Preparing the Fire:
- Start Your Fire: Build a fire using your firewood and allow it to burn down to a bed of hot coals. This can take some time, so plan accordingly. If you have a grill grate, set it over the fire to heat up as well.
Cooking the Ribeye:
- Season the Steak: Season your ribeye generously on both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- Grill the Ribeye: Once the fire has settled down to hot coals and your grill grate is hot, place the ribeye on the grate. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness of the steak and the heat of your coals. Use tongs to flip the steak. If you like, add some fresh herbs and garlic cloves to the grill for added flavor.
- Rest the Steak: Once cooked to your liking, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest on a plate for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a moist and flavorful steak.
Cooking the Eggs:
- Prepare to Cook the Eggs: If using a cast iron skillet, place it on the grill grate to heat up. Add a small amount of butter or oil to the skillet.
- Cook the Eggs: Crack the eggs into the skillet (or directly onto the grill grate if you’re comfortable with that and it’s clean). Cook the eggs to your liking, whether you prefer them sunny-side up, over-easy, or scrambled. Season with salt and pepper.
Serving:
- Serve the Steak and Eggs: Slice the rested ribeye against the grain into thick slices and serve alongside the cooked eggs. Garnish with fresh herbs, a squeeze of lemon, or any other preferred toppings.
Tips for Success:
- Managing the Fire: Cooking over an open fire requires managing the heat source. Keep some parts of the fire going with flames for high heat and have a bed of coals for more controlled, medium heat.
- Safety First: Always be mindful of safety when cooking over an open fire. Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of emergencies.
- Let the Ingredients Shine: When cooking with high-quality ingredients like prime ribeye, simplicity is key. The smoky flavor from the fire, along with basic seasonings, will make your meal stand out.
Cooking prime ribeye and eggs over a fire is an experience that combines the joy of outdoor cooking with the pleasure of eating delicious, simply prepared food. This method not only provides a meal but also an unforgettable cooking adventure. Enjoy the process, the flavors, and the satisfaction of cooking with fire.