How to Grill Steak Perfectly Every Time

Summertime is here, and with it, the season of grilling steaks one of the tastiest joys of outdoor dining. At A Taste of Excellence Catering, we believe anyone can become an expert in grilling. This guide is designed to answer the most common questions about grilling steaks on a grill, making it a must-read for beginners and experienced grillers alike.

Mastering the art of grilling steak perfectly involves understanding the best temperature, ideal grilling time, and preferred methods, depending on the steak cuts. Ribeye steak, filet mignon, flank steak, skirt steak, or a hearty T-bone, no matter your choice, these handy tips will transform your grilling experience.

Whether aiming for a medium rare masterpiece with a little salt and pepper or a perfectly seared filet mignon, knowing how long to grill a steak and at what temperature is crucial. In this guide, we will answer these questions, delve into techniques such as indirect heat and grill control, and discuss the importance of seasoning, to ensure you achieve that perfect steak, juicy and eaten piping hot.

Grill Preparation and Steak Selection

The successful grilling of a steak begins long before the meat hits the heat. Preparing your grill and selecting the proper steak are crucial initial steps in the grilling process. This section will delve into these preparatory stages, discussing setting up your grill for success and choosing the steak cut that best suits your palate and grilling style.

Your grill is not just an outdoor appliance; it’s your partner in this culinary adventure. Its preparation can make or break the outcome of your grilled steak. Similarly, the steak selection isn’t a matter to be taken lightly. The cut you choose directly impacts the flavors and textures you’ll experience in your final product.

Preparing Your Grill

Preparing your grill for steak begins with ensuring clean grill grates. This step is essential because clean grates will give you better heat transfer and prevent the steak from sticking. Use a grill brush to scrub off any residual charred food bits. Once the grates are clean, apply a thin coat of cooking oil. This will help create a non-stick surface and also contribute to achieving those sought-after grill marks on your steak.

Next comes heating your grill. The common question is, “How long to heat a gas grill for steak?” The answer is approximately 15-20 minutes. Preheating your grill on high heat allows it to reach the optimal temperature for searing steaks. This step is critical as a high-heat sear will create a delicious, caramelized crust on your steak.

Steak Selection and Thickness

The choice of steak is a matter of personal preference. Fattier cuts like ribeye steak are prized for their flavor and juiciness, while leaner cuts such as filet mignon are celebrated for their tenderness. New York strip, T-bone, and flank steak are popular options, offering unique flavor, texture, and marbling attributes.

An essential aspect to consider when selecting your steak is its thickness. Steaks that are one inch thick are ideal for grilling. They provide enough substance to achieve a delicious sear on the outside while still reaching your desired doneness in the middle without overcooking. Thicker steaks require a two-zone cooking method, searing over high heat and finishing over low heat, to ensure they don’t become charred on the outside before fully cooking inside. The thickness of your steak will also determine how long to grill your steak, a topic we’ll address in a following section.

Seasoning and Preparing the Steak

Grilling is undoubtedly the show’s star, but the preliminary steps of seasoning and marinating steaks and how you prepare steaks play key supporting roles. During these initial stages, your steak starts acquiring its unique taste. How you marinate and prepare your steak substantially affects the outcome, boosting the meat’s inherent flavors and paving the way for a delicious grilled steak.

Choosing the suitable steak marinade, such as your favorite steak marinade, and applying it correctly can seem intricate. Yet, a combination of tender marinate, salt, and ground black pepper can make a difference. Similarly, preparing the steak for the grill can be an art. Nevertheless, mastering these steps can significantly enhance your grilling prowess. So, let’s embark on this culinary journey, demystifying the intricacies of the finest steak marinade and preparation.

Selecting and Applying Steak Seasoning

When it comes to the best steak seasoning, sometimes less is more. Traditionalists swear by a simple salt and pepper blend, arguing that this minimalist approach allows the steak’s natural flavors to shine through. Others prefer adding a bit more complexity to their seasoning. A combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika can complement the meat without overpowering it.

No matter what you choose, applying your seasoning correctly is essential. Start with a dry steak. Pat it down with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Moisture on the steak’s surface can inhibit the formation of a good sear. Once the steak is dry, lightly brush it with olive oil. This helps the seasoning stick to the steak and improves the sear. Next, apply your seasoning. Whether you’re using salt and pepper or a more complex blend, cover all sides of the steak.

Preparing the Steak for the Grill

Preparing steaks for the grill is a straightforward process. Once seasoned, let your steak sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This allows the steak to cook more evenly once it hits the grill.

It’s important to remember to use a separate plate for your raw, seasoned steak and your cooked steak to prevent cross-contamination. Waiting for the steak to reach room temperature would be an ideal time to ensure your grill has reached the desired temperature. Now your steak is prepared, and it’s time to move on to the grilling process.

