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Citrus Marinated Ribeye Steaks

Add some excitement to your next summer cookout with my Citrus Marinated Ribeye Steaks. The delicious flavors of olive oil, orange, lemon, rosemary, and garlic result in an over-the-top flavorful steak that’s sure to impress friends and family.

Finished ribeye steak on a pan.

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I’ve always enjoyed good beef. Maybe it’s because my daddy had cows on the farm and that meant beef in our freezer when I was growing up. I just know it’s my protein of choice. Give me a ribeye straight off the grill paired with a fresh side salad and potato wedges and I’m a happy camper! 

We’ve tried many different ways of cooking steaks over the years and have settled on a dry rub mixture that we typically use. But every once in a while, I like something a little different like this recipe for Citrus Marinated Ribeye with lots of bright, citrusy Mediterranean flavors.

This marinade infuses the flavors of good olive oil, fresh lemon juice, orange juice, rosemary, and garlic into the steak which is then grilled to perfection. It’s truly delicious!

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe


  • It’s a great steak marinade for prepping ahead when cooking outdoors.
  • The flavors of citrus, rosemary, and garlic are perfect for beef.
  • It tastes like summer!

🛒 Ingredient Notes


Ingredients needed for citrus marinated ribeye steaks.
  • Steaks – Our favorite cut for grilling steaks is always ribeye. It has the perfect fat-to-meat ratio for me and the best flavor. However, this recipe will work just as well with other cuts of steak such as New York strips, T-bones, flank steak, or flat iron steaks.
  • Olive Oil – Use a good, flavorful brand. 
  • Fresh Garlic – You’ll need to peel and crush the cloves.
  • Fresh Rosemary – For the best flavor use fresh. 
  • Lemon and Orange – You’ll need both the juice and zest from each.

You’ll find detailed measurements for all ingredients in the printable version of the recipe at the bottom of this post.

🔪 How to Make Citrus Marinated Ribeye


STEP 1. Combine all the marinade ingredients in a resealable plastic bag.

STEP 2. Add the steaks, turning to coat well.

STEP 3. Marinate the steaks in the refrigerator for  1 to 1 1/2 hours, turning frequently. 

Steaks and vegetable skewers cooking on a grill.
STEP 4.

STEP 4. Remove the steaks from the marinade, pat them dry and cook on a charcoal or gas grill to your desired degree of doneness.

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STEP 5. While the steaks cook, pour the marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and keep warm.

STEP 6. Allow the steaks to rest for 10 minutes after removing them from the grill. Drizzle the finished steaks with some of the warm marinade before serving.

A cooked steak on a plate with a skewer of veggies.

⏲ Steak Cooking Times and Temperatures Chart


  • For best results, always use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the center of the steak. Insert the thermometer through the side making sure that the tip does not touch a bone.
  • Remove the steak when the internal temperature is 5 degrees below desired.
  • Allow to rest 10 minutes before serving.
RareCool Red Center125°F (52°C)
Medium RareWarm Red Center135°F (57°C)
MediumWarm Pink Center145°F (63°C)
Medium WellSlightly Pink Center150°F (66°C)
Well DoneLittle or no Pink160°F (71°C)

🍚 How I Store Leftovers


Any leftovers may be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat and serve as-is or make an extravagant salad with blue cheese dressing!

A cooked steak on a plate with a skewer of veggies.

❓ Questions About Citrus Marinated Ribeyes


Can I marinate the steaks overnight?

No! Citrus-based marinades are too high in acid for long marinating times. You should marinate the steaks for 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes and absolutely no longer than two hours. Any longer in the marinade will start to break down the fibers in the meat turning it to a mushy texture.

Do I pat dry the steaks after marinating them?

Yes! Remove the steaks from the marinade and dry them with paper towels before putting them on the grill. Dry steaks will get a nice sear, wet steaks will create steam. You want a sear and grill marks!

Do I need to refrigerate the steaks while they’re marinating?

You should refrigerate any meat that is marinating. Leaving the food at room temperature can cause bacteria to grow resulting in some food-borne illnesses. It’s always best to refrigerate.

