How to Grill Pork Ribeye Steaks for Juicy, Flavorful Results

Pork ribeye steak is an underrated cut that is perfect for grilling. With a bit of prep, you can get incredibly moist, flavorful ribeye pork steaks hot off the grill. Follow this guide to learn all the tips and tricks for grilling ribeye pork to perfection.

What is Pork Ribeye?

Pork ribeye steak is cut from the rib section of the loin It’s sometimes called pork rib steak or pork rib cutlet

The ribeye area contains the spinalis muscle which gives it a rich beefy flavor that is less pronounced in other pork cuts like chops. There is also more marbling in ribeye pork than other loin cuts keeping it tender and juicy.

While pork ribeye resembles a boneless pork chop, it has a larger eye of meat and contains that all-important spinalis muscle. It’s an excellent choice for grilling.

Benefits of Grilling Ribeye Pork

There are several advantages to cooking pork ribeye on the grill:

• Enhanced flavor – The high heat of the grill caramelizes the exterior giving you flavorful, browned exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Grilling also infuses the meat with a delicious smoky char.

• Juicier meat – The ribeye’s marbling combined with quick grilling keeps it succulent and moist. Chops can dry out on the grill but ribeye’s fat content prevents this.

• Faster cooking – Ribeye steaks are a relatively thin, quick-cooking cut perfect for weeknights. Chops take longer.

• Great for marinades – The meat readily absorbs flavors from marinades and rubs.

• Kid-friendly – Kids love these steaks with their richer flavor and tender texture. Great for fussy eaters!

• Versatile – Take them in any flavor direction from sweet and sticky to spiced and smoky.

Choosing Ribeye Pork for the Grill

Keep these tips in mind when selecting ribeye pork steaks for grilling:

• Get thick steaks – Choose at least 1-inch thick steaks so you can develop a nice sear without overcooking the interior. Thinner steaks will dry out.

• Pick Flexible Steaks – Go for steaks that flex slightly rather than stiff steaks which may be overcooked already.

• Check the Color – Pick steaks with a pink/red color rather than brown which indicates age.

• Buy Enough – Plan for 10-12 ounces of steak per person. Buy extra since you’ll lose weight in cooking.

• Know Your Terminology – Pork ribeye may also be labeled pork rib cutlets, bone-in pork ribeye chops or pork rib steaks.

How to Grill Juicy, Flavorful Ribeye Pork

Follow these simple steps for grilling pork ribeye steaks with a juicy interior and maximum flavor:

1. Trim Excess Fat

While you want to keep some fat for flavor and moisture, too much can cause flare-ups. Trim off any thick sections of external fat.

2. Brine the Steaks

Soaking the steaks in a quick brine of salt, sugar and water for 1-2 hours seasons the meat and helps it retain moisture during cooking.

3. Pat Steaks Dry

Blot steaks with paper towels before seasoning so spices stick properly.

4. Apply a Dry Rub

Coat both sides with a flavorful dry rub. Smoked paprika, garlic, cumin and coriander make a tasty pork rub.

5. Preheat Grill Properly

Get the grill very hot, around 450°F. Use all burners on high.

6. Sear Steaks Over Direct High Heat

Sear steaks over direct high heat for 2-3 minutes per side to get a nice brown crust. Flipping frequently prevents sticking.

7. Finish OverIndirect Heat

Move steaks to indirect heat and close grill lid to finish cooking to an internal temp of 145°F. This prevents overcooking.

8. Baste with Sauce

During the last few minutes, brush with a flavorful sauce like honey-garlic, bbq sauce, etc. to add even more flavor.

9. Rest Before Serving

Let steaks rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.

10. Slice Across the Grain

Slice across the grain for tender meat.

Mastering Doneness

The new USDA recommendation for pork is 145°F so aim for medium doneness with a blush of pink:

• Rare – 140°F, bright pink
• Medium Rare – 145°F, bright pink center
• Medium – 150°F, hint of pink
• Well – 160°F+, no pink

Use an instant read thermometer to check temperature. Temp steaks in the thickest part, avoiding bone.

Recipe Inspiration

Here are just a few recipe ideas for grilled pork ribeye steaks:

• Honey-Garlic – Brush steaks with a sticky, sweet and salty honey garlic glaze.

• Jerk Spice – Give ribeyes a Caribbean kick with Jamaican jerk seasoning.

• Spicy Sesame – Coat steaks in a mixture of spicy sesame oil, soy sauce and chili flakes.

• Mediterranean – Season steaks with a rub of oregano, parsley, lemon, garlic and olive oil.

• Cowboy Style – Go Tex-Mex with cumin, chili powder and a splash of beer in the marinade.

• Teriyaki – Brush steaks with salty-sweet teriyaki sauce while grilling.

So grab some ribeye pork steaks and get ready for your best grilled pork yet! With the right selection, prep and grilling method you’ll have everyone begging for seconds.