Grilled Ribeye with Herb Butter
I like making grilled steak on warm weekends, and this grilled ribeye with herb butter is one of my absolute favorites. It’s juicy, full of flavor, and feels fancy without needing too much work. I love the way the steak sizzles on the grill, filling the air with the smell of sizzling fat and garlic.
The butter melts over the top when it’s hot and soaks into the meat, giving it a silky, rich finish. With each bite, you get the deep beefy flavor paired with garlic and fresh herbs—it’s just perfect.

Adding a pat of homemade herb butter right before serving takes this dish from simple to special. The butter melts gently and turns into a silky sauce that coats each slice. The result just melts in your mouth! You’ll love it for sure, and for a perfect dinner that feels gourmet but is easy to make, this one hits all the marks.
I’ve made this for family dinners, date nights, and solo meals—it always impresses. For serving, I usually opt for roasted potatoes and a fresh green salad, along with some crusty bread—this dish feels like a steakhouse meal made at home with love and care.
What is Grilled Ribeye with Herb Butter?
Grilled ribeye with herb butter is a classic steak recipe where ribeye is grilled to perfection and topped with a flavorful compound butter made with garlic and fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, and thyme. The ribeye is known for its excellent marbling, which makes it extra juicy and full of flavor. The herb butter melts over the hot steak, soaking into the meat and creating a buttery, herby finish that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for
Perfect for special dinners at home. It feels fancy but doesn’t take hours to cook. Add a candle or two, and you’ve got a lovely date night right in your kitchen.
Perfect for summer cookouts. Ribeye grills beautifully and makes a big impression with very little effort. Everyone loves a juicy, well-seasoned steak hot off the grill.
Perfect for holidays or celebrations. Whether it’s Father’s Day, a birthday, or a graduation meal, steak always feels festive, especially with luxurious herb butter.
Perfect for treating yourself. Sometimes, all you need is a good steak and a glass of red wine to end a long day. This meal brings comfort and satisfaction every time.
Ingredients
For the ribeye:
- 2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the herb butter:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
- 1 tsp thyme leaves
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp lemon juice (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer
- A small bowl and a spoon for mixing the butter
- Plastic wrap (for shaping the butter)
- Knife and cutting board
- Paper towels (for drying the steaks)
- Serving platter or large plate
- Aluminum foil (for resting the steak)
How to make Grilled Ribeye with Herb Butter
Step 1:
In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with parsley, rosemary, thyme, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Shape into a log using plastic wrap and chill until firm.
Step 2:
Pat the ribeyes dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
Step 3:
Heat the grill to medium-high. Grill the steaks for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer (130°F for medium-rare).
Step 4:
Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. Top each with a slice of herb butter before serving.
Tips
- Let your ribeye rest at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
- Pat the steak dry before seasoning—it helps create a crispy crust on the outside.
- Don’t skip the thermometer; it ensures your steak is exactly how you like it.
- Flip the steak only once during cooking for beautiful grill marks and even doneness.
- Use real butter, not margarine, for that rich, creamy, traditional flavor.
- Let the steak rest under foil after grilling—it keeps it juicy and prevents dryness.

Optional Ingredients
- Lemon zest – Adds a fresh citrus note that cuts through the richness of the butter.
- Crushed red pepper – For a touch of heat that balances the creamy flavor.
- Shallots – Finely minced, they bring sweetness and depth to the butter.
- Dijon mustard – A little adds a tangy zip that complements the garlic and herbs.
- Chives – A gentle onion flavor that’s soft and aromatic.
- Blue cheese – Mix into the butter or crumble on top for a bold, savory taste.
What to Serve with Grilled Ribeye with Herb Butter?
To make the perfect plate, start with creamy mashed potatoes or even cheesy polenta. The herb butter melts down and blends beautifully into these soft sides.
Grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts work great. Their natural sweetness and char go well with the rich steak.
A fresh salad adds brightness and balance. Try arugula with lemon dressing, or a simple spinach and strawberry mix for a summery touch.
For something hearty, serve with garlic bread, baked sweet potatoes, or buttery corn on the cob. These all soak up that extra melted butter and complete the meal.
Is Grilled Ribeye with Herb Butter Healthy?
Ribeye is a higher-fat cut of steak, but it’s also packed with protein, iron, and essential nutrients. If you balance it with lighter sides like salad or roasted vegetables, it can fit into a healthy meal. You can reduce the amount of butter or substitute it with olive oil for a heart-healthy option. It’s all about moderation and pairing—when done right, this steak can be part of a nourishing dinner.
Variations and Substitutions To Try
- Use strip steak or filet mignon – They’re leaner but still tender and flavorful for this recipe.
- Try ghee instead of butter – Ghee handles high heat better and adds a slightly nutty flavor.
- Use dried herbs if fresh ones aren’t available – Use half the amount since dried herbs are stronger.
- Make a spicy version – Add chili flakes, chipotle powder, or a splash of hot sauce to your butter.
- Add blue cheese crumbles – After cooking, crumble cheese over the steak for a sharp, creamy finish.
- Grill with rosemary sprigs – Place rosemary directly on the grill for a smoky herb aroma.
- Try a wine butter – Add a teaspoon of red wine to the butter for depth and richness.
- Make it garlic-forward – Add roasted garlic to the butter for a sweeter, more mellow taste.
How to Store
Store leftover steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can slice it thin and use it in salads, wraps, or steak sandwiches the next day. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave in short bursts with a bit of butter to keep it juicy.
Herb butter can be made ahead and kept in the fridge for up to a week or in the freezer for 2 months. Shape into a log using plastic wrap, then slice off what you need. It’s also delicious melted over vegetables, fish, or warm dinner rolls.
FAQ
How do I know when my ribeye is cooked just right?
Use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130–135°F (54–57°C). Let it rest after cooking so the juices stay inside and the steak stays tender.
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe. Salted butter adds extra flavor, but too much can make the steak overly salty.
What’s the best way to melt herb butter on a steak?
Add the butter right after removing the steak from the grill. The heat from the meat will melt it slowly, blending into every bite.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can use dried herbs instead—just use half the amount. Dried herbs are stronger, so a little goes a long way.
Should I trim the fat off the ribeye?
No need to trim much. The fat adds flavor and juiciness. You can cut off any large chunks after cooking if you prefer.
Can I cook this indoors if I don’t have a grill?
Yes, a cast-iron skillet works great. Heat it well, cook the steak 4–6 minutes per side, and finish with butter just like you would on a grill.
What kind of herbs work best in the butter?
Parsley, rosemary, thyme, and chives are all great. You can mix and match depending on what flavors you like most.
Grilled Ribeye with Herb Butter
Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes15
minutes25
minutesGrilled Ribeye with Herb Butter is a juicy, flavorful steak topped with rich, garlicky herb butter that melts beautifully over the meat.
Ingredients
- For the ribeye:
2 ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tbsp olive oil
- For the herb butter:
4 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh rosemary, minced
1 tsp thyme leaves
1 garlic clove, minced
½ tsp lemon juice (optional)
Pinch of salt
Directions
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter with parsley, rosemary, thyme, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Shape into a log using plastic wrap and chill until firm.
- Pat the ribeyes dry with paper towels. Rub both sides with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Heat the grill to medium-high. Grill the steaks for 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer (130°F for medium-rare).
- Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. Top each with a slice of herb butter before serving.