Bon Appetit calls this Salt-and-Pepper Rib Eye “Perfection” we couldn’t agree more! Start by picking up a beautiful rib eye from your favorite meat distributor (ah-hem!), then follow below. This simple prep has mouth-watering results!
INGREDIENTS
1 1 1/2′-2′ bone-in rib eye (about 2 pounds)
2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
Coarse sea salt
PREPARATION
Put steak on a wire rack set on a rimmed baking sheet. Pat dry with paper towels. Season with 1/2 tsp. 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 tsp. salt; press in 1/2 tsp. pepper per side so pieces adhere.
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° for rare (steak will carry over to 125°, or medium-rare, as it rests).
Transfer steak to a carving board; let rest for 10 minutes. Slice across the grain, season with coarse sea salt, and serve.