Smoked Ribeye Steak + Reverse Seared (9 Simple Steps)

Love a good steak? Want to cook it like a pro?

The wonderful thing about using a pellet grill for cooking is that it does all the work for you. 

Once you’ve mastered the art it’s a pretty foolproof process.

Read on for the tips and techniques for the perfectly juicy ribeye steak

What Is A Ribeye?

Ribeye comes from the rib roast.

It’s a boneless cut that is full of nice marbled fats, giving it a rich melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Ribeye is known as one of the tastiest and juiciest cuts of meat due to the high marbling.

Price-wise, it’s very cost-effective compared to cuts like fillet steak.

Choosing the Steak 

Look for a nice thick cut, with plenty of fresh white fat marbling.

The thicker the cut, the better the smokey beef flavor you’ll get into it. 

Anything thinner than an inch will dry out too quickly on the grill.

A thicker cut also gives you the option to reverse sear while maintaining a moist steak.

Cooking On A Pellet Grill

As long as you keep an eye on the internal temps, it is not a complicated process.  

A bit of practice guarantees a flavorful and juicy steak.

In no time, you’ll be a master of cooking the perfect steak on a wood pellet grill.

Using a Traeger to Smoke Your Rib-eye?

If you’re using a Traeger to smoke your ribeye there is a full guide to doing it here.

How Long To Smoke a Ribeye On The Grill?

To smoke a ribeye, you’re looking at a cook time of around 45-60 minutes

The length of cooking time depends on several variables.

The actual temperature of the grill, the cut and thickness of the meat, and indirect or direct heat cooking all have an impact on the cook times.

It’s best to use a meat thermometer probe to watch internal temperatures.

Cook to the ideal temperature rather than going on a specific time.

If you want to reverse sear, remove the steaks just short of the desired internal temp.

Increase the heat and return the steaks to the grill for a few minutes.

Preparing The Steaks

Preparation can be as simple or as complicated as you’d like to make it.

For a simple recipe, season the entire steak with kosher salt and black pepper.

Or use your favorite steak rub. Then slap it straight on the grill.

Or you can marinate the steaks for between an hour to 24 hours before grilling.

Marinating gives you a flavor boost while also tenderizing the meat.

One tip though; bring the steaks to room temperature before seasoning and grilling.

It will give you a more even cook-through and reach the right internal temps.

Wood Pellet Recommendation for Ribeye Steak

See the recommendations for ribeye and wood flavor pairing below.

For a strong bolder flavor to enhance the natural flavor of the beef, use hickory, oak, or mesquite wood.

If you prefer a sweet subtle taste choose pecan, maple, apple, or cherry wood pellets.

What You Need for Smoked Ribeye Steaks

• Ribeye Steaks (2-inch steak)
• Seasoning of your choice
• Cooking Oil

Method for Perfect Ribeye Steaks

See the 6 super easy steps for smoked rib-eye steak below.

Step 1 – What Temperature The Grill Should Be Smoked Ribeye

Preheat the grill to 130°F. If you’re using a Pit Boss turn on the smoke setting.

Ensure your hopper is full of wood pellets. Spray the grill grates with cooking oil.

Make sure the cooking surface is free from debris.

Step 2 – Season the Steaks

Let the steaks come to room temperature (about 30 minutes).

Pat steak dry with a paper towel. Season steaks with an even cover of the steak rub.

Step 3 – How Long to Smoke The Ribeye Steaks?

Once the grill has reached cooking temperature, place it on the grill grates.

Leave for about 60-90 minutes, checking the internal temperature.

Step 4 – How to Know Your Ribeye Steaks Are Done?

Check the internal temps with an internal meat probe.

The temp you are looking for depends on how you like your steak.  

As a general guide:

• Rare is 125°F 
• Medium Rare is 130°F
• Medium is 140°F
• Well Done is 160°F.

Step 5 – How to Reverse Sear Ribeye Steaks

To reverse sear, remove the steaks when they are 5°F from the desired temperature.

Increase the grill temp to the highest available.

Return to the hot grill grates for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until you have the beautiful grill marks.

Step 6 – How Long to Let Rib Eye Rest For?

Cover in foil and let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes.

Some practice and a few snippets of wisdom are all it takes to go from barbecue beginner to seasoned pitmaster!

How do you like your steak cooked?

Smoke On!

Charlie

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