Authentic Spanish Chuletón de Ávila: The Ultimate Grilled Ribeye

Transport your tastebuds to the medieval stone walls of Spain with the legendary Chuletón de Ávila. This isn't just a steak; it is a culinary institution from the province of Ávila, traditionally made from the Avileña-Black Iberian breed of cattle. The beauty of this dish lies in its unapologetic simplicity. It requires no complex marinades or overpowering spice rubs—only the highest quality beef, fire, and salt. When prepared on an Arteflame grill, the intense heat of the center grate allows you to achieve that signature, aggressive Spanish sear, while the flat cooktop provides the perfect zone to bring the massive cut to your desired temperature without burning the exterior. This recipe honors the rustic traditions of Castilian cuisine while leveraging modern wood-fired grilling techniques to produce a steak that is tender, smoky, and unbelievably flavorful. Prepare for a dining experience that celebrates the primal connection between meat and fire.

Ingredients

The Essentials

• 1 Large Bone-in Ribeye Steak (Chuletón): Approximately 2.2 to 3.5 lbs (1-1.5 kg), cut at least 2-3 inches thick.
• Coarse Sea Salt: Generous amount (Maldon or similar flaky salt is preferred).
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: For lightly coating the meat.
• Beef Tallow or Suet: Optional, to grease the grill grate if not using oil.

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation and Tempering

1. Remove the steak from the refrigerator at least 2 to 3 hours before cooking. This is the most critical step for a thick Chuletón.
2. Allow the meat to reach room temperature internally. Cooking a cold steak of this thickness will result in an uneven cook with a raw center and burnt exterior.
3. Pat the meat completely dry with paper towels to ensure a proper crust.
4. Lightly brush the steak with a thin layer of olive oil, but do not salt it yet. In the Ávila tradition, salt is often added during the grilling process or immediately after the first flip.

Step 2: Firing Up the Arteflame

1. Build a substantial fire in the center of your Arteflame grill using hardwood (oak is traditional for Spanish cooking).
2. Allow the fire to burn down until you have a bed of intense, glowing coals and the center grill grate is extremely hot (over 700°F or 370°C).
3. Clean the center grate and the flat cooktop surface to ensure a pure flavor.

Step 3: The Hard Sear

1. Place the steak directly onto the center grill grate for maximum heat exposure.
2. Sear undisturbed for about 3 to 5 minutes. You are looking for a deep, dark brown crust, almost charred but not burnt.
3. Flip the steak. Immediately pile a generous handful of coarse sea salt on top of the seared side. The heat will help the salt adhere and penetrate the meat slightly.
4. Sear the second side for another 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 4: Managing the Temperature

1. Once both sides have a heavy crust, shake off the excess salt.
2. Move the steak out of the direct fire onto the flat carbon steel cooktop. This zone mimics the "plancha" style and allows the heat to distribute more evenly.
3. Continue cooking, flipping occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 120°F (49°C) for rare or 130°F (54°C) for medium-rare.
4. Don't forget to sear the fat cap on the edge by holding the steak vertically with tongs against the flat top until the fat renders and crisps.

Step 5: Resting and Serving

1. Remove the steak from the grill and place it on a warm carving board.
2. Let it rest for at least 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the muscle fibers.
3. Carve the meat off the bone and slice it against the grain into thick strips.
4. Serve on a hot ceramic plate to keep the fat rendered while eating.

Tips

To truly master the Chuletón de Ávila, you must respect the quality of the beef. In Spain, this dish is often made with older cows (buey or vaca vieja), which have a more profound, mineral-rich flavor and yellow fat compared to young commercial beef. If you can find dry-aged beef, it will replicate this authentic profile best. regarding the salt: do not be afraid of over-salting during the searing phase. The traditional method involves covering the steak in a mound of salt while one side cooks. Because the meat is so thick, it absorbs only what it needs, and you knock the excess off before serving. Finally, use a meat thermometer. Judging a 3-inch steak by touch is difficult even for professionals, and you do not want to overcook such a premium cut.

Variations

While the purist approach dictates only beef and salt, you can introduce subtle variations to suit your palate without losing the spirit of the dish. Some chefs prefer to infuse the cooking oil with aromatics before brushing the steak, while others create a finishing topping. However, avoid heavy marinades that mask the beef's natural flavor. The goal is to enhance, not hide. Here are a few ways to twist the classic recipe:

• Garlic Rub: Rub a cut clove of raw garlic over the hot crust immediately after grilling for a spicy, aromatic kick.
• Rosemary Brush: Use a bundle of fresh rosemary dipped in olive oil to baste the steak while it finishes on the flat top.
• Truffle Finish: Drizzle a few drops of high-quality truffle oil over the sliced meat just before serving.
• Stone Cooking: Serve the steak slightly undercooked (blue) on a sizzling hot stone at the table, allowing guests to cook each slice to their preference.
• Porterhouse Substitute: If you cannot find a bone-in ribeye, a thick Porterhouse (T-Bone) works exceptionally well with this method.

Best pairings

A steak of this magnitude requires sides and drinks that can stand up to the richness of the meat without competing for attention. In Ávila, the classic accompaniment is 'Patatas Revolconas,' mashed potatoes mixed with paprika and bacon bits, but lighter options often work better to balance the heavy protein. You want textures that offer a reprieve from the dense meat and flavors that cut through the fat. Keep the sides rustic and family-style.

• Patatas Bravas: Fried potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce and garlic aioli.
• Grilled Padrón Peppers: Blistered on the Arteflame flat top with sea salt; most are mild, but some are spicy.
• Simple Tomato Salad: Ripe heirlooms, thinly sliced onions, and olive oil to provide acidity.
• Red Wine: A bold Spanish red is non-negotiable. Look for a Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero or a Gran Reserva Rioja.

Conclusion

The Chuletón de Ávila is more than just a recipe; it is a celebration of Spanish heritage and the art of open-fire cooking. By using the Arteflame grill, you bridge the gap between ancient culinary traditions and modern outdoor dining, achieving a result that is smoky, tender, and perfectly crusted. This dish reminds us that when ingredients are of the highest caliber, very little is needed to make them shine. Gather your friends, open a bottle of bold red wine, and enjoy the communal experience of sharing a massive, perfectly grilled ribeye. It is a feast that satisfies the soul as much as the appetite.