[GUIDE] How Long To Cook Ribeye In The Oven

Cooking a ribeye steak in the oven can be a great alternative to grilling, especially when the weather doesn’t cooperate or if you don’t have access to a grill. However, achieving the perfect level of doneness can be a bit tricky, as overcooking can result in a dry and tough steak. In this article, we will explore the best practices and methods for cooking ribeye in the oven, ensuring that you achieve a tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked steak every time.

Quick Answer: How Long To Cook Ribeye In The Oven

The cooking time for a ribeye steak in the oven will vary depending on your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak. As a general guideline, you can use the following cooking times at 400°F (200°C):

• Medium-rare: 8-10 minutes
• Medium: 10-12 minutes
• Medium-well: 12-15 minutes

However, it’s important to note that these times are approximate, and it’s essential to use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak for accuracy.

Key Takeaways

• Cooking times for ribeye in the oven can vary depending on desired doneness and steak thickness.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure accurate cooking.
• Resting the steak after cooking allows the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful result.
• Preheating the oven and using a broiler pan or baking dish is essential for even cooking.
• Season the ribeye with salt and pepper or your favorite seasonings before cooking.

The Science Of Cooking Ribeye

Before we delve into the cooking techniques, it’s helpful to understand the science behind cooking ribeye. Ribeye is a flavorful and tender cut of beef that comes from the rib section of the animal. It has a high fat content, which contributes to its rich flavor and tenderness.

When cooked, the fat in ribeye melts, bastes the meat, and keeps it moist and juicy. However, overcooking can cause the fat to render out of the meat, resulting in a dry and less flavorful steak. Therefore, it’s crucial to cook ribeye properly to optimize its taste and texture.

Choosing Ribeye

Choosing a high-quality ribeye is paramount to achieving the best results. Here are a few tips when selecting your steak:

1. Choose a marbled cut: Look for a ribeye with ample marbling, which refers to the intramuscular fat within the meat. Marbling helps keep the steak moist and adds flavor.

2. Select the right thickness: Ribeye steaks are available in various thicknesses. Thicker steaks will require longer cooking times, while thinner ones will cook faster.

3. Consider bone-in or boneless: Ribeye steaks can come with or without the bone. While bone-in steaks can add flavor, boneless steaks are easier to handle.

Preparing Ribeye

Proper preparation is crucial to ensure even cooking and enhance the flavor of your ribeye steak. Follow these steps to prepare your steak:

1. Bring the steak to room temperature: Take the ribeye out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows for more even cooking.

2. Season the ribeye: Before cooking, season the ribeye generously with salt and pepper or your preferred seasonings. This helps enhance the taste of the meat.

3. Optional: Dry brine the steak: Dry brining involves salting the ribeye and allowing it to sit in the fridge uncovered for a few hours or overnight. This step helps promote flavor absorption and enhances the steak’s juiciness. Pat the steak dry before cooking.

Ideal Cooking Temperature For Ribeye

To achieve the desired level of doneness, it’s essential to cook ribeye at the right temperature. The ideal internal temperature, as measured with an instant-read thermometer, is as follows:

• Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
• Medium: 145°F (63°C)
• Medium-well: 155°F (68°C)

Remember that the steak’s temperature will continue to rise a few degrees while it rests, so it’s best to remove it from the oven just a bit earlier than your target temperature.

Ribeye Cooking Time

The cooking time for ribeye steak in the oven will vary based on a few factors, including the thickness of the steak and desired level of doneness. To achieve an accurate cooking time, follow these steps:

1. Preheat the oven: Make sure to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) before cooking the steak. This ensures even cooking throughout.

2. Use a broiler pan or baking dish: Place a broiler pan or a baking dish in the preheated oven to heat it up. This helps promote even cooking and prevents the steak from sticking to the pan.

3. Cooking time guidelines: Use the following general guidelines to estimate cooking times based on thickness:

   • 1-inch thick ribeye: 8-10 minutes for medium-rare, 10-12 minutes for medium, 12-15 minutes for medium-well.
   • 1.5-inch thick ribeye: 12-15 minutes for medium-rare, 15-18 minutes for medium, 18-20 minutes for medium-well.

