So, you have chosen a delicious looking ribeye steak from your local supermarket, or butcher, and want to know the best way to cook it. I'm glad you stopped by! This post will detail how to prepare and cook a Ribeye Steak.
There are three basic steps in cooking the perfect ribeye steak. Each of the steps is important, and independent of the cooking medium. In other words you can use this method to grill, broil, or cook a ribeye steak any way that you want to.
Step 1: Extreme Heat
In order to get a good sear on the steak an exceptionally high heat is necessary. It is not possible to get your grill or pan "too hot". A mere 300 - 400 degree oven or pan is not going to cut it. If you are grilling prepare a three or four level fire. The intense heat is necessary to create a depth of flavor characteristic of good steak. It is important to watch the ribeye as it cooks, and make sure that it doesn't cross the line between sear and burnt.
When grilling a ribeye steak I make sure that my grill is over 600 degrees before I attempt to lay the steak on the cooking grate. Once the steak is on the heat let it cook without touching it for 90 seconds to 2 minutes, then check and make sure that the sear is dark brown. When the first side is done, flip it and let it cook for the same amount of time on the second side. Finish the steak over indirect heat.
Step 2: Make Sure The Steak Is Completely Dry
I threw some brazilian garlic steak on the grill this past weekend with a new marinade that I was testing. I was sorely disappointed because I couldn't get the steak to sear, even with a screaming hot grill. After some testing I found that there was too much moisture in my basting mixture, which was steaming the steak, rather than letting it sear properly.
Before you place your ribeye steak on the grill make sure that it is bone dry. Take a couple of paper towels and blot it until the surface moisture is completely gone. After you have dried it with paper towels touch the surface of the ribeye and make sure that it is dry; it should feel dry and a little sticky. If is feels slimy and/or wet, then go back to the paper towels and try again.
Step 3: Don't Over or Under Cook Your Steak
This really seems like a no brainer, but it is the single largest problem that most of us have when grilling or broiling steak. If you want to get the right internal temperature, and you don't have a lot of experience cooking steak, always use a meat thermometer. That is the only surefire way to ensure that the steak is cooked to your liking. Over time you will develop other methods, such as the touch or sight methods, but if you are just starting and want to get it right, then use a meat thermometer.
Following the above steps will help ensure that your ribeye steak dinner is delicious every time.