Ribeye is a classic choice for chefs and steak lovers alike. Its deep marbling and indulgent mouth-feel make it a truly premium experience. Knowing how to cook ribeye steak is easier than most people think. Once you master a few fundamentals, it becomes ridiculously easy to whip up a restaurant-level steak dinner. Whether you prefer working on the stove, on the coals or the barbecue, ribeye has the ability to handle any cooking method, and we show you how.
What is a Ribeye Steak?
As the name suggests, ribeye comes from the ribs of the cow, and can either be bought bone-in or boneless. It’s woven with heavy intramuscular fat, melting as it cooks and creating a buttery, juicy interior. It’s versatile enough for most cooking methods, performing well when pan-seared or grilled.
Why is a Ribeye Steak So Special?
Ribeye’s specialty is its luxurious marbling. The fat runs throughout the entire steak, instead of just the exterior like lower-quality cuts. This gives not only a deep, beefy flavour, but also a lifeline, as even if the steak is slightly overcooked, the marbling creates a moist texture nonetheless. So, how do you cook the perfect ribeye steak? All it takes is some purposeful prep and a few tips and tricks.
Preparing Your Ribeye: The Foundation for Perfection
How to Properly Temper and Season Your Steak
How to prepare ribeye steak starts before it hits the grill:
- Remove the steak from the fridge at least 30 minutes before cooking
- Pat the entire steak with paper towels until it’s as dry as possible
- Begin preheating your pan or grill on high heat
- Just before cooking, season both sides generously with salt and pepper if desired
The Art of the Perfect Sear
- Ensure your cooking surface is ripping hot
- Add a drizzle of a high-smoke-point oil
- Carefully lay the steak away from you to avoid splashback
- Flip every 30 seconds for an even crust and doneness
- Track the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, and remove 4-5ºC below the target temp.
Mastering the Cook: How to Cook Ribeye Steak to Perfection
Grilling Your Ribeye: Achieving Smoky Perfection
Follow these steps to learn how to cook a ribeye steak on the grill
- Set up your grill with a high-heat and low-heat zone
- Sear the steak on the high-heat zone for 2-3 minutes on each side
- Once a crust has developed, slide to the low-heat zone to cook through
- Monitor with a meat thermometer and remove 4-5ºC below your preferred doneness.
Pan-Searing and Oven Finishing: The Classic Combination
- Preheat your oven-safe pan and your oven to 200ºC
- Add your oil, and sear the steak hard for 2-3 minutes. Develop the crust fully, as it won’t brown any further
- Transfer the pan to the oven and cook for 5-8 minutes, checking the internal temperature halfway through
- Pull a few degrees below your target temperature
Reverse Searing: For Ultimate Control and Tenderness
- Preheat oven to 120ºC
- Place the steak in the oven over a wire rack
- Bake until a few degrees below your target temperature, usually anywhere from 18-30 minutes, depending on the steak’s thickness
- Meanwhile, preheat a pan
- Quickly sear each side until a nice crust has developed
Rest, Slice, and Serve: Maximising Flavour and Juiciness
The Crucial Resting Period
Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and the fibres to relax. This ensures the steak stays succulent and the juices don’t spill out when slicing.
Slicing Against the Grain for Tenderness
Slicing against the grain means cutting perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibres, resulting in a tender, smooth mouthfeel. Sometimes ribeye’s grain can be more subtle, but it should be visible. To make it easier, identify the grain direction before cooking.
Elevate Your Ribeye: Sauces and Pairings
Complementary Sauces and Accompaniments
Serve with hearty sides: oven-baked wedges, buttery mashed potatoes, or some simple seasonal vegetables. A sauce can also level up a ribeye, so a classic mushroom sauce, béarnaise or simple garlic compound butter can turn a homemade meal into a steakhouse delicacy.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
Ribeye’s rich marbling and bold flavour pair fantastically with any dry red; grenache, barolo, or a simple shiraz. If red isn’t your thing, a well-structured white like a Chardonnay, or even a hoppy beer, works well too.
Where to Find the Best Ribeye Steak Restaurants
Hunter & Barrel reigns supreme in the UAE. With a venue in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi, we take ribeye to a whole new echelon, delivering an experience like nothing you’ve ever seen. With stunning architecture and a friendly atmosphere, Hunter & Barrel is a must-visit if you’re in the area.
Try The Best Premium Ribeye Steak now!
Craving a delicious ribeye without all the effort? Grab a table at Hunter & Barrel today, and let us display how we cook ribeye steak, the primal way: charcoal fire, smoke, and love. Book your spot today!
