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How To Cook Ribeye Steak Perfectly, 3 Ways

Published: October 23, 2023 by Jenna Jury | Leave a comment

Many people find it hard to beat a succulent and mouthwatering steak sizzling on the grill for dinner. Ribeye steak, in particular, contains plenty of marbling, iron, and protein. It can also be a good source of essential nutrients like zinc. Though eating red meat may be controversial for some, many people enjoy a juicy steak occasionally. Chances are, you can even learn to cook ribeye steak perfectly in your kitchen.

What is Ribeye Steak?

Ribeye steak is a cut of meat that comes from the front of the cow's backbone, under the rib area. People love to eat steak for the added benefit of no carbohydrates. It also has around 23.8 grams of protein in one serving.

While steak or red meat consumption is an ongoing debate, many look towards the added benefit of controlling weight, protein, iron, selenium, and vitamin B.

There are many ways to cook ribeye steak, including frying, grilling, roasting in the oven, and even the air fryer!

A picture of a display in a steak restaurant, showing the different types of beef steak. — Steak comes from various places on the cow. The sections that the meat is cut from contribute to many factors, including flavor, marbling, and tenderness.
©John And Penny/Shutterstock.com

Levels of Doneness

Regarding the level of doneness of steak, everyone has their specific preference. Some people will only eat a steak if it is well-done with no pink left over. In contrast, others claim cooking an otherwise delicious steak to be well-done ruins the meat. While it is important to note that the USDA states that 145 degrees Fahrenheit is the temperature guide to eating a steak safely. Nevertheless, sometimes people will opt to eat a steak with an internal temperature lower than 145 degrees Fahrenheit for the juicy and tender meat.

There are numerous levels of doneness:

Rare: The first level of doneness is rare. The inside remains red and is not warm. A rare steak has an internal temperature of 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

Medium-rare: A medium rare steak takes less time to cook, simply searing the outside, and has an internal temperature of 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit.

Medium: 135 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit is the internal temperature of a medium steak.

Medium-well: A medium-well steak has an internal temperature of 145 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit.

Well-done: A steak is considered well done when it reaches the internal temperature of 155-165 degrees Fahrenheit.

One's personal preference determines the level of doneness of a steak. A rare steak still has red, while a well-done steak has no hint of pink inside. Additionally, the longer a steak cooks, the tougher the meat.

Delicious sliced beef tenderloins with different degrees of doneness on grey background, top view. Banner design — The level of doneness of our steaks is determined by our own preferences. Some prefer their steak to be well-done, with no hint of pink. Others love biting into a juicy and tender steak that is medium-rare to medium.
©New Africa/Shutterstock.com

How to Cook Ribeye Steak Perfectly

There are plenty of ways to cook a ribeye steak to perfection. These cooking methods include using an oven, the stovetop, and, of course, the ever-popular grill.

How to Cook Ribeye Steak in the Oven

Cooking a ribeye steak in the oven can help you deliver a juicy and mouthwatering dish for your family or a date night. While it may take a little longer than a grill, cooking a perfect steak in the oven is still possible.

To cook a ribeye steak in the oven, follow the instructions below:

First, remove the steak from the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature.
Pat steaks completely dry with a paper towel.
Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
A thicker cut of steak, like ribeye, will need more time in the oven than thinner cuts.
Prepare the steak by rubbing it with olive oil and seasoning with your favorite seasoning.
Sear the ribeye steak on the stovetop in a hot pan until both sides are caramelized. This will be for two to four minutes on each side.
Place the ribeye steak in the oven and cook for ten minutes on each side for thicker steaks. Check the steak with a meat thermometer. If you desire a higher degree of doneness, put the steaks back in the oven until achieved. A medium-well steak needs to reach 145 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
Remove from the oven and allow to rest for five to ten minutes.
Enjoy while hot!

How to Cook Ribeye Steak on the Stovetop

Pan-searing a ribeye steak will produce delicious and juicy meat that can be hard to beat.

Follow the instructions below to cook a ribeye steak on the stovetop:

Note: It can be beneficial to turn the exhaust fan on during this process.

Remove the steaks from the refrigerator and allow them to reach room temperature.
Pat dry with a paper towel.
Rub olive oil over the steaks and season with preferred seasonings.
Heat a cast iron skillet or a heavy bottom, stainless steel pan over medium heat. You will want it to be very hot.
After the pan is hot, add the olive oil and heat until hot.
Place the steak in the pan. Do this slowly and release the steaks away from you to keep the oil from popping on you.
Allow the steaks to cook for three to four minutes without touching.
Turn the steaks to the other side when they release from the pan easily.
Cook on the other side for three to four minutes. Continue to cook until the level of doneness preferred has been reached.
Add butter to the pan for a few minutes before taking the steaks off the heat for added flavor.
Remove from the heat and allow to rest for five to ten minutes.
Enjoy while hot!

Sliced medium rare grilled Steak Ribeye with french fries on serving board block on wooden background — Ribeye steak has beautiful marbling that contributes to the juiciness and tenderness of the steak.
©Natalia Lisovskaya/Shutterstock.com

How to Cook Ribeye Steak on the Grill

The grill is one of the most popular methods of cooking steak. It is easier to control the level of doneness and produces a juicy, mouthwatering steak most of the time.

To cook a ribeye steak on the grill, follow the method below:

Remove from the refrigerator and allow the steaks to sit out for around 30 minutes to reach room temperature.
Pat the steaks completely dry with a paper towel.
Heat the grill while you prepare the steaks with olive oil and seasoning.
For a charcoal or gas grill, the steaks will need to be put on the hottest spot on the grill. During this time, sear for two minutes on each side.
Then, reduce the heat of the coals or grill to medium and cook until the level of doneness has been reached.
Steaks around one inch will cook for around 10 minutes for medium rare. A thicker steak will cook longer. Use a meat thermometer to gauge when your steak has reached the doneness you prefer.
Remove from the heat and allow the steaks to rest for five to ten minutes.
Enjoy the steaks while hot!

One Last Note

Although the benefits of eating red meat are often up for debate, there are advantages to enjoying a juicy steak. Learning how to cook a good ribeye steak is relatively straightforward. Secondly, steak is full of protein, contains no carbs, and has essential nutrients like zinc and iron. If you do not have access to a grill, there are still delicious cooking methods to try. Prepare for your next date night at home by cooking the perfect ribeye with these cooking methods!