best way to grill ribeye steak on gas grill

3 min read 19-12-2024

best way to grill ribeye steak on gas grill

Meta Description: Achieve perfectly juicy and flavorful ribeye steaks every time! This comprehensive guide covers everything from selecting the right cut to mastering grilling techniques on your gas grill. Learn about temperature control, searing, resting, and more for restaurant-quality results at home. Discover the secrets to grilling the best ribeye steak on a gas grill and impress your friends and family with delicious meals.

Choosing Your Ribeye

Before you even fire up your grill, the journey to a perfect ribeye starts with selecting the right steak. Look for a ribeye with good marbling—that's the intramuscular fat that makes it so flavorful and juicy. A thick cut (at least 1.5 inches) is ideal for even cooking and a great sear.

What to Look For:

Marbling: Abundant, evenly distributed white streaks of fat throughout the meat.
Thickness: Aim for at least 1.5 inches for optimal results. Thicker cuts cook more evenly.
Color: Deep red, with a firm texture. Avoid steaks that are pale or discolored.

Preparing Your Grill and Steak

With your steak selected, it's time to prep your gas grill and the steak itself. Proper preparation ensures a delicious final product.

Getting Your Grill Ready:

Clean the Grates: Use a grill brush to remove any debris or leftover food from previous grilling sessions. Clean grates prevent sticking and impart unwanted flavors.
Preheat the Grill: Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). A hot grill is essential for a good sear. You want the grates nice and hot.
High Heat Zone: If your grill has different heat zones, create a high-heat zone for searing and a lower-heat zone for finishing. This allows for temperature control.

Preparing the Steak:

Pat it Dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the ribeye dry. This helps create a better sear. Excess moisture inhibits browning.
Season Generously: Season the steak generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can add other seasonings, but salt and pepper are the foundation. Season at least 30 minutes before grilling, or even better, several hours in advance. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat.
Let it Rest: Allow the steak to come to room temperature (about 30-60 minutes) before grilling. This promotes even cooking. Room temperature meat cooks more evenly than cold meat.

Grilling the Ribeye:

Now for the main event! Follow these steps for perfectly grilled ribeye steaks.

The Searing Process:

Sear the Steak: Place the ribeye on the preheated grates over high heat. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until a nice crust forms. This step is critical for flavor and texture. Don't move the steak around; let it develop a good sear.
Lower the Heat: Once seared, move the steak to the lower-heat zone of your grill. This prevents overcooking the inside while achieving a nice exterior.

Cooking to Your Desired Doneness:

Use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked to your liking. Here's a general guideline:

Rare: 125-130°F
Medium-Rare: 130-135°F
Medium: 135-140°F
Medium-Well: 140-145°F
Well-Done: 145°F and above

Note: Internal temperature will continue to rise slightly after you remove the steak from the grill. Remove it from the heat a few degrees before reaching your target temperature.

Finishing Touches:

Baste (Optional): For extra flavor, baste the steak with butter, garlic, and herbs during the last few minutes of cooking.
Rest the Steak: Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Serving Your Masterpiece

After resting, slice the ribeye steak against the grain and serve immediately. Enjoy your perfectly grilled ribeye!

Serving Suggestions:

Serve with roasted vegetables.
Pair with a flavorful red wine.
Add a simple side salad.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you and your grill. With a little practice, you’ll be grilling restaurant-quality ribeyes in no time!