Steak Tips on Grill: How to Achieve the Perfect Grilled Steak Every Time

 Grilling steak is an art that many strive to perfect. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned grill master, there’s always something new to learn when it comes to cooking the perfect steak. The key to a great steak lies not only in the quality of the meat but also in the techniques used on the grill. In this guide, we will share expert steak tips on grill that will help you achieve a flavorful, juicy, and perfectly cooked steak every time.

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Choosing the Right Steak for Grilling

Before you even fire up your grill, the first step in cooking a perfect steak is selecting the right cut of meat. Different cuts of steak offer unique textures and flavors, and understanding which cuts are best for grilling will make a world of difference. Here are a few popular cuts of steak that are ideal for grilling:

1. Ribeye
   Known for its rich marbling and tenderness, ribeye is one of the best cuts for grilling. The fat content adds flavor and ensures that the steak remains juicy and tender.
   
   

2. New York Strip
   This steak is known for its perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. It has a slightly firmer texture than ribeye but is still juicy and ideal for grilling.
   
   

3. Filet Mignon
   Filet mignon is one of the most tender cuts of beef. Though it has less fat than ribeye, it’s incredibly lean and offers a mild, delicate flavor.
   
   

4. T-Bone
   A T-bone steak offers the best of both worlds, with a combination of the tender filet and the flavorful New York strip. It's perfect for those who like variety in their steak.
   
   

5. Flank Steak
   Flank steak is a lean cut that is perfect for grilling, especially when marinated. It's slightly tougher than ribeye or filet mignon but can be incredibly flavorful when cooked right.
   
   

6. Skirt Steak
   Like flank steak, skirt steak is best when marinated and grilled over high heat. It's known for its rich flavor and is often used in fajitas.
   
   

Prepping the Steak for Grilling

Once you've selected the right cut, it's time to prepare your steak for grilling. Proper preparation is essential to enhance the flavor and texture of the meat. Here are a few key steps to follow:

1. Bring the Steak to Room Temperature
   Before you start grilling, take your steak out of the refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This ensures that the steak cooks more evenly and prevents it from being too cold when placed on the grill.
   
   

2. Seasoning Your Steak
   Steaks don’t need much seasoning, but a good salt-and-pepper rub can bring out the natural flavors of the meat. For extra flavor, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of dried herbs like thyme or rosemary. If you prefer a more intense flavor, consider marinating your steak for a few hours or overnight.
   
   

3. Oiling the Steak or Grill Grates
   While some people oil the grill grates, others prefer to oil the steak itself. Either method works, but oiling the steak helps prevent it from sticking to the grill and ensures that it cooks evenly.
   
   

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The Right Grill Temperature

One of the most important steak tips on grill is understanding the right grill temperature. The perfect steak starts with the proper grill heat. The key is to create a two-zone cooking setup: one side for high, direct heat (for searing) and another for indirect heat (for finishing the steak).

1. High Heat for Searing
   Preheat your grill to 450°F to 500°F (232°C to 260°C) for searing. This high heat will create that beautiful caramelized crust on the outside of the steak, locking in the juices.
   
   

2. Medium Heat for Cooking
   Once the steak is seared on both sides, move it to the indirect heat side of the grill to finish cooking through. The temperature on this side should be around 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C).
   
   

Grilling Steak: Time and Temperature

The ideal grilling time will depend on the thickness of the steak, the cut, and your preferred doneness. However, here is a general guideline for grilling a 1-inch thick steak:

1. Rare
   Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side over high heat, then move it to indirect heat and cook for another 2-3 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 120°F to 125°F (49°C to 52°C).
   
   

2. Medium-Rare
   Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side over high heat, then cook over indirect heat for about 3-4 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 130°F to 135°F (54°C to 57°C).
   
   

3. Medium
   Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side over high heat, then cook over indirect heat for another 4-5 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 140°F to 145°F (60°C to 63°C).
   
   

4. Medium-Well
   Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side over high heat, then cook over indirect heat for about 6-7 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 150°F to 155°F (66°C to 68°C).
   
   

5. Well Done
   Sear the steak for 4-5 minutes per side over high heat, then cook over indirect heat for another 7-8 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C) or higher.
   
   

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How to Check Steak Doneness Without a Thermometer

While a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to measure doneness, there are other methods you can use if you don’t have one. Here's how to check for doneness using the touch method:

• Rare: The steak feels soft and squishy when pressed with your finger, similar to the feeling of the area between your thumb and index finger when your hand is relaxed.

• Medium-Rare: The steak will have a slightly firmer feel, similar to the area between your thumb and index finger when you press your hand together.

• Medium: The steak will feel firm with just a slight give, similar to the feeling between your thumb and index finger when you touch your thumb to your middle finger.

• Well Done: The steak will be very firm, similar to the feeling between your thumb and index finger when you touch your thumb to your pinky.

Resting the Steak

Once the steak reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that your steak remains tender and juicy.

Enhancing Your Steak with Sauces and Sides

While a perfectly grilled steak doesn’t need much in terms of extras, you can enhance its flavor with a variety of sauces and sides. Here are some ideas:

1. Garlic Butter: Melted butter with garlic, herbs, and a squeeze of lemon adds richness and flavor to your steak.

2. Chimichurri Sauce: A tangy, herb-based sauce made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil pairs wonderfully with grilled steak.

3. Grilled Vegetables: Serve your steak with grilled asparagus, corn on the cob, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Grilling steak is an enjoyable and rewarding experience, especially when you follow the right techniques. By selecting the best cut, prepping your steak properly, and mastering the grilling time and temperature, you can create a deliciously flavorful steak every time. With these steak tips on grill, you’re sure to impress your family and friends with your grilling skills.

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