Sizzling Summer Ribeye Steak Recipes: A Canadian BBQ Favourite

Summer in Canada is all about firing up the grill, gathering with friends and family, and enjoying delicious meals under the sun. And when it comes to showstopping BBQ fare, few things beat a perfectly grilled ribeye steak. Known for its rich marbling and tender texture, ribeye is a cut that shines on the grill—making it the ultimate choice for summer steak recipes.

In this blog post, we’ll explore a few mouthwatering summer ribeye steak recipes that are easy to prepare, full of flavour, and guaranteed to impress your guests. We’ll also offer grilling tips, seasoning suggestions, and serving ideas that reflect Canadian tastes. Whether you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or cooking for two on the patio, these ribeye recipes will bring restaurant-quality results right to your home.

Why Choose Ribeye Steak?

Ribeye is cut from the rib section of the cow, known for its heavy marbling of fat. This intramuscular fat melts as it cooks, creating a juicy, flavour-packed steak. Ribeye can be bone-in or boneless, with the bone-in version often referred to as a “cowboy steak” or “tomahawk steak” when it includes the long rib bone.

Because of its natural fat content and tenderness, ribeye is ideal for high-heat grilling—a hallmark of summer cooking.

Grilling Tips for Ribeye Steak

Before diving into the recipes, here are a few quick tips to help you get the most out of your ribeye:

1. Bring to Room Temperature: Let your steaks sit out for 30 minutes before grilling. This helps them cook more evenly.

2. Pat Dry and Season Well: Use a paper towel to dry the steak surface, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.

3. Preheat Your Grill: Get your grill nice and hot—around 450–500°F (230–260°C) for the perfect sear.

4. Use a Meat Thermometer: Aim for 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare, 140°F (60°C) for medium.

5. Let it Rest: Always rest your steak for 5–10 minutes before slicing to keep the juices in.

1. Classic Canadian Ribeye with Garlic Herb Butter

This recipe is all about enhancing the natural flavours of ribeye with a simple homemade garlic herb butter. Serve it with grilled corn and roasted baby potatoes for a complete summer meal.

Ingredients:

• 2 ribeye steaks 

• 1 tbsp oil

• Salt and black pepper

For the herb butter:

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tsp chopped chives

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Mix the herb butter ingredients and refrigerate until firm.

2. Rub steaks with oil, season with salt and pepper.

3. Grill steaks 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare.

4. Top with a slice of herb butter and let rest.

Serving Tip: Pair with a local Ontario Pinot Noir or BC Syrah for an extra layer of indulgence.

2. Maple Dijon Glazed Ribeye

Adding a touch of Canadian maple syrup to your glaze gives this recipe a perfect sweet and savoury balance. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for Canada Day or summer long weekends.

Ingredients:

• 2 ribeye steaks

• 1/4 cup maple syrup 

• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

1. Mix glaze ingredients in a bowl.

2. Reserve half for brushing later.

3. Brush steaks with glaze, then grill over medium-high heat, 4 minutes per side.

4. Brush with reserved glaze just before removing from grill.

Serving Tip: Serve with grilled asparagus and a chilled Canadian craft beer—like an IPA or amber ale.

3. Montreal-Style Spice Ribeye

Inspired by the classic flavours of Montreal smoked meat, this steak brings bold spice to your summer BBQ. The dry rub works beautifully on ribeye and creates a caramelized crust when seared on the grill.

Ingredients:

• 2 ribeye steaks

• 1 tbsp Montreal steak spice (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

1. Rub olive oil on steaks and season generously with Montreal steak spice.

2. Let sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavours to penetrate.

3. Grill over high heat for 3–4 minutes per side.

Serving Tip: Pair with poutine-inspired roasted potatoes or grilled sweet peppers for a nod to Québecois cuisine.

4. Chimichurri Ribeye with Grilled Veggies

For a fresh, herbaceous twist, try this Argentine-inspired chimichurri sauce over your ribeye. It’s zesty, garlicky, and ideal for hot summer evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 ribeye steaks

• Salt and pepper

For the chimichurri:

• 1 cup parsley, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp oregano

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 1/2 tsp chili flakes

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine all chimichurri ingredients and set aside.

2. Season and grill the steaks as desired.

3. Spoon chimichurri over the cooked steaks.

Serving Tip: Serve with grilled zucchini, eggplant, and cherry tomatoes for a vibrant plate.

5. Ribeye Steak Tacos with Summer Slaw

Tired of the usual steak-and-potatoes combo? Transform your ribeye into flavour-packed tacos topped with a crunchy summer slaw. Great for casual gatherings or family dinners.

Ingredients:

• 1 ribeye steak

• Salt, pepper, and smoked paprika

• 6 small corn or flour tortillas

For the slaw:

• 1 cup shredded red cabbage

• 1/2 cup shredded carrots

• 1/4 cup mayo

• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 tsp sugar

• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Season steak with salt, pepper, and paprika, then grill and slice thin.

2. Mix slaw ingredients in a bowl.

3. Warm tortillas, add steak slices, top with slaw.

Serving Tip: Add a squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro. Serve with a chilled rosé or margarita for a patio-perfect meal.

Whether you keep it simple with salt and pepper or experiment with bold sauces and spices, this cut never disappoints. These ribeye steak recipes are designed to bring flavour and fun to your summer BBQs, and they’re perfect for pairing with local Canadian wines, beers, and seasonal vegetables.