Few steaks compare to a ribeye. Filled with character, it’s impossible to resist when it hits the table. Thick-cut, deeply marbled, bone in or out, it’s the kind of food that can create a memory. Whether you’ve got a coal grill, a BBQ, or just a stove and a pan, we’ll show you how to master this incredible cut.
What is a Ribeye Steak?
As the name suggests, ribeye is cut from the upper ribs of the cow. It is prized for its impressive marbling, creating the intensely soft, buttery texture unique to ribeye. It usually comes one of two ways, boneless or bone-in. The bone-in version takes slightly longer to cook, but is rewarded with a supremely rich taste thanks to the bone’s flavour. Boneless, on the other hand, gives you speed and ease of cooking, ideal for those looking for quick boneless steak recipes without sacrificing quality.
Why is a Ribeye Steak So Special?
Ribeye has a softness that simply can’t be found in many other cuts. The fine marbling that weaves through the entirety of the steak makes it a true indulgence, slowly melting into the meat as it cooks. It doesn’t need any extensive preparation, elaborate marinades or fancy seasonings to turn it into something magical. The ribeye shines on its own.
What is the difference between Wagyu Ribeye and Traditional Ribeye?
Wagyu ribeye is a true luxury, marbled so heavily that the top range often contains more fat than lean muscle. That ratio creates a smooth, almost buttery texture. It’s intensely rich, and usually cooked rare and served in small portions. A traditional ribeye usually brings a more classic steak experience. The marbling is still heavy, but the texture is more structured. This makes it great for grilling over charcoal or an open flame. It can handle a bit more roughness, and best of all, won’t cost you a small fortune to cook up for dinner.
How to Cook a Ribeye Steak at Home
Preparation Tips
Look for a ribeye about 3.5-4 cm thick. The flesh should be a deep red, no grey or brown, and the marbling should be visible and a nice white colour. Whether you’re grilling or pan-searing, learning how to cook a ribeye is simple when you follow a few key steps, and it all starts with the preparation.
Let the steak come to room temperature from the fridge, and get it as dry as possible with paper towels for a better crust. As your heat source is preheating, season it generously with salt and pepper if you like.
Cooking Methods
Coal Grilling
- Set up a low-heat and high-heat zone with your coals
- Sear the steak over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side
- Move to the low-heat zone to finish gently
- Using a meat thermometer, pull it from the grill a few degrees below your preferred doneness
Pan-Frying
- Learning how to pan-fry a steak starts with heat.
- Preheat your pan for a minimum of 10-15 minutes, until it’s smoking hot
- Add your oil, and lay the steak away from you
Sear for 2-3 minutes per side - Turn down the heat to medium, add butter, garlic, and thyme and baste gently
- Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temp
Oven Finish
- Preheat your oven to 200ºC
- Similar to pan-frying, preheat the pan, add the steak and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until the crust is very well developed
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 5-8 minutes, checking the doneness every few minutes
- Remove when a few degrees below your target temperature
Resting and Serving
Steak needs to rest after it cooks. Just 5-10 minutes on a cutting board, allowing the juices to settle, the fibres to relax, and resulting in a more tender, moist steak. When slicing a bone-in ribeye steak, run the knife carefully along the bone, then slice perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibres.
Where to Find the Best Ribeye Steak Restaurants
At Hunter & Barrel, our expert chefs cook over coals, our favourite way to prepare steaks, resulting in a deep, smoky flavour. We use Australian beef, sourced from purveyors that care about their cattle. From Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth, our restaurants offer more than a meal—they offer a sensory experience.
Try The Best Premium Ribeye Steak now!
If you’re looking for a steak worth planning a night out for, Hunter & Barrel is the spot. Whether you prefer your ribeye boneless or bone-in, every steak is grilled with care, precision, and pride. Book your table today and explore our full menu.
