Ribeye steak is a beloved cut among steak lovers due to its incredible marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. Cut from the rib section of the cow, ribeye is known for being juicy and full of beefy goodness. Whether it’s grilled, pan-seared, or cooked on a cast-iron skillet, ribeye never disappoints. In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of ribeye, price ranges, and provide a recipe that highlights the best flavors of this steak.
Why Choose Ribeye Steak?
Ribeye steak is prized for several reasons:
- Excellent marbling: Ribeye is well-marbled, meaning it has streaks of fat running through it that render during cooking, enhancing the flavor and keeping the steak moist.
- Tender texture: This cut is naturally tender due to its location on the cow, which gets less exercise.
- Bold, beefy flavor: Ribeye offers a deep, robust taste that steak enthusiasts adore.
Types of Ribeye Steak and Price Ranges
Ribeye steaks come in various forms and price points depending on the type of beef, whether it’s bone-in or boneless, and the quality of the meat. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of ribeye steaks and what you can expect to pay:
1. Prime Ribeye
- Description: Prime ribeye is the highest quality ribeye, graded by the USDA for its superior marbling and tenderness.
- Price Range: $25–$50 per pound
- Best Use: Perfect for grilling or searing, prime ribeye delivers an exceptional dining experience with minimal seasoning.
2. Bone-In Ribeye
- Description: Bone-in ribeye, also known as a “cowboy steak” or “tomahawk,” includes the rib bone, which adds extra flavor during cooking.
- Price Range: $20–$45 per pound
- Best Use: Ideal for grilling, the bone in a ribeye helps retain moisture, making it a great choice for outdoor barbecues.
3. Grass-Fed Ribeye
- Description: Grass-fed ribeye comes from cattle that have been pasture-raised on a natural diet, resulting in leaner meat with a slightly earthier flavor.
- Price Range: $20–$40 per pound
- Best Use: Grass-fed ribeye benefits from marinades or herb-infused rubs to enhance its natural flavor, and it’s perfect for those seeking a leaner, healthier option.
4. Bison Ribeye
- Description: Bison ribeye is leaner than beef ribeye but still offers a rich, bold flavor. It’s a great option for those looking to try a slightly different take on the traditional ribeye.
- Price Range: $30–$60 per pound
- Best Use: Best served medium-rare, bison ribeye pairs beautifully with earthy side dishes like roasted root vegetables or grilled mushrooms.
5. Ribeye Steak Price
- Description: The price of ribeye varies based on the quality, bone-in or boneless option, and the type of beef. Prime and Wagyu ribeyes are on the higher end, while standard cuts tend to be more affordable.
- Price Range: $20–$60 per pound
- Best Use: Ribeye steak is versatile and works well in any preparation style, whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or broiling.
Recipe: Grilled Bone-In Ribeye with Herb Butter and Grilled Asparagus
Grilling a bone-in ribeye is a fantastic way to bring out the natural flavors of the meat. Paired with herb butter and charred asparagus, this dish creates a perfect balance of rich and fresh flavors.
Ingredients:
- 1 bone-in ribeye steak (about 1.5–2 inches thick)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Herb Butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the Grilled Asparagus:
- 1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1 lemon
Cooking Instructions:
- Prepare the Ribeye:
- Rub the bone-in ribeye with olive oil and season generously with salt and black pepper. Let the steak rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Make the Herb Butter:
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with garlic, rosemary, thyme, parsley, and lemon zest. Set aside.
- Grill the Steak:
- Preheat your grill to high heat (about 450°F). Place the ribeye on the grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer a more well-done steak. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 130°F for medium-rare.
- Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5–7 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute.
- Grill the Asparagus:
- Toss the asparagus in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally until the asparagus is tender and slightly charred. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice.
- Serve:
- Place the grilled ribeye on a plate and top with a generous dollop of herb butter. Serve alongside the grilled asparagus for a balanced, flavorful meal.
Other Recipe Suggestions
Grass-Fed Ribeye
- Suggested Dish: Pan-Seared Grass-Fed Ribeye with Garlic Rosemary Rub
- Ingredients: Grass-fed ribeye, garlic, rosemary, olive oil
- Vegetable Pairing: Roasted Brussels sprouts and mashed sweet potatoes
- Marination: Rub the grass-fed ribeye with garlic, rosemary, and olive oil for an hour before searing for a deeply flavorful, lean meal.
Prime Ribeye
- Suggested Dish: Grilled Prime Ribeye with Red Wine Reduction
- Ingredients: Prime ribeye, red wine, shallots, butter
- Vegetable Pairing: Grilled mushrooms and sautéed spinach
- Marination: Prime ribeye shines with just salt and pepper, but the red wine reduction elevates the experience with a rich, savory sauce.
Bison Ribeye
- Suggested Dish: Grilled Bison Ribeye with Blue Cheese Butter
- Ingredients: Bison ribeye, blue cheese, butter, garlic
- Vegetable Pairing: Roasted potatoes and grilled green beans
- Marination: Season the bison ribeye with salt and pepper, and finish with blue cheese butter for a luxurious yet lean dining experience.
For more Bison, click here.
Where to Buy Ribeye Steaks
Ribeye steaks are widely available, but for the highest quality cuts, you’ll want to look at specialty suppliers. Here are some options:
- Snake River Farms: Known for their American Wagyu, offering premium ribeye steaks with luxurious marbling.
- ButcherBox: Provides grass-fed and pasture-raised ribeye steaks delivered straight to your door.
- Crowd Cow: Offers high-quality bison, grass-fed, and prime ribeye steaks with full traceability.
Summary
Ribeye steak is the ultimate choice for those who love rich, flavorful cuts of beef. With options ranging from prime to grass-fed and even bison, there’s a ribeye to suit every palate and occasion. Prices vary from $20 to $60 per pound depending on the type of ribeye, with Wagyu and premium cuts sitting at the higher end.
The versatility of ribeye makes it perfect for grilling, pan-searing, or broiling, and pairing it with complementary side dishes like roasted vegetables and herb butters can enhance its already bold flavors. Whether you’re indulging in a bone-in ribeye or savoring a grass-fed ribeye, this cut promises an unforgettable steak experience.