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

 

Grilling a steak is one of those culinary experiences that everyone should master. There’s something magical about the combination of a sizzling hot grill, a perfectly seasoned steak, and the smoky aroma that fills the air. Whether you’re an experienced griller or a first-timer, mastering steak tips on the grill can help you take your grilling game to the next level.

Grilled steak is a crowd-pleaser for a reason—it’s juicy, flavorful, and satisfying. However, achieving the perfect grilled steak can be a bit tricky. The good news is that with the right techniques, equipment, and a few steak tips on grill, you can cook a steak that rivals any steakhouse. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to grill the perfect steak, from selecting the right cut of meat to achieving the ideal level of doneness.

1. Choosing the Right Cut of Steak

Before you even fire up the grill, the first step in grilling a perfect steak is choosing the right cut of meat. Not all steaks are created equal, and some cuts are better suited for grilling than others. A good grilled steak starts with the right cut of beef.

Here are some of the best cuts of steak for grilling:

Ribeye Steak

Ribeye steak is often considered one of the best cuts for grilling. This cut is marbled with fat, which gives it a rich flavor and makes it incredibly tender. When grilled, the fat melts into the meat, creating a juicy and flavorful steak. If you love a well-seasoned, flavorful steak with a juicy texture, ribeye is an excellent choice.

New York Strip

Also known as a strip steak or sirloin strip, the New York strip is another popular cut for grilling. This steak has a firm texture and robust flavor, with just enough fat to keep it juicy. It’s less fatty than a ribeye but still flavorful, making it an ideal option for those who enjoy a meaty, savory steak.

Filet Mignon

Filet mignon is known for its tenderness, as it comes from the tenderloin section of the cow. It’s the most tender cut of steak and has a delicate, mild flavor. While it’s not as juicy or flavorful as ribeye, it’s perfect for those who prefer a tender, lean steak. If you’re looking for a luxurious, melt-in-your-mouth experience, filet mignon is the way to go.

T-Bone and Porterhouse

Both T-bone and porterhouse steaks are a great choice for grilling because they offer a combination of two cuts: the tenderloin and the strip steak. These steaks are ideal for grilling because they are thick, and grilling them gives you the best of both worlds—a tender and flavorful bite.

Skirt and Flank Steak

If you love bold beefy flavor, skirt and flank steaks are excellent choices. These cuts are thin and lean, so they benefit from marinating before grilling. Skirt and flank steaks are best when cooked over high heat for a short period of time, which allows you to achieve a good sear while keeping the inside tender. These cuts are perfect for fajitas or stir-fries.

2. Seasoning Your Steak

While a good steak doesn’t require much in the way of seasoning, the right amount of seasoning is key to bringing out the natural flavors of the meat. Simple seasoning with salt and pepper can go a long way, but if you prefer more flavor, you can experiment with additional seasonings, marinades, or spice rubs.

Simple Salt and Pepper

The simplest and most effective way to season your steak is with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper. These two ingredients bring out the natural flavors of the meat and create a savory crust when grilled. Be sure to season both sides of the steak generously.

Marinades

If you want to add more complexity to your steak, a marinade can enhance the flavor. Marinades typically contain oil, acid (like vinegar or citrus juice), and seasonings. Let your steak marinate for at least 30 minutes to an hour, or even overnight for maximum flavor.

Dry Rubs

A dry rub is a mixture of spices that’s rubbed directly onto the surface of the steak. Popular dry rub ingredients include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and various herbs. The rub forms a flavorful crust on the steak during grilling.

3. Preheating the Grill

Preheating your grill is an essential step to getting that perfect sear on your steak. A hot grill ensures that the steak cooks evenly and develops that signature grill mark pattern. Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, always give it time to preheat.

For a gas grill, set the temperature to medium-high (around 450°F to 500°F). If you’re using a charcoal grill, wait for the coals to burn down to white ash and arrange them evenly for direct heat. You want the grill to be hot but not so hot that the steak will burn before cooking through.

4. Grilling the Steak

Now comes the fun part—grilling the steak. Here are some key tips for grilling steak on the grill:

Direct Heat Cooking

When grilling steaks, you’ll want to cook them over direct heat, especially for thinner cuts like ribeye, strip, and filet mignon. The direct heat allows the outside of the steak to sear quickly, locking in the juices while creating a delicious crust.

Place the steak directly on the grill grates, and avoid overcrowding the grill. If you’re grilling multiple steaks, make sure there’s enough space between them to allow heat to circulate.

Use Tongs to Flip the Steak

It’s important to flip your steak only once during grilling to ensure an even sear. Use tongs to flip the steak; avoid using a fork, as piercing the steak will release the flavorful juices. Flip the steak after about 3-4 minutes for a medium-rare steak, or longer if you want a well-done steak.

Grill Time and Temperature

The grilling time will vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your desired doneness. Here’s a general guide for grilling times for a 1-inch thick steak:

• Rare (120°F to 125°F): 3-4 minutes per side

• Medium-Rare (130°F to 135°F): 4-5 minutes per side

• Medium (140°F to 145°F): 5-6 minutes per side

• Medium-Well (150°F to 155°F): 6-7 minutes per side

• Well-Done (160°F and above): 7-8 minutes per side

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your steak. Remember that the steak will continue to cook for a few minutes after removing it from the grill, so pull it off the heat just before it reaches your desired doneness.

5. Let the Steak Rest

After grilling, let your steak rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more flavorful and juicy. Resting your steak is one of the most important steak tips on grill, as it ensures that the steak doesn’t lose all its juices when you cut into it.

6. Serving Your Grilled Steak

Once your steak has rested, it’s time to serve! You can slice your steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. For an extra touch, consider topping your steak with compound butter or a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Compound butter, made with butter, garlic, herbs, and other flavorings, melts beautifully over the hot steak and adds richness.

Pair your steak with classic sides like grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. A nice glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, pairs beautifully with grilled steak.

Conclusion

Grilling the perfect steak is a combination of choosing the right cut, seasoning it properly, and using the correct grilling technique. With these steak tips on grill, you’ll be well on your way to grilling restaurant-quality steaks in your own backyard. Whether you prefer your steak rare, medium, or well done, following these tips will ensure a juicy, flavorful result every time.

For more grilling tips, delicious recipes, and helpful cooking advice, check out Scrappy Geek. Scrappy Geek provides fantastic resources on grilling, cooking, and a variety of other culinary topics, making it your go-to source for kitchen expertise.

Happy grilling! Enjoy your perfect steak!