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Salt-and-Pepper Rib Eye

3.9

(13)

Image may contain Steak Food Ribs and Pork
photo by Francesco Tonelli

A bone-in rib eye requires nothing more than salt, pepper, and a hot grill. (Though to make it even more sublime, serve with scallions that have been tossed in olive oil and salt and given a quick char.) These steps can be applied to most cuts; you'll need to cook a thicker steak for more time and a thin one for less, but the principles are the same: Build a two-zone fire so you can sear it over hot embers, then finish cooking over medium-low to keep it juicy. Master this technique, and you've mastered grilling.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

1 1 1/2"-2" bone-in rib eye (about 2 pounds)
2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Coarse sea salt

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Put steak on a wire rack set on a rimmed baking sheet. Pat dry with paper towels. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt per side. Chill uncovered for up to 3 hours. Remove steak from refrigerator 1 hour before grilling and let come to room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels. Season again with 1/2 teaspoon salt; press in 1/2 teaspoon pepper per side so pieces adhere.

    Step 2

    Build a two-zone fire in a charcoal grill for direct (medium-high coals) and indirect (medium-low coals) heat. Alternatively, heat a gas grill to high just before cooking, leaving one burner on low. Sear steak over direct heat, flipping once, until nicely charred, 3-4 minutes per side. (If a flare-up occurs, use tongs to gently slide the steak to a cooler part of the grill.) Move steak to indirect heat and continue grilling, flipping once, 3-4 minutes per side. Using tongs, lift steak and sear both edges (the bone side and the fat-cap side) for 1-2 minutes per side to render out some of the fat. Grill steak to desired temperature, 14-18 minutes total or until an instant-read thermometer registers 120°F for rare (steak will carry over to 125°F, or medium-rare, as it rests).

    Step 3

    Transfer steak to a carving board; let rest for 10 minutes. Slice across the grain, season with coarse sea salt, and serve.

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