Grilling a ribeye steak on charcoal can be daunting for some, especially for those unfamiliar with grilling meat. However, it can be a relatively easy and enjoyable experience with the right tools and techniques. In this guide, I will explain how to grill a delicious ribeye steak on a charcoal grill, from start to finish.
First, it’s important to choose the right cut of meat. For a juicy, flavorful ribeye, look for a well-marbled steak with thick fat around the edges. Next, preheat your charcoal grill to medium-high heat, and make sure the grates are clean and oiled. Finally, season your ribeye generously with salt and pepper, or use your favorite dry rub.
Once the grill is hot, place your ribeye directly over the coals and sear for 2-3 minutes per side to achieve those beautiful grill marks. After searing, move the steak to a cooler part of the grill and continue cooking until it reaches your desired temperature. A meat thermometer can come in handy here – for a rare steak, aim for an internal temperature of 120-125°F, medium-rare 130-135°F, medium 140-145°F, and well-done 160°F or above. Let the ribeye rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Ribeye For Grilling
Grilling ribeye on charcoal is one of the most delicious ways to prepare this juicy cut of meat. However, choosing the right ribeye steak for grilling can make all the difference. Here are a few tips to help you select the perfect ribeye steak for your next grilling session.
Look For A Good Marbling
Marbling refers to the white streaks of fat found within the muscle fibers of a ribeye steak. This fat is crucial in adding flavor and juiciness to your steak. A good marbling pattern is evenly distributed throughout the meat, so look for a ribeye with visible veins of fat throughout.
Consider The Thickness
The thickness of your ribeye steak is also important for grilling. Thicker cuts take longer than thinner ones, so you must adjust your cooking time accordingly. Generally, choose a ribeye steak at least 1 inch thick for grilling. This thickness allows for a good sear on the outside while maintaining tender and juicy meat inside.
Opt For Bone-In Steaks
While boneless ribeye steaks are delicious, bone-in cuts are more flavorful and easier to grill. This is because the bone helps conduct heat and distribute it evenly throughout the meat. It also adds an extra boost of flavor to your steak. So choose a bone-in ribeye steak for your next grilling session if you can.
Select The Right Grade
Ribeye steaks come in various grades, commonly USDA Prime, Choice, and Select. USDA Prime grade ribeye steaks are the highest quality and have the most marbling, making them ideal for grilling. However, they can also be quite expensive. If you’re on a budget, consider opting for a USDA Choice or Select grade ribeye steak instead.
Considering these factors, you can choose the perfect ribeye steak for grilling on charcoal. With the right cut of meat, all that’s left is to fire up the grill and follow the instructions on how to grill ribeye on charcoal for a mouthwatering, perfectly cooked steak that’s sure to impress your guests!
How To Grill Ribeye On Charcoal
Grilling a perfectly cooked ribeye steak on charcoal is about creating the right conditions – high heat, a properly seasoned grill, and prepping the charcoal for quick and even cooking. Here’s how I prep my grill and charcoal for a delicious ribeye:
1. Clean the grill grates: Properly cleaning the grill grates is essential for a well-cooked steak. A stiff wire brush removes debris or remnants from previous grilling sessions. Once the grill grates are cleaned, apply a thin layer of vegetable oil to prevent the steak from sticking and ensure even grill marks.
2. Heat the charcoal: For charcoal grilling, I prefer to use natural lump charcoal because it burns hotter and with less ash. Fill the chimney starter with suitable coal and ignite using lighter cubes. Wait for the coals to turn white and ash over, indicating they are hot enough to grill the steak.
3. Set up the grill for two-zone cooking: Create two zones in your grill, one for direct heat and the other for indirect heat. Pile the hot coals on one side of the grill and leave the other empty. This two-zone cooking method allows you to sear the meat over high heat and then move it to the cooler side to continue cooking slowly and evenly.
4. Adjust the grill grates: Adjust the grill grates to the desired height above the coals. I recommend setting the grates around 2 to 3 inches above the coals for ribeye, ensuring optimal heat transfer to the steak.
5. Season and grill the steak: Pat the steak dry with a paper towel and season it generously with salt and pepper or your favorite steak rub. Next, place the steak onto the hot grill grates over direct heat to sear the steak for a few minutes on each side. Then, move the steak to the cooler side of the grill for more gentle cooking until the desired internal temperature is reached.
Following these simple steps, you’ll have perfectly grilled ribeye steak on charcoal in no time. Remember to use high-quality ingredients, keep a close eye on the grill, and adjust cooking times based on your preferred doneness. Happy grilling!
It’s important to understand the cooking and finishing process to create the perfect grilled ribeye on charcoal. Here are a few steps to follow:
1. Preheat the grill to high heat – Make sure the grill is hot enough before grilling the ribeye. The ideal temperature for grilling ribeye on charcoal is 450°F to 500°F.
2. Season the ribeye – Season the ribeye with salt and pepper before grilling. You can also use other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
3. Grill the ribeye – Place the ribeye on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for a medium-rare steak. If you’re using a thicker cut, increase the cooking time accordingly.
4. Let it rest – After cooking, remove the ribeye from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to become even more tender.
5. Serve and enjoy – Slice the ribeye against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides.
Following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and perfectly grilled ribeye on charcoal. As an extra tip, try using a meat thermometer to ensure the ribeye is cooked to the desired level of doneness.