Lana Stuart.

Questions? I’m happy to help!

If you have more questions about the recipe, or if you’ve made it and would like to leave a comment, scroll down to leave your thoughts, questions, and/or rating!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

📖 Recipe

Finished ribeye steak on a pan.

Citrus Marinated Ribeye Steaks

Citrus Marinated Ribeye Steaks add excitement to your cookout with an orange, lemon, rosemary, and garlic marinade for over-the-top flavor.
5 from 18 votes
Print It Rate It Save
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 354kcal
Author: Lana Stuart

Ingredients

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • 1 orange zest and juice
  • 1 lemon zest and juice
  • 2 cloves garlic crushed
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • 24 ounces ribeye steaks (2 12-ounce steaks)

Instructions

  • Combine all the marinade ingredients in a resealable plastic bag.
  • Add the steaks, turning to coat well.
  • Marinate the steaks in the refrigerator for  1 to 1 1/2 hours, turning frequently.
  • Remove the steaks from the marinade, pat them dry and cook on a charcoal or gas grill to your desired degree of doneness.
  • While the steaks cook, pour the marinade into a small saucepan and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and keep warm.
  • Allow the steaks to rest for 10 minutes after removing them from the grill. Drizzle the finished steaks with some of the warm marinade before serving.

Notes

  • Refer to the Steak Cooking Temperature Chart in the post for more information
  • It’s easiest to zest the fruit first and then squeeze it to get the juice.
  • Don’t leave your steaks in the marinade too long or the citrus juices will start to cook them which can result in a mushy texture. Not good.

Nutrition Information

Serving 6ounces | Calories 354kcal | Protein 34g | Fat 24g | Saturated Fat 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat 1g | Monounsaturated Fat 12g | Cholesterol 104mg | Sodium 88mg | Potassium 456mg | Vitamin A 26IU | Calcium 12mg | Iron 3mg

Nutrition information is calculated by software based on the ingredients in each recipe. It is an estimate only and is provided for informational purposes. You should consult your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian if precise nutrition calculations are needed for health reasons.

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Two grilled steaks on a serving plate.

— This post was originally published on August 21, 2012. It has been updated with new photos and additional information.

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10 Comments

  1. Barbara | Creative Culinary says:

    I love using citrus in marinades for both beef and chicken and I have ribeye in the fridge and citrus on the counter so yes ma’am, I’m doing it!

    By the way; I used grapefruit on a flank steak once because it’s all I had. I mixed it with ginger and it was fabulous but I have to tell you…that grapefruit packs a powerful punch; I’m glad we were cooking it that evening, I think if I had left it overnight I might have discovered beef shreds!

    1. That’s my only caution with this recipe, Barb. Don’t leave it in the marinade too long or you’ll turn your beautiful ribeye to mush. That citrus really breaks down protein! And do be sure to simmer the marinade and drizzle it over the finished steak. Or use another approach and pour all the hot marinade over the finished steaks and let them re-marinate for a few minutes before serving. Delicious either way!

  2. Lora @cakeduchess says:

    I think you have a pretty talented assistant. It looks like everyone is still going to enjoy your delicious food:)Looks fantastic. Hope you heal very quickly, Lana xx

    1. Lora – Yes, he’s the best! I don’t know how I would have managed through this injury without him.

  3. Nancy@acommunaltable says:

    UGh… I know EXACTLY What you mean Lana… being out of the kitchen for a long time is so hard!! So happy you got to at least makes these steaks and they sound perfect – I adore citrus and so will definitely be giving this little marinade a try!! Have fingers and toes crossed that the doctor gives you a “go” on putting weight on that ankle!!

  4. sippitysup says:

    Steak is a cure all! GREG

  5. Aw, that’s so tough! I hope you feel better soon! In the meantime, this ribeye looks absolutely incredible!

  6. I love a good ribeye. This marinade sounds fantastic!

  7. It looks mouthwatering. It’s a great marinade, I will love to try it.

    Have a blessed day :)

  8. Paula - bell'alimento says:

    What a fantastically fresh marinade! Love it. Hope you’re on the mend Lana!