how long to grill a ribeye on a gas grill

3 min read 19-01-2025

how long to grill a ribeye on a gas grill

Ribeye steaks are a popular choice for grilling, and for good reason. Their rich marbling and flavorful meat make them incredibly delicious. But achieving the perfect ribeye on a gas grill requires understanding how long to cook it to your desired doneness. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring juicy, perfectly cooked ribeyes every time.

Preparing Your Ribeye for Grilling

Before you even fire up the grill, proper preparation is key to a great steak.

1. Choosing Your Ribeye

Select a ribeye steak that's at least 1 inch thick. Thicker cuts will retain their juices better during grilling. Look for good marbling—the more intramuscular fat, the more flavorful and tender your steak will be.

2. Pat it Dry

Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the steak dry. Excess moisture can hinder browning.

3. Season Generously

Season your ribeye generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, but don't overdo it. Let the natural flavor of the ribeye shine through.

4. Let it Rest (Optional but Recommended)

Allowing the steak to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before grilling helps it cook more evenly.

Grilling Your Ribeye Steak

Now for the fun part! Here's how to grill your ribeye to perfection on a gas grill:

1. Preheat Your Grill

Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). A clean grill grates are essential for proper searing. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.

2. Sear the Ribeye

Place the ribeye steak directly on the hot grill grates. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side to develop a beautiful crust. This creates the Maillard reaction, enhancing the flavor and texture.

3. Reduce the Heat

After searing, reduce the heat to medium (around 350°F). This prevents burning while ensuring the inside cooks thoroughly.

4. Grill to Your Desired Doneness

This is where knowing your grill and your steak matters. Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results. Here's a guideline for grilling times, but remember, your grill may vary:

Rare: 125-130°F (approximately 4-5 minutes per side after searing)
Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (approximately 5-6 minutes per side after searing)
Medium: 135-140°F (approximately 6-7 minutes per side after searing)
Medium-Well: 140-145°F (approximately 7-8 minutes per side after searing)
Well-Done: 145°F and above (approximately 8-9 minutes per side after searing)

Important Note: Grilling times are estimates and depend on the thickness of the steak, the heat of your grill, and your preferred level of doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy!

5. Rest the Steak

Once cooked, remove the ribeye from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.

How to Tell if Your Ribeye is Done Without a Thermometer

While a thermometer is recommended for precision, here are some visual cues:

Rare: The center will be bright red.
Medium-Rare: The center will be mostly red with a small band of pink.
Medium: The center will be mostly pink with a small band of brown.
Medium-Well: The center will be mostly brown with a small amount of pink.
Well-Done: The center will be completely brown.

Troubleshooting Common Ribeye Grilling Problems

Steak is Burning: Reduce the heat on your grill.
Steak is Too Tough: Don't overcook it! Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.
Steak is Not Browning Properly: Ensure your grill is hot enough and the steak is patted dry before grilling.

Serving Your Perfectly Grilled Ribeye

Once rested, slice your ribeye steak against the grain. Serve immediately and enjoy the fruits of your labor! You've now mastered how to grill a ribeye steak on a gas grill! Pair your perfect ribeye with your favorite sides for a truly memorable meal. Consider some roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or creamy mashed potatoes to complement the rich flavor of the steak.