How To Grill Ribeye: Expert Tips for Juicy Perfection

Few grilling experiences compare to cooking a ribeye steak, and learning how to grill ribeye the right way makes all the difference. And there's a method to get it right.

In this guide, we'll cover everything from why ribeye stands out on the grill to selecting top-quality steaks, prepping them properly, setting up your grill for success, and hitting the perfect level of doneness.

We'll also share expert tips on resting, slicing, and serving ribeye like a pro, plus some common mistakes to avoid along the way. After years of grilling, testing, and tweaking, we've pulled together everything needed to make your next ribeye unforgettable.

What this article covers:

Why Ribeye is the King of the Grill
How to Grill a Ribeye Steak
Expert Tips for the Perfect Ribeye Steak

Why Ribeye is the King of the Grill

Ribeye steak is renowned for its abundant marbling, which translates to exceptional flavor and tenderness when grilled.

Unlike leaner cuts like sirloin, ribeye offers a juicy, melt-in-your-mouth experience that's hard to beat. The intramuscular fat not only enhances taste but also helps keep the steak moist during cooking.

When choosing between bone-in and boneless ribeye, consider your preferences. Bone-in ribeye, often referred to as a "cowboy steak," tends to have a richer flavor due to the bone's presence, which can also help retain moisture. Boneless ribeye, on the other hand, offers a more uniform shape, making it easier to cook evenly.

How to Grill a Ribeye Steak

Step 1: Select the Perfect Cut

Look for USDA Prime or Choice grades, which indicate superior marbling and tenderness. A thickness of 1 to 1.5 inches is ideal for grilling, allowing for a beautifully seared exterior and a juicy interior.

Freshness is key. Choose steaks with a bright, cherry-red color and avoid any with brown spots or an off smell.

Step 2: Prepare Your Ribeye for the Grill

Bringing your ribeye to room temperature before cooking ensures even doneness. Season the steak generously with your chosen BBQ rub.

If you prefer, you can also use a simple marinade to enhance flavor, but with a quality ribeye, minimal seasoning often suffices. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to promote a better sear and crust formation.

Step 3: Set Up Your Grill

Preheat your grill to a high temperature, around 450°F to 500°F, to achieve a perfect sear. Creating two heat zones, one direct and one indirect, allows you to sear the steak over high heat and then move it to a cooler area to finish cooking to your desired doneness.

Clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Both gas and charcoal grills work well, but gas grills offer more precise temperature control, which can be beneficial for beginners.

These same principles apply whether you're grilling ribeye or following a grill fish recipe for more delicate cuts.

Step 4: Grill Your Ribeye to Perfection

Place the ribeye on the grill over direct heat. Sear each side for 2 to 3 minutes to develop a flavorful crust.

Then, move the steak to the indirect heat zone and continue cooking until it reaches your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check its internal temperature to ensure accuracy.

Doneness	Internal Temp (°F)	Grill Time (per side)
Rare	120–125	2–3 minutes
Medium Rare	130–135	3–4 minutes
Medium	140–145	4–5 minutes
Medium Well	150–155	5–6 minutes
Well Done	160+	6–7 minutes

Remember, the steak's temperature will continue to rise slightly after removing it from the grill.

Step 5: Rest and Serve Your Steak

Once off the grill, let the ribeye rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist steak.

When ready to serve, slice against the grain to maximize tenderness. Pair your ribeye with classic sides like grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Ribeye Steak

We've learned a few things that make all the difference. These expert tips will help you avoid the common pitfalls and grill with confidence:

Don't Overcook It

Ribeye is packed with flavor and marbling, but if you leave it on the grill too long, that juicy perfection turns into a tough, dry disappointment. We've seen it happen more times than we'd like to admit.

Aim for your target temperature, pull it off the grill a few degrees early, and let the rest take care of itself. This holds true whether you're cooking ribeye or learning how to grill a pork tenderloin, where doneness is just as critical.

Use a Meat Thermometer

This might be the simplest upgrade to your BBQs. A reliable meat thermometer is a must-have. It takes the guessing out of doneness and gives you total control.

We recommend an instant-read digital thermometer for speed and accuracy. No more poking and prodding, just clean, confident grilling.

Let It Rest

As tempting as it is to dive right in, cutting your steak too early lets all those flavorful juices run out onto the cutting board instead of staying where they belong.

Rest the steak for at least five minutes. Ten is even better if it's a thicker cut. That short pause gives the juices time to redistribute, so every bite is tender and loaded with flavor.

Use the Right Tools

A good grill is just the start. The right tools and BBQ accessories make everything easier. Long-handled tongs let you flip and move your steak without burning your hands. A quality grill brush keeps your grates clean for better searing.

We've tried them all over the years, and using the right gear takes the stress out of grilling and lets you focus on the fun part: cooking (and eating) great steak.

Know Your Grill

Gas or charcoal, every grill behaves a little differently. Spend time getting to know yours.

Where are the hottest spots? How quickly does it preheat? Does it hold heat well or fluctuate a lot? Learning your grill's personality helps you control the cook more effectively, even if you're experimenting with something new, like how to grill tri tip.

Conclusion

Grilling ribeye is all about using the right cut, preparing it properly, managing heat on the grill, and knowing when to flip, rest, and slice. Following these simple techniques helps bring out the steak's natural flavor and tenderness. Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your approach, these tips make a noticeable difference.

For all the tools, gear, and essentials to support your grilling, check out DDR BBQ Supply. We've got you covered.

Visit Us at our Retail Store or Online BBQ Store

Our online BBQ store is open 24-7 but if you'd rather shop in person, visit our retail store in Northwest Arkansas. You can shop top-quality grills, smokers, the best BBQ rubs and sauces, accessories, and expert advice. Stock up on top-quality BBQ supplies to bring authentic smokehouse flavor to your backyard cookouts.

Natives to San Antonio, Texas we take Texas BBQ seriously and have a variety of items you won't find anywhere else.

Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to explore the best in BBQ gear, we’re here to help you cook with confidence. You’ll find top-quality grills, smokers, BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice you won't find online. Stop by and experience hands-on shopping the way it should be!

We're located at 14696 US Hwy 62, Garfield, AR 72732. We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Come pay us a visit!

Better Gear. Better BBQ.™

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Visit Us at our Retail Store or Online BBQ Store

Natives to San Antonio, Texas we take Texas BBQ seriously and have a variety of items you won't find anywhere else.

Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to explore the best in BBQ gear, we’re here to help you cook with confidence. You’ll find top-quality grills, offset smokers, water cookers, gravity fed smokers. BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice you won't find online. Stop by and experience hands-on shopping the way it should be!

We're located at 14696 US Hwy 62, Garfield, AR 72732. We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Come pay us a visit!

Better Gear. Better BBQ.™