How to BBQ a Ribeye Steak: The Ultimate Guide

There’s nothing quite like the taste of a perfectly grilled ribeye steak—crisp on the outside with a juicy, tender interior. Learning how to BBQ a ribeye steak to perfection is an art that combines the right techniques, timing, and flavors. Whether you’re new to grilling or looking to improve your skills, this guide will teach you how to BBQ a ribeye steak that is juicy, tender, and full of flavor.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• How to BBQ a ribeye steak with the best techniques
• The secrets to seasoning and preparing your steak
• Step-by-step instructions for achieving the perfect sear
• Tips for enhancing flavor with compound butter and smoke
• The best sides and beverages to serve with your ribeye steak

By the end of this guide, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge you need to impress your guests at your next BBQ, whether you prefer a simple salt-and-pepper rub or want to experiment with marinades and compound butters. Let’s get started on mastering how to BBQ a ribeye steak!

What is a Ribeye Steak?

The Anatomy of a Ribeye

When preparing to BBQ a ribeye steak, it’s essential to understand what makes this cut of meat so special. Ribeye steak, known for its marbling and rich flavor, is one of the best cuts to grill.

There are two main types of ribeye steaks, both of which are perfect when learning how to BBQ a ribeye steak:

• Bone-In Ribeye: Also known as the Cowboy Steak, the bone-in version tends to have a bit more flavor because the bone helps retain moisture during cooking.
• Boneless Ribeye: Easier to cook evenly, the boneless ribeye is a bit more convenient but still delivers that signature juicy taste that makes it ideal for BBQing.

Why Ribeye is Perfect for BBQ

Ribeye is ideal for BBQ because of its high-fat content, which renders during cooking, keeping the meat moist and flavorful. The marbling not only enhances the taste but also helps prevent the steak from drying out, even when cooked over high heat. This makes it a prime choice when deciding how to BBQ a ribeye steak to perfection.

Key Benefits of Grilling Ribeye:

• Flavor: The fat in ribeye caramelizes on the grill, creating a delicious crust, a key aspect when learning how to BBQ a ribeye steak.
• Tenderness: Properly cooked ribeye is melt-in-your-mouth tender.
• Versatility: Ribeye can be cooked to a range of doneness levels, from rare to well-done, while still retaining its juiciness, making it versatile for BBQ.

Understanding what makes a ribeye steak unique helps in appreciating why it’s such a popular choice for BBQ. The marbling, which is the fat dispersed within the muscle, is essential for both flavor and tenderness. When the fat melts during cooking, it bastes the meat from the inside, keeping it juicy and adding depth to the flavor—a key consideration when figuring out how to BBQ a ribeye steak properly.

How to Choose the Best Ribeye for BBQ

Selecting the Right Cut

Choosing the right ribeye steak is the foundation of successfully mastering how to BBQ a ribeye steak. When selecting a ribeye for BBQ, consider the following:

• Grade: Look for USDA Prime or Choice grades. These have the highest amount of marbling, which is key to flavor and tenderness.
• Thickness: Aim for a steak that is at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker steaks are easier to cook evenly and allow for a nice sear without overcooking the interior, which is crucial in the process of BBQing a ribeye steak.
• Marbling: The more marbling, the better. These intramuscular fat streaks are what give ribeye its incredible flavor.

Fresh vs. Dry-Aged Ribeye

When deciding how to BBQ a ribeye steak, the choice between fresh and dry-aged can make a difference in flavor and texture.

Fresh Ribeye: Fresh ribeye steaks are readily available and provide a clean, beefy flavor. They are a great option for those who prefer a straightforward, classic steak taste.

Dry-Aged Ribeye: Dry-aging involves storing the beef in a controlled environment for several weeks. This process intensifies the flavor and tenderizes the meat, giving it a unique, nutty taste. While dry-aged ribeye can be more expensive, it’s a fantastic choice for special occasions.

Comparison Table: Fresh vs. Dry-Aged Ribeye

Seasoning Your Ribeye Steak

Simple Salt and Pepper

Seasoning is a critical part of learning how to BBQ a ribeye steak. The classic way to season a ribeye steak is with just kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. This method lets the natural flavor of the beef shine through, with the salt enhancing the meat’s flavor and the pepper adding a subtle kick.

Pro Tip: Season your steak liberally just before grilling. This ensures the salt doesn’t draw out too much moisture, which can dry out the steak—a common mistake when learning how to BBQ a ribeye steak.

Using a Dry Rub

For those who want to add a bit more flavor while mastering how to BBQ a ribeye steak, a dry rub is an excellent choice. A dry rub is a mixture of spices and herbs that you apply to the steak before grilling. It creates a flavorful crust on the steak as it cooks.

