How to Grill a Steak
Learning how to grill steak doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right cut of meat, proper seasoning, and a few simple grilling techniques, you can make juicy, tender steaks that rival your favorite steakhouse.
Today I’m sharing exactly how we grill ribeye steaks, along with all the tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years for getting that perfect crust, juicy center, and incredible flavor every single time. Finish everything with a slice of homemade garlic butter and you’ll never want steak any other way.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Steak Recipe
- Easy step-by-step instructions
- Perfect for beginners
- Juicy, tender ribeye steaks
- Restaurant-quality results at home
- Simple ingredients
- Incredible garlic butter topping
- Great for summer grilling
- Perfect for special occasions
- Works on gas or charcoal grills
- Easy to customize doneness
- Foolproof steak grilling method
Ingredients You’ll Need
Great steak starts with great ingredients. The good news is that you only need a few simple ingredients to make an incredible grilled ribeye.
- Rib-Eye Steaks: Richly marbled and incredibly flavorful, ribeye is one of the best cuts of steak for grilling.
- Olive Oil: Helps the seasonings stick and encourages beautiful browning.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the beef.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle peppery bite.
Garlic Butter
- Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich, flavorful finishing butter.
- Steak Seasoning: Boosts the savory flavor of the butter.
- Garlic: Adds bold flavor that pairs perfectly with steak.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Enhances the flavors and gives a little heat.
How to Grill Steaks
Follow these simple steps for perfectly grilled ribeye steaks every time.
- Make the Garlic Butter: Mix the butter, garlic, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into a log using parchment paper and refrigerate until firm.
- Prepare the Steaks: Pat the steaks completely dry. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. For the best flavor, leave the steaks uncovered in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 450-500°F.
- Grill the Steaks: Place steaks directly over the heat and grill until desired doneness is reached, flipping once halfway through cooking. See section below for grilling times.
- Rest the Steaks: Transfer steaks to a plate and let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Finish with Garlic Butter: Top each steak with a slice of garlic butter and serve immediately.
Best Steak Cuts for Grilling
When it comes to steak, choosing the right cut makes all the difference in the results. We love a good ribeye, but if you can’t get your hands on that, here are some other good options:
- Ribeye
- New York Strip
- Filet Mignon
- T-Bone
- Porterhouse
- Top Sirloin
Tips for the Best Grilled Steak
- Use a meat thermometer.
- Use thick-cut steaks when possible.
- Start with room-temperature steak.
- Pat the steaks dry before seasoning.
- Season generously.
- Let the steak rest after grilling.
- Don’t flip constantly.
Steak Grilling Times
| Doneness | Internal Temp | Approximate Time |
|---|
| Rare | 125°F | 4-5 min per side |
| Medium Rare | 135°F | 5-6 min per side |
| Medium | 145°F | 6-7 min per side |
| Medium Well | 150°F | 7-8 min per side |
| Well Done | 160°F | 8-9 min per side |
** Times vary based on thickness and grill temperature. For the most accurate results, use an instant-read thermometer rather than relying solely on cooking times.
What to Serve with Grilled Steak
Every star needs a phenomenal supporting cast and these are our favorite side dishes:
Grilled Steak FAQs
How long should I grill a steak? It depends on thickness and desired doneness, but most 1¼-inch ribeyes take about 10-12 minutes total for medium rare.
Should I grill steaks with the lid open or closed? Keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain consistent heat.
How do I know when my steak is done? The most accurate method is using an instant-read thermometer.
Do I need to let steak rest? Yes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
What temperature should steak be grilled to? For medium rare, remove the steak around 130-135°F and allow carryover cooking while resting.
Storing and Reheating
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep any leftover garlic butter stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
The best way to reheat steak is gently to keep it from drying out. Place the steak in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or beef broth and cover with a lid until warmed through. You can also reheat it in a 250°F oven for 15-20 minutes or until heated through.
Wrap cooled steaks tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly grilled steak, especially when it’s topped with a generous slice of homemade garlic butter. With a few simple ingredients and the right grilling techniques, you can create a juicy, tender ribeye that rivals any steakhouse dinner. Fire up the grill and get ready for your best steak yet!
More Grilling Recipes to Try…
Watch How to Grill Steak in This Video Tutorial…
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Grilled Garlic Butter Steak
Learn how to grill steak perfectly every time with this easy ribeye steak recipe. Finished with homemade garlic butter, these juicy steaks are packed with flavor and rival any steakhouse dinner.
Course 100 + BEST Easy Beef Recipes for Dinner, Over 50 Easy Grilling Recipes
Cuisine American
Keyword beef, butter, garlic, grilled, main dish, steak
Prep Time 5 minutes minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes minutes
Total Time 27 minutes minutes
Servings 3
Calories 667kcal
Author Carrian Cheney
- 3 Rib-Eye Steaks 12 oz each, 1 ¼-inch-thick*
- 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
For the Garlic Butter
- ½ Cup Unsalted Butter at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Steak Seasoning
- 3 Cloves Garlic minced (especially wonderful if you use roasted garlic)
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Make the Garlic Butter
Combine butter, seasoning, garlic, salt, and pepper. Transfer the mixture to parchment paper; shape into a log.
½ Cup Unsalted Butter, 3 Cloves Garlic, ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt, ¼ teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper, 1 teaspoon Steak Seasoning
Roll in parchment to 1 ½ inches in diameter, twisting the ends to close. Refrigerate until ready to use, up to 1 week.
Prepare the Steaks
Pat the steaks completely dry. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. For the best flavor, leave the steaks uncovered in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight.
3 Rib-Eye Steaks, 4 Tablespoons Olive Oil, Kosher Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Heat the grill to medium-high heat, approximately 450-500°F.
Finish with Garlic Butter
Serving: 1steak | Calories: 667kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 65g | Saturated Fat: 29g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 34g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 506mg