Are you ready to get your grill on? Cooking a delicious rib eye roast on the grill can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it takes some practice to get things right. Whether you’re an experienced backyard griller or just getting started, this guide will teach you how to cook a rib eye roast on the grill. From selecting the best cut of meat to seasoning it properly and grilling like a pro, we’ll share all of our tips for crafting mouth-watering steaks that are sure to impress! So grab your tongs, preheat the grill – let’s start cooking.
Contents
- 1 What Is Rib Eye Roast?
- 2 What To Know When Buying A Rib Eye Roast?
- 3 How To Cook A Rib Eye Roast On The Grill?
- 4 How To Season Rib Eye Roast For Best Flavor?
- 5 What Temperature Do You Grill A Rib Eye Roast On The Grill?
- 6 How Long Should A Rib Eye Roast Be Cooked On The Grill?
- 7 How Can I Tell When A Rib Eye Roast Is Done Cooking On The Grill?
- 8 Tips To Perfect Rib Eye Roast On The Grill
- 9 FAQ: Rib Eye Roast On The Grill
What Is Rib Eye Roast?
Rib Eye is a cut of beef that comes from the rib section of the steer. It is known for its marbling, which gives the meat its rich flavor and juiciness. Rib eye roast is a large cut of beef that includes both the rib bone and the rib eye muscle. This cut is also known as “prime rib” when it is served bone-in and “rib roast” when it is served boneless. It’s a popular choice for special occasions, such as holidays or dinner parties, due to its impressive size and delicious taste.

What To Know When Buying A Rib Eye Roast?
Choose a rib roast that has a bright color and milky white fat. The marbling should be even throughout the meat, and the fat should be evenly distributed. Look for a rib roast with at least 1 inch of fat on top – this will help keep the meat juicy during cooking. It’s also important to choose a rib roast that is the right size for your grill and number of guests you’ll be serving. A good rule of thumb is to plan on about 1 pound of meat per person. It’s also a good idea to ask your butcher for recommendations and tips. If you are wondering how to cook a rib eye roast on the grill. Please read the article below to know the detailed answer right away.
How To Cook A Rib Eye Roast On The Grill?
- Prep the Rib Eye Roast: Before cooking, let the rib eye roast sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to an hour. This will allow the meat to cook more evenly. Trim any excess fat or silver skin from the exterior of the meat and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Seasoning: Keep it simple with a classic seasoning of salt and pepper. You can also use a dry rub or marinade if desired. Just be sure to season the meat generously on all sides.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F). Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- Sear the Rib Eye Roast: Place the rib eye roast on the grill and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side. This will give the meat a nice crust and help seal in the juices.
- Indirect Cooking: Once both sides are seared, move the rib eye roast to an area of the grill with indirect heat (no direct flame underneath). Close the lid and let the meat cook for about 10-15 minutes per pound, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature – aim for 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done.
- Let it Rest: Once done cooking, remove the rib eye roast from the grill and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps the meat moist.
- Slice and Serve: Use a sharp knife to slice the rib eye roast against the grain into thick slices. Serve with your favorite side dishes, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
How To Season Rib Eye Roast For Best Flavor?
As mentioned, a classic seasoning of salt and pepper is always a safe bet for enhancing the natural flavor of rib eye roast. However, if you’d like to switch up your seasonings, here are some delicious options to try:
- Garlic herb rub: Combine garlic powder, dried herbs (such as rosemary, thyme, and oregano), salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub the mixture all over the rib eye roast before grilling.
- Coffee rub: Combine finely ground coffee, brown sugar, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt in a bowl. Rub it onto the meat for a sweet and smoky flavor.
- Asian-inspired marinade: Whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic in a bowl. Marinate the rib eye roast for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
- Cajun spice rub: Mix together paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Rub it onto the meat for a spicy kick.
What Temperature Do You Grill A Rib Eye Roast On The Grill?
To cook a rib eye roast on the grill, set the temperature to 225 degrees F and place the meat on the grill away from direct heat. Cook the roast for about 15-20 minutes per pound, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F – this is the recommended temperature for medium-rare. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature throughout cooking and aim for a final temperature of 145°F for medium, and 160°F for well-done.
How Long Should A Rib Eye Roast Be Cooked On The Grill?
As mentioned, plan on cooking the rib eye roast for about 20-30 minutes per pound. However, the exact cooking time will depend on factors such as the size of your grill, the thickness and weight of the meat, and your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to determine when the roast is cooked to your liking. It’s always better to slightly undercook it and let it rest before slicing, as opposed to overcooking it and ending up with a dry and tough roast. Remember, the meat will continue to cook slightly while resting.
How Can I Tell When A Rib Eye Roast Is Done Cooking On The Grill?
As mentioned, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to accurately determine when the rib eye roast is done cooking. You can also use the finger test – press down on the meat with your finger and compare it to these guidelines:
- Rare: Soft and squishy texture, little resistance.
- Medium-rare: Slightly firm but still yielding, slight resistance. Recommended internal temperature of 135°F.
- Medium: Firm and slightly springy, moderate resistance. Recommended internal temperature of 145°F.
- Well-done: Very firm and no give, strong resistance. Recommended internal temperature of 160°F. Keep in mind that the meat will continue to cook slightly while resting, so it’s best to remove it from the grill when it’s slightly less cooked than your desired level of doneness. Also, remember to always let the meat rest before slicing for best results.