4. Use an instant-read thermometer: While the general guidelines provide a good starting point, it’s essential to check the internal temperature of the steak with an instant-read thermometer for accuracy. Insert the thermometer horizontally into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding contact with bone or fat.

5. Remove the steak from the oven: Once the ribeye reaches your desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven promptly to prevent overcooking.

Cooking Techniques

There are a few different cooking techniques you can use to cook ribeye in the oven. Here are three popular methods:

1. Basic oven roasting: This method involves placing the seasoned ribeye on a preheated broiler pan or baking dish and cooking it at 400°F (200°C) for the appropriate cooking times mentioned earlier. This technique is straightforward and yields delicious results.

2. Reverse sear: The reverse sear technique involves cooking the ribeye at a lower temperature first and then searing it on high heat to develop a flavorful crust. To do this, start by cooking the ribeye in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) until it reaches an internal temperature of about 10-15°F (6-8°C) below your target temperature. Then, transfer the steak to a hot skillet or grill to sear each side for 1-2 minutes. This method produces a steak with an evenly cooked interior and a perfectly seared exterior.

3. Broiling: Broiling is another option for cooking ribeye in the oven. To broil, preheat the broiler and position the oven rack about 6 inches (15 cm) from the heat source. Place the seasoned ribeye on a broiler pan and cook for the recommended cooking times, flipping halfway through. Broiling creates a delicious crust on the steak, similar to grilling.

Monitoring And Troubleshooting

Throughout the cooking process, it’s important to monitor the ribeye and troubleshoot any potential issues. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

• Check the internal temperature: Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the ribeye. This ensures that you achieve the desired level of doneness and avoid overcooking.

• Adjust cooking time for thicker steaks: Thicker ribeye steaks will require more time to cook. If you’re cooking a thicker steak, you may need to add a few additional minutes to the cooking time. Make sure to monitor the internal temperature and adjust cooking times accordingly.

• Rest the steak after cooking: Resting the ribeye for a few minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak. Tent the cooked steak with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

• Troubleshooting overcooked steak: If you accidentally overcook your ribeye, don’t panic. You can try adding a pat of butter on top of the steak while it rests to add moisture and richness. Additionally, serving the steak with a flavorful sauce or a side of jus can help compensate for any dryness.

Ribeye Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s walk through the step-by-step instructions for cooking ribeye in the oven:

Ingredients:

• Ribeye steak
• Salt and pepper (or preferred seasonings)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

2. Bring the steak to room temperature: Take the ribeye out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.

3. Season the ribeye: Season both sides of the ribeye generously with salt and pepper or your preferred seasonings.

4. Optional: Dry brine the steak: If desired, sprinkle salt on the steak and place it on a wire rack in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Pat the steak dry before cooking.

5. Preheat a broiler pan or baking dish: Place a broiler pan or a baking dish in the preheated oven for a few minutes to heat it up.

6. Cook the ribeye: Carefully remove the hot broiler pan or baking dish from the oven. Place the seasoned ribeye on the pan or dish and return it to the oven.

7. Monitor the internal temperature: Cook the ribeye for the recommended cooking times (as mentioned earlier), but rely on an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature for accuracy.

8. Remove the steak from the oven: Once the ribeye reaches your desired internal temperature, remove it from the oven promptly.

9. Let the steak rest: Tent the cooked ribeye with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Variations

While the basic oven roasting method works well for cooking ribeye in the oven, you can experiment with different flavors and techniques to add variety to your meals. Here are a few variations to consider:

1. Marinades: Consider marinating the ribeye before cooking to infuse it with additional flavors. Use a mixture of your favorite herbs, spices, and liquids (such as soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or citrus juice) and let the steak marinate in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

2. Compound butter: Create a compound butter by mixing softened butter with herbs, garlic, or other flavorful ingredients. Top the cooked ribeye with a slice of compound butter, allowing it to melt and add richness to the steak.

3. Herb crust: Create an herb crust for your ribeye by finely chopping fresh herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, or parsley) and pressing them onto the seasoned steak before cooking. This adds a delicious herbaceous flavor to the meat.