Basic Dry Rub Recipe:

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels.
3. Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the steak.
4. Let the steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.

Marinating Your Ribeye

Marinating ribeye is another way to infuse the meat with additional flavors, which is important to consider when exploring how to BBQ a ribeye steak. However, because ribeye is already rich in fat and flavor, you’ll want to use a marinade that complements rather than overpowers the meat.

Simple Ribeye Marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a zip-top bag.
2. Add the ribeye steak and seal the bag, squeezing out as much air as possible.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2-4 hours.
4. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry before grilling.

When to Add Salt: Before or After Grilling?

There’s a debate among chefs about when to salt steak—before or after grilling. This is a common question when people ask how to BBQ a ribeye steak. The answer depends on the desired outcome:

• Before Grilling: Salting the steak at least 40 minutes before grilling allows the salt to penetrate the meat, enhancing flavor and helping to create a crust. However, salting too close to grilling (within 10 minutes) can draw out moisture, which can make the steak less juicy.
• After Grilling: Adding salt after grilling ensures that it stays on the surface, providing a burst of flavor with each bite. This method works well if you prefer a more pronounced salt flavor on the crust.

Recommendation: For most home cooks, salting before grilling is the best approach. Just be sure to give the steak enough time (at least 40 minutes) to absorb the salt, ensuring success in your quest to master how to BBQ a ribeye steak.

Preparing the BBQ for Ribeye

Charcoal vs. Gas Grill

Choosing between a charcoal and gas grill is an important step when deciding how to BBQ a ribeye steak. Both can produce excellent results, but they each have their own strengths:

Charcoal Grill:

• Pros: Imparts a smoky flavor, can reach higher temperatures, ideal for searing.
• Cons: Requires more time to set up and control the temperature, more cleanup.

Gas Grill:

• Pros: Easier to control temperature, faster setup, and cleanup.
• Cons: Less smoky flavor, can struggle to reach very high temperatures.

Setting Up Your Grill

The setup process is crucial in mastering how to BBQ a ribeye steak. Here’s how to set up both types of grills for optimal results:

Steps for Setting Up a Charcoal Grill:

1. Light the Charcoal: Use a chimney starter for even heating. Let the coals ash over, which takes about 20-30 minutes.
2. Create a Two-Zone Fire: Pile the coals on one side of the grill to create a hot zone for searing and a cooler zone for finishing the steak.
3. Oil the Grates: Once the grill is hot, clean the grates with a grill brush and oil them using a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil.

Steps for Setting Up a Gas Grill:

1. Preheat the Grill: Turn on the burners to high and preheat the grill for at least 15 minutes.
2. Create a Two-Zone Cooking Area: If your grill has multiple burners, turn one side to high for searing and the other to medium-low for finishing the steak.
3. Oil the Grates: Clean the grates and oil them as you would with a charcoal grill.

Indirect vs. Direct Heat

Understanding when to use direct versus indirect heat is key to BBQing a ribeye steak perfectly.

• Direct Heat: Used for searing the steak. This high-heat method is applied at the start of grilling to create a crust.
• Indirect Heat: Used for finishing the steak after searing. It allows the steak to cook through without burning the exterior.

Pro Tip: For a 1-inch thick ribeye, sear over direct heat for 2-3 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat for an additional 5-7 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. This method is a cornerstone in learning how to BBQ a ribeye steak.

Step-by-Step Guide to BBQing a Ribeye Steak

Bringing the Steak to Room Temperature

Before you start grilling, it’s important to bring the ribeye to room temperature, a key step in BBQing a ribeye steak. This step ensures that the steak cooks evenly.

Instructions:

1. Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before grilling.
2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
3. Season the steak as desired.

Why This Matters: If you place a cold steak directly on the grill, the exterior may cook too quickly, leaving the interior undercooked. Allowing the steak to come to room temperature helps prevent this, ensuring success in your efforts to master how to BBQ a ribeye steak.

Searing the Ribeye

Searing is the process of cooking the steak over high heat to create a flavorful crust. This step is crucial for achieving that signature steakhouse taste and is an essential part of learning how to BBQ a ribeye steak.

Steps for Searing:

1. Place the steak on the hottest part of the grill (direct heat).
2. Sear for 2-3 minutes without moving the steak. This allows a crust to form.
3. Flip the steak and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.

Pro Tip: Resist the urge to move the steak while searing. Letting it sit undisturbed ensures the best crust, which is key when learning how to BBQ a ribeye steak.