Tips To Perfect Rib Eye Roast On The Grill
- Choose a rib roast with at least 1 inch of fat on top for juicier meat.
- Let the meat sit at room temperature before cooking for more even cooking.
- Use a clean and oiled grill to prevent sticking.
- Don’t forget to let the meat rest before slicing to keep it moist.
- Ask your butcher for recommendations and tips on selecting and cooking rib eye roast.
- Experiment with different seasonings and marinades to find your favorite flavor profile.
- Consider using a reverse-sear method for an extra juicy and evenly cooked rib eye roast. This involves cooking the meat in a low-temperature oven or grill first, then finishing it off over high heat to get that perfect crust.
FAQ: Rib Eye Roast On The Grill
Should rib eye roast be covered or uncovered on the grill?
To cook a rib eye roast on the grill, begin by leaving the rib roast uncovered to achieve a desirable browning on the outer layer. Additionally, consider searing it in a hot pan for a few minutes on each side after it has finished roasting for some extra flavor.
How long does it take to cook a ribeye roast per pound on the grill?
Oven-cooked rib roast typically takes 90-120 minutes to cook to medium rare. Allot about 20 minutes per pound when prepping. Grilled rib roast requires 20-30 minutes of cooking time per pound, a total of 90-120 minutes.
How do you grill a rib eye roast without burning it?
To cook a rib eye roast on the grill, place the roast fat side up on a drip tray in a low-heat area, away from direct heat. If possible, set the temperature to 225 degrees. Cook for 90-120 minutes. Then, move the roast to direct heat set to 450-500 degrees.
Do I close grill when cooking rib eye roast?
Preheat the grill on high. Position the seasoned rib eye roast at the grill’s center and deactivate the burners directly beneath the roast (a drip pan is not required when utilizing a gas grill). Shut the grill lid. Roast to your preferred level of doneness, referring to the chart below for optimal cooking duration of boneless prime rib.

Harmony Saunders is the CEO and founder of Bamboo Wok, a family-owned and operated Chinese restaurant that has been serving the Manvel, Rosharon, and Alvin communities for more than nine years. Our delicious dishes are made from scratch with the best ingredients, vegetables are fresh cut daily in our kitchen, and poultry is delivered every two days.
So whether you’re craving Chinese food for the family or need catering for your next event, please give us a try! We know you won’t be disappointed with our fresh, authentic Asian fare.
Gorgeous! NY strips are my favorite. I prefer the slightly firmer texture over ribeye.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I’d go ribeye and NY strip as my fav, don’t really care for tbone (not great at getting to taste as good as NY and or ribeye)
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
I love a good NY Strip sometimes too. It’s more meaty tasting than a ribeye which can sometimes get a bit greasy because of all the fat. Great job on the cook though, those came out perfect!
Right, I’m very much a ribeye fan through and through but when I’m in the mood for not so much fat, NY strips are perfect because you get a ton of meat but also just the perfect amount of fat on every slice