Mastering The Perfect Ribeye Steak On A Grill Pan

how to grill a ribeye on a grill pan

Grilling a ribeye steak is a great way to prepare this cut of meat, but it can be intimidating. The good news is that it's not complicated and there are several ways to do it. You can use a charcoal grill, a gas grill, or a grill pan. Using a grill pan can help keep the high heat, spattering grease, and smoke out of your kitchen. You can also use a combination of both a grill and a grill pan.

How to grill a ribeye steak on a grill pan

Characteristics Values
Steak thickness 1 to 1 1/4 inch
Steak weight 10-12 oz
Steak type Ribeye
Grill type Gas or charcoal grill
Grill temperature 400° to 500° F
Grill preparation Clean and oil the grill grates
Steak preparation Thawed, seasoned, and brought to room temperature
Seasoning Salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon and pepper seasoning, rosemary, thyme, etc.
Cooking time 9-15 minutes total, depending on desired doneness
Cooking technique Sear both sides, then cook on medium heat until desired internal temperature is reached
Resting time 5-10 minutes
Serving suggestions Garlic mashed potatoes, salad, rice, pasta, or vegetables

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Use a cast iron pan on the grill

Using a cast-iron pan on the grill is a great way to cook a ribeye steak, and it offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows you to cook other foods alongside your steak, such as vegetables, without worrying about splattering oil inside your house. You can also use the cast iron pan to cook more delicate foods that might fall through the grates of a grill, such as seafood or baked goods like cornbread.

To use a cast iron pan on the grill, you'll need to preheat your grill to a high temperature, ideally around 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the cast iron pan on the grill and let it heat up for 45 minutes to an hour. You'll know it's ready when the oil in the pan becomes thin and "shimmering".

Once your pan is hot, you can add your steak. For a ribeye, it's recommended to sear the steak for 1-2 minutes on each side over high heat, and then move it to medium heat to finish cooking to your desired level of doneness. You can also sear the sides of the steak to render the fat.

When your steak is done, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into it. This will ensure that the juices redistribute and your steak stays tender and juicy.

Cast iron pans can also be used to season your steak. Simply rub the pan with oil and place it on the grill over high heat. This will give your steak a great sear and enhance its flavour.

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Prepare the grill and pan

To prepare the grill and pan, start by removing your ribeye steaks from the refrigerator. You'll want to let the steaks sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This will help the steaks cook more evenly. While the steaks are resting, clean your grill grates and prepare your grill pan. If you're using a cast iron pan, make sure it's well-seasoned to prevent sticking. You can also oil the grill grates to ensure your steaks don't stick.

Next, preheat your grill to a high heat of around 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is ideal for creating a nice sear on your steaks. If you're using a gas grill, preheat it on high. For charcoal grills, you'll want to use medium-high heat. Place your grill pan on the grill and allow it to heat up as well.

Before placing the steaks on the grill, make sure they are completely thawed. If they have been frozen, thaw them in the refrigerator for at least 24 hours beforehand. You can also trim any excess fat from the edges of the steaks to prevent flare-ups during grilling.

Now it's time to season your steaks. You can use a simple combination of salt and pepper, or try a steak seasoning blend. Some people recommend salting the steaks a few hours in advance or even 24 hours in advance to enhance the flavour and help the steaks develop a beautiful sear. Don't be afraid to be generous with the seasoning, as ribeye steaks can handle a good amount of salt.

Your grill and pan are now prepared and ready for cooking. Follow the subsequent steps for grilling your ribeye steaks to perfection.

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Season the steak

Seasoning is a crucial step in grilling ribeye steak in a grill pan. It not only enhances the flavour but also helps in creating a beautiful sear on the steak. Here is a detailed guide on seasoning your steak:

Firstly, it is important to bring your steak to room temperature. Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 to 40 minutes before cooking. This step is essential as it ensures even cooking and allows the steak to cook more accurately according to your desired level of doneness.

Now, it's time to apply the seasoning. You can use a variety of seasonings, but salt and pepper are the most common and essential components. You can use kosher salt or sea salt, depending on your preference. For a simple seasoning, mix salt and pepper in a small bowl. Add black pepper, to taste, and you can also include white pepper for an enhanced flavour profile. Mix these ingredients to create a rub for your steak.

Apply the seasoning generously to both sides of the steak. Using your hands, rub the mixture all over the steak. Make sure to coat the steak evenly, ensuring that every bite will be flavourful. You can also add other seasonings like garlic powder, rosemary, thyme, or any other aromatics you desire. Be creative and experiment with different combinations to find your perfect blend.

For an even more intense flavour, you can try dry brining your steak. Start by salting the steak generously, using about one teaspoon of kosher salt per side. Place the steak in the refrigerator, uncovered, for 4 to 24 hours. The salt will draw out moisture, and then it will be reabsorbed, taking the salt with it and seasoning the steak throughout. This technique will result in a beautifully seasoned steak with a perfect sear.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to trust your palate and adjust the amounts of salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your taste. Enjoy crafting your perfect ribeye steak!

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Sear the steak

To sear the steak, you will need to heat up your grill pan. If you are using a charcoal grill, place the steaks over the hottest part of the grill. If you are using a gas grill, preheat it on high. You can also use a heavy, oven-safe skillet on high heat until it is smoking hot.

Once your grill pan is hot, place the steaks on the grill. Sear both sides for 1-3 minutes. If you want criss-cross grill marks, rotate the steak halfway through. If your steak has a side of fat, use tongs to turn the steak onto its side and render the fat by searing it for 2-3 minutes as well.

After searing, you can add aromatics like rosemary, thyme, or smashed garlic cloves. You can also baste the steak with butter.

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Rest the steak

Resting your steak is one of the most important steps in the cooking process. It ensures your steak will be juicy and tender. The reason for this is that when steak is cooked, the cells in the meat's muscle fibres heat up and contract, forcing moisture—a mix of water, fats, and proteins called myoglobin—toward the centre of the steak. If you cut into the steak right after cooking, this moisture will spill out and pool on your plate or cutting board.

To rest your steak, first remove it from the heat source. Then, transfer the steak to a cutting board, warm plate, or serving platter. Tent the steak loosely with aluminium foil to help retain some of the heat. Let the steak rest for approximately as long as you cooked it, or about 5 minutes for every inch of thickness. Another guideline is to let it rest for 8 minutes per pound or 0.45 kg. The idea is to let the meat cool down to about 120°F–125°F, at which temperature the steak will retain its juices when cut into.

Once the steak has rested for the appropriate amount of time, remove the foil and slice the steak "across the grain". The grain of the steak refers to the muscle fibres within the meat. Slicing "across the grain" makes the muscle fibres shorter and therefore makes the meat more tender.

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Frequently asked questions

To grill a ribeye steak on a grill pan, you'll want to start by seasoning the steak and letting it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Then, heat your grill pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil and butter. Once the butter is beginning to brown, place the steak in the pan and sear both sides for 1-2 minutes. Move to medium heat and continue grilling for another few minutes until the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

The total grilling time will depend on the thickness of your steak and your desired level of doneness. For a rare steak, grill for 9-12 minutes for a 1-inch steak and 12-15 minutes for a 1½-inch steak. For a well-done steak, grill for at least 15 minutes.

Preheat your grill pan to a temperature between 400°F and 500°F.

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