

Store leftover rib eye steak in a sealed air tight container in the refrigerator. For best results, pour some of the meat juices over it before storing.

How Long Does Leftover Rib Eye Steak Last in the Refrigerator

Leftover rib eye steak lasts in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored properly.

Can I Freeze Leftover Rib Eye Steak

You can freeze leftover rib eye steak for up to three months in an upright freezer or six months in a chest freezer. After that time, the quality and texture of the meat will begin to degrade.

What to Serve with Rib Eye Steak

• Blue Cheese Dressing
• Chimichurri Sauce
• Cold Tuna Noodle Salad
• Potato Wedges
• Pickled Green Tomatoes
• Easy Broccoli Cheese Soup
• Creamy potato salad

More Like Rib Eye Steak

• Steak Sandwich
• Broiled Flank Steak
• Steak Salad
• Easy smoked chicken legs
• Chimichurri Steak
• Corned Beef and Cabbage

Tools we love

• Grilling station – It is so convenient to have a grilling station, especially on that is on wheels!  I can prep the steaks away from the heat of the grill and then roll it next to the grill when I am ready.
• Tongs – Long sturdy tongs are key to grilling without burning your knuckles.
• Steak knives – What else would you cut a gorgeous steak with if not a steak knife!
• Outdoor chairs – I love having light foldable (but still comfortable!) outdoor chairs to set up next to the grill. Perfect for relaxing with a cool drink and enticing a friend to keep you company.
• Shade umbrella – There’s nothing worse that the hot sun beating down on you while you’re cooking over a flaming hot grill. Definitely invest in a shade umbrella to make the most of your grilling experience. We chose a 10′ market umbrella from Sam’s club with the auto tilt feature, and Sunbrella® fabric (so it will last in the hot Florida sun!). It even has a carry bag included!