Grilling Ribeye Steak to Medium Rare: A Complete Guide
Grilling a ribeye steak to a perfect medium rare is an art that many home cooks strive to master. Achieving that juicy, pink center with a flavorful crust on the outside requires attention to detail and precision in timing. Let’s delve into the process of grilling ribeye steak to medium rare and explore the nuances that influence the cooking time.
Factors Influencing Grilling Time for Medium Rare Ribeye Steaks
1. Thickness: Thicker steaks will require more time on the grill to reach medium rare compared to thinner cuts. As a general rule of thumb, for a 1-inch thick ribeye steak, about 6-7 minutes per side should result in medium rare doneness.
2. Steak Temperature: Bringing the steak to room temperature before grilling helps it cook more evenly and reduces the overall cooking time. Letting the steak sit outside the fridge for about 30-45 minutes is advisable.
3. Grill Temperature: Preheating your grill is crucial. For medium rare ribeye steaks, aim for a grill temperature of around 450-500°F. Use a thermometer to ensure accuracy.
4. Seared or Indirect Heat: Some chefs prefer starting ribeye steaks on high heat to sear the outside before moving them to indirect heat to finish cooking. This method can affect the total grilling time.
Recommended Grilling Time for Medium Rare Ribeye Steaks
To grill a 1-inch thick ribeye steak to medium rare:
- Preheat the grill to 450-500°F.
- Season the steak with salt and pepper just before grilling.
- Grill each side for 6-7 minutes for medium rare (totaling 12-14 minutes).
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature – it should read around 130-135°F for medium rare.
- Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Related Questions:
Q: How can I tell if a ribeye steak is cooked to medium rare without a meat thermometer?
A: While a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to gauge doneness, you can use the hand test method. Press the base of your thumb and touch the pad below your thumb to mimic the feel of a rare, medium rare, medium, and well-done steak. For medium rare, the steak should have a slight give with some resistance.
Q: Does the resting period after grilling affect the steak’s doneness?
A: Yes, resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, ensuring a juicy finish. During this time, carryover cooking continues, so always remove the steak from the grill a bit before it reaches the desired doneness to account for this.
Q: Are there alternative methods to grilling for cooking a ribeye steak to medium rare?
A: Yes, you can pan-sear, broil, or sous vide ribeye steaks to achieve medium rare. Each method requires different timings and techniques but can result in delicious medium rare steak if done correctly.
Outbound Resource Links:
1. Certified Angus Beef – Grilled Ribeye Steak Recipe
2. Bon Appétit – Perfect Pan-Seared Steak Recipe
3. Traeger Grills – BBQ Ribeye Steak Recipe
This blog post covers everything you need to know about grilling ribeye steak to medium rare, topped with informational sections and helpful tips to ensure your steak turns out perfectly every time. Take your grilling skills to the next level and enjoy a fantastic ribeye steak cooked just the way you like it!