4. Smoking: If you have access to a smoker, consider smoking the ribeye for additional flavor. Follow your smoker’s instructions for cooking times and temperatures.

When Things Go Wrong

Even with careful planning, things can sometimes go awry in the kitchen. Here are a few common issues and how to address them:

• Overcooked steak: If you accidentally overcook your ribeye, try adding a pat of butter on top while it rests. The butter will melt and add moisture to the steak. Alternatively, consider slicing the steak thin and using it in a sandwich or stir-fry where the meat can be cooked further without becoming tough.

• Undercooked steak: If your ribeye is undercooked and needs additional time, return it to the oven and continue cooking at the same temperature. Check the internal temperature frequently until it reaches your desired doneness, being careful not to overcook it.

• Uneven cooking: If one side of your ribeye is cooking faster than the other, rotate the steak on the broiler pan or baking dish halfway through cooking. This helps ensure even cooking and prevents one side from becoming overly charred.

Serving Ribeye

Once your ribeye is cooked to perfection, it’s time to enjoy it. Here are a few suggestions for serving your ribeye:

• Slicing: Slice the ribeye against the grain to ensure tenderness. This means cutting perpendicular to the long fibers of the meat. This technique helps break up the muscle fibers and results in a more tender and enjoyable steak.

• Accompaniments: Serve the ribeye with your favorite sides, such as roasted potatoes, sautéed vegetables, or a crisp salad. The rich flavor of the ribeye pairs well with a variety of dishes.

• Sauces: Consider serving the ribeye with a flavorful sauce, such as chimichurri, horseradish cream, or a classic steak sauce. These sauces can enhance the taste of the steak and add a burst of flavor.

Best Practices For Ribeye Cooking

To ensure that your ribeye turns out perfectly cooked and full of flavor every time, follow these best practices:

1. Use an instant-read thermometer: This tool is your best friend when cooking ribeye. It allows you to monitor the internal temperature accurately and avoid under or overcooking.

2. Preheat the oven and cooking surface: Preheating the oven and the broiler pan or baking dish ensures even cooking and prevents the steak from sticking.

3. Bring the steak to room temperature: Allowing the ribeye to come to room temperature before cooking promotes more even cooking throughout the steak.

4. Let the steak rest: Resting the ribeye after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

5. Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different seasonings, marinades, and herb crusts to add new dimensions of flavor to your ribeye.

Conclusion

Cooking ribeye in the oven can result in a flavorful and tender steak if done correctly. By following the guidelines and techniques outlined in this article, you’ll be able to achieve the perfect level of doneness, whether it’s medium-rare, medium, or medium-well. Remember to use an instant-read thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and adjust cooking times accordingly. With practice, patience, and attention to detail, you’ll become a pro at cooking ribeye in the oven, impressing your family and friends with juicy and succulent steaks every time.

FAQS

What Temperature Should The Oven Be Set To When Cooking Ribeye?

The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before cooking the ribeye.

How Long Should A 1-inch Thick Ribeye Be Cooked In The Oven?

A 1-inch thick ribeye should be cooked in the oven for 12-14 minutes for medium-rare doneness, or 14-16 minutes for medium doneness.

Is It Necessary To Marinate The Ribeye Before Cooking It In The Oven?

While marinating the ribeye can help enhance its flavor and tenderness, it is not necessary to marinate it before cooking in the oven.

Should The Ribeye Be Covered With Foil While Cooking In The Oven?

While it is not necessary to cover the ribeye with foil, some people choose to do so to prevent the meat from drying out during cooking.

How Can I Tell If The Ribeye Is Cooked To My Desired Level Of Doneness?

The best way to determine the doneness of a ribeye is to use a meat thermometer. A temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit indicates medium-rare doneness, while 145 degrees Fahrenheit indicates medium doneness. Alternatively, you can use the touch method; a rare steak will feel soft and squishy, a medium-rare steak will feel soft but slightly firm, and a well-done steak will feel very firm.

Sources

How To Cook Ribeye Steak In The Oven – Lena’s Kitchen

Ribeye Steak Recipe – Simply Home Cooked

How to Cook a Ribeye Steak – Damn Delicious