Grilling the Steak

The stage is set. Your grill is primed, your steak marinated and prepared – it’s time to cook steak. Making grilling steak easy and enjoyable is where your effort comes to fruition, and your steak transforms into a succulent, mouthwatering medium-rare treat. Cooking steak perfectly is a delicate blend of art and science, a careful ballet between temperature, timing, and technique.

Grilling goes beyond simply placing your steak on the oiled grill grates and hoping for a culinary miracle. It involves understanding the grilling process, mastering when to flip, and making sure your steak achieves your desired level of doneness. Keep in mind the need to sear steaks initially for that irresistible crust. Factors like grill lid use and maintaining the best grill temperature play a significant role in this crucial stage. This section delves into these aspects, illuminating common queries and steering you towards grilling your steak to perfection, irrespective of the grill temp.

Understanding Grill Temperature and Timing

So, what temperature do you grill steaks on a gas grill? Starting with high heat is essential for achieving a nice sear on the steak. This high heat caramelizes the steak’s surface, creating a flavorful crust. But grilling a perfect steak isn’t about high heat alone. After searing, you’ll need to move the steak to a lower heat area of your grill to finish cooking. This method prevents the steak from burning on the outside before it’s cooked to medium rare or medium well on the inside.

You might ask, “How long does it take to grill a steak on either side?” For a 1-inch steak aiming for medium-rare, you’ll want to grill each side for approximately 4-5 minutes. However, keep in mind that these cooking times are just guidelines. Different cuts of steak and varying levels of doneness may require adjustments to this timing.

Flipping and Checking Doneness

A common question for beginner grillers is: how long does it take to flip a steak on the grill? The key here is patience. Resist the temptation to flip your steak constantly. Instead, allow it to sear undisturbed on high heat for a few minutes before flipping it just once to sear the other side.

A meat thermometer is a grill master’s best friend when checking the steak’s doneness. To achieve a medium-rare steak, you’ll want the internal temperature to reach around 135°F. If you prefer a medium steak, aim for an internal temperature of around 145°F. By understanding and controlling these elements, you can ensure a perfect steak cooked how you like.

Resting the Steak and Final Tips

You’ve successfully grilled your steak, but hold off on the celebratory slice. One more crucial step awaits: resting the steak. This often-overlooked stage is vital in ensuring a juicy, flavorful steak. A few extra tips and tricks can help elevate your grilling game.

Resting the steak allows its juices, driven to the surface during grilling, to redistribute throughout the grilled meat again. A small pause in the process makes a big difference in the final result. In addition to discussing the resting process, we’ll touch upon a few final tips to help ensure your steak grilling success.

Resting the Steak

Digging into your beautifully grilled steak the moment it leaves might be tempting, but patience will pay off. As your medium-rare masterpiece rests, it continues cooking from residual heat, allowing the meat to relax and reabsorb its flavorful juices.

A good rule of thumb is to let your steak rest for about half as long as you cooked it. A 1-inch steak grilled to medium rare usually means resting for around 5 minutes. You’ll want to loosely cover the steak with aluminum foil during this resting period to keep it warm.

Final Grilling Tips

While our guide has covered the essentials of grilling, there are always additional tips to consider. For instance, although we’ve focused on gas grills, you can apply these principles to a charcoal grill.

Moreover, if you’re grilling a leaner cut, consider marinating the steak before grilling. A tenderizing marinade can help add moisture and flavor to leaner meats, ensuring a juicy and flavorful outcome. Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment. Grilling is as much about the journey as it is about the destination. Whether you’re tweaking your seasoning blend, trying out a new marinade, or testing different levels of doneness, remember to have fun with it and make it your own.

The Art of How to Grill Steak

With these guidelines, grilling becomes less of a mystery and more manageable and enjoyable. The perfect steak on the grill isn’t exclusive to professional chefs or seasoned grillers; it’s attainable for anyone with a good filet mignon, ribeye or rib steak, a gas grill, a meat thermometer and some patience.

Learning how to grill steak perfectly doesn’t happen overnight. It takes practice and experimentation. Play around with direct and indirect heat, experiment with steak cuts and thicknesses, and try various seasonings – even salt and pepper – until you find your perfect combination.

In the end, how to grill steak is as much a science as it is an art. From preparing your gas or charcoal grill to knowing how long to grill steak to achieve doneness, understanding these elements can make the difference between a good steak and the best medium-rare steak you’ve ever had. Happy grilling, and here’s to many delicious, grilled steaks this summer from your friends at A Taste of Excellence Catering in Strongsville, Ohio.