Flipping the Steak

Knowing when and how to flip the steak is key to even cooking, a crucial skill when mastering how to BBQ a ribeye steak.

Guidelines for Flipping:

• Flip the steak only once during cooking.
• Use tongs instead of a fork to flip the steak. Piercing the meat with a fork can cause juices to escape.

Pro Tip: To achieve crosshatch grill marks, rotate the steak 90 degrees halfway through searing on each side. This technique is a hallmark of professional chefs and an advanced tip in how to BBQ a ribeye steak.

Checking for Doneness

To ensure your steak is cooked to perfection, use an instant-read meat thermometer. This tool is indispensable for anyone learning how to BBQ a ribeye steak.

Internal Temperatures for Doneness:

Pro Tip: Remember that the steak’s temperature will rise by about 5°F as it rests, so it’s best to remove it from the grill a little early. This is a critical detail in mastering how to BBQ a ribeye steak.

Resting the Steak

After grilling, it’s essential to let the steak rest before slicing, a step that is often overlooked by those new to BBQing a ribeye steak.

Why Resting is Important:

• Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy steak.
• Skipping this step can cause the juices to spill out when you cut into the steak, resulting in a dry texture.

Instructions:

1. Remove the steak from the grill and place it on a cutting board.
2. Tent the steak with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
3. Slice and serve.

Enhancing the Flavor

Adding Flavor with Compound Butter

Compound butter is a simple way to elevate your ribeye steak, adding richness and flavor. This is a popular method among those who know how to BBQ a ribeye steak to perfection.

Herb Compound Butter Recipe:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with the herbs and garlic.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Place the butter mixture on a piece of plastic wrap and roll it into a log.
4. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to harden.
5. Slice and place a pat of butter on the hot steak just before serving.

When to Add Butter to the Ribeye

For the best results, add the compound butter during the final minute of grilling or immediately after removing the steak from the grill. This allows the butter to melt over the steak, enhancing its flavor without overpowering the natural taste of the meat, an advanced tip in how to BBQ a ribeye steak.

Adding a Smoky Flavor

If you’re using a gas grill, you can still achieve a smoky flavor by using wood chips—a technique often overlooked by those learning how to BBQ a ribeye steak.

How to Use Wood Chips:

1. Soak the Wood Chips: Soak a handful of wood chips (e.g., hickory, mesquite) in water for at least 30 minutes.
2. Prepare a Foil Packet: Drain the wood chips and wrap them in aluminum foil, poking holes in the top to allow smoke to escape.
3. Place on the Grill: Place the foil packet directly on the grill grates or over the burner on a gas grill.
4. Start Grilling: Once the wood chips begin to smoke, place the steak on the grill as usual.

Pro Tip: Use different types of wood chips to experiment with flavors. Hickory adds a strong, smoky flavor, while applewood gives a sweeter, milder smoke. Understanding how to incorporate these flavors is an advanced aspect of learning how to BBQ a ribeye steak.

Serving Your BBQ Ribeye Steak

Slicing and Serving

Slicing the steak correctly is just as important as cooking it and is a crucial part of mastering how to BBQ a ribeye steak.

How to Slice Ribeye:

1. Identify the Grain: Look at the steak and find the direction of the muscle fibers (the grain).
2. Slice Against the Grain: Using a sharp knife, cut the steak against the grain in thin slices. This shortens the muscle fibers and makes the steak more tender.

Pro Tip: Serve the slices on a warm platter to keep the steak at the perfect temperature, a finishing touch in BBQing a ribeye steak.

Plating Suggestions

Presentation matters, especially when serving a premium steak like ribeye. Mastering how to BBQ a ribeye steak includes knowing how to serve it beautifully.

Plating Ideas:

• Place the sliced steak in the center of the plate with a pat of compound butter melting on top.
• Surround the steak with grilled vegetables, such as asparagus or bell peppers, for a pop of color.
• Add a sprinkle of finishing salt or fresh herbs for an elegant touch.

Side Dishes that Complement Ribeye

The right side dishes can elevate your steak dinner to a whole new level. Choosing the perfect sides is part of the experience of learning how to BBQ a ribeye steak.

Classic Pairings:

• Baked Potatoes: Fluffy on the inside, crispy on the outside—perfect with a dollop of sour cream.
• Grilled Asparagus: Adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the rich ribeye.
• Mac & Cheese: Creamy and comforting, a great balance to the steak’s robust flavor.

Fresh and Light Options:

• Arugula Salad with Parmesan: Peppery arugula with shaved Parmesan and a lemon vinaigrette.
• Dill Cucumber Salad: Refreshing cucumbers with a tangy dill dressing.
• **Grilled Corn