Name: Grilled Ribeye with Cowboy Butter Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2-3 Bone-in Ribeye Steaks; 2 tbsp Bourbon Prime Rub; Canola Oil, as needed; Salt, to taste; Black Pepper, to taste; Garlic Powder, to taste; 1 cup Melted Butter; 1 medium Lemon, juiced; 2 tbsp Minced Garlic; 1.5 tbsp Dijon Mustard; 1 tbsp Chopped Parsley; 1 tbsp Chopped Chives; 1 tsp Black Pepper; ½ tsp Cayenne Powder; Kosher Salt, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 44 reviews

If you’re a fan of rich, smoky, and utterly decadent steak experiences, you are going to fall head over heels for this Grilled Ribeye with Cowboy Butter Recipe. There is something magical about a perfectly cooked bone-in ribeye meeting a luscious, savory butter infused with garlic, herbs, lemon, and a gentle kick of cayenne. This recipe captures that classic American spirit of grilling great meat elevated by a vibrant, flavorful butter that enhances every bite. Whether you’re grilling for friends, family, or just treating yourself, this dish is guaranteed to be the star of your meal and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Two large, thick steaks with long bones are grilling on a black metal grill with bright orange flames coming up from below. The steaks have deep, dark brown grill marks in a checkered pattern, and their edges look charred and crispy. The meat surface is shiny and slightly rough, showing a mix of dark brown and black shades from the heat. The grill sits against a white marbled surface in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward and fundamental, yet each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture in your Grilled Ribeye with Cowboy Butter Recipe. From the hearty, marbled ribeye steaks to the bright acidity of fresh lemon juice, and the aromatic herbs and spices in the butter, simple components combine beautifully to create a mouthwatering masterpiece.

2-3 Bone-in Ribeyes: Choose thick, well-marbled steaks for maximum juiciness and flavor.
2 tbsp Bourbon Prime Rub: Adds a deep, smoky-sweet spice that complements the beef perfectly.
Canola Oil: Used lightly to help the seasoning stick and encourage a beautiful sear.
1 cup Melted Butter: The rich and creamy base of the cowboy butter that soaks into every bite.
1 medium Lemon, juiced: Adds brightness and cuts through the richness for balance.
2 tbsp Minced Garlic: Gives the butter a robust, savory punch.
1.5 tbsp Dijon Mustard: Introduces subtle tang and complexity.
1 tbsp Chopped Parsley: Adds fresh herbal notes and vibrant color.
1 tbsp Chopped Chives: For a mild oniony aroma that complements the garlic beautifully.
1 tsp Black Pepper: Provides a hint of heat and earthiness.
½ tsp Cayenne Powder: Just enough spice to excite your palate without overwhelming.
Kosher Salt to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the natural flavors.

How to Make Grilled Ribeye with Cowboy Butter Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Steaks

Start by lathering your ribeyes lightly with canola oil; this helps the seasoning stick while promoting a delicious crust during grilling. Generously sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder all over the steaks. Let them rest in the fridge for about 30 to 40 minutes. This step not only seasons the meat deeply but also allows it to come to a slightly cooler temperature, which makes for more even cooking later on.

Step 2: Set Up Your Grill for Indirect Cooking

Preheat your grill to create two zones, aiming for a low-and-slow 250°F temperature on one side. Add wood chips or chunks to infuse a lovely smoky aroma into the steaks while they cook indirectly. This low heat cooks the meat gently, locking in moisture and tenderness without drying it out.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Perfect Temperature

Place your ribeyes on the cool side of the grill and let them slowly climb to an internal temperature of 120°F, about 40 to 60 minutes. Flipping the steaks halfway ensures an even cook on both sides. This method is crucial for that perfectly pink, juicy center everyone dreams of in their ribeye.

Step 4: Rest and Prepare for the Sear

Once your steaks hit the ideal temperature, remove them from the grill and allow them to rest for 10 to 12 minutes. This resting period lets the juices redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender. During that downtime, crank the grill heat up to a fiery 400°F to get ready for the final sear.

Step 5: Sear Over High Heat

Sear your rested steaks directly over the hot flames for about 2 minutes per side. This intense searing creates a mouthwateringly crispy, caramelized crust that locks in flavor and adds a satisfying textural contrast to the tender meat inside. After searing, let the steaks rest again briefly for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

Step 6: Make the Cowboy Butter

While your steaks cool, whisk together melted butter with freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, chives, black pepper, cayenne, and kosher salt. This compound butter is everything—creamy, tangy, peppery, and herbaceous, ready to melt luxuriously over your grilled ribeyes or served on the side as a dipping sauce.

How to Serve Grilled Ribeye with Cowboy Butter Recipe

A woman's hand wearing a black glove is holding a thick slice of grilled meat that shows a pink, juicy inside with a dark, seasoned crust outside. Below the hand, there are several thinner, uneven slices of similar meat stacked on a wooden cutting board with a checkered pattern. In the background, there is a small fire burning inside a black grill, and another piece of meat resting on the board. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chives or parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich meat and creamy butter beautifully. A few lemon wedges on the side can offer guests the option to add a bright citrus zing if they like.

Side Dishes

This steak pairs wonderfully with classic American sides like grilled asparagus, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh, crisp garden salad. The buttery richness of the steak calls for sides that either amplify the comfort-factor or add a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic, crowd-pleasing presentation, serve each ribeye sliced against the grain with dollops of cowboy butter melting over the top. Arrange the slices fanned out on a wooden board alongside small ramekins of additional butter for dipping. Not only does this look epic, but it also invites your guests to savor the flavors at their own pace.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover ribeye steaks tightly in aluminum foil or place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the cowboy butter separate in a small container to preserve its fresh flavors and creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover cooked ribeye steaks by wrapping them securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to two months. Cowboy butter can be frozen in an airtight tub or shaped into a log and wrapped for easy thawing later, although fresh is always best.

Reheating

Reheat your ribeyes gently in a low oven at 250°F to warm them through without drying out, then quickly sear on a hot pan to restore that crust if you desire. Warm your cowboy butter separately and drizzle over the reheated steak to bring back the full original flavor.

FAQs

What if I don’t have a grill?

You can mimic the grilling process by slow-cooking the ribeye in an oven using a low temperature, then finishing it on a hot cast-iron skillet to get a similar sear and crust. Adding smoked paprika to the seasoning can help replicate that smoky flavor.

Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

Absolutely. While bone-in ribeye is ideal for its flavor and juiciness, other steaks like strip steak, sirloin, or filet mignon can work too, although the cooking times might vary slightly.

How spicy is the cowboy butter?

The cayenne adds just a mild warmth that enhances the flavors without making the butter overly spicy. You can adjust the amount to suit your tolerance, or omit it for a milder version.

Can I prepare the cowboy butter in advance?

Yes! Cowboy butter actually tastes fantastic when made ahead and refrigerated for a few hours or overnight, as it allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

How do I know when the steak is cooked to 120°F?

The best way is to use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak. It’s the most reliable method to get that perfect medium-rare doneness.

Final Thoughts

This Grilled Ribeye with Cowboy Butter Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but is surprisingly straightforward to prepare. It’s an absolute game changer for your grilling repertoire and guaranteed to impress anyone lucky enough to share your table. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience those juicy, smoky steaks with a luscious dollop of buttery goodness that turns every bite into a celebration.