How to Grill the Perfect Steak

Essential Tips for Grilling Steak to Perfection

Ever wanted juicy, flavorful steak, cooked exactly the way you like it? Discover the keys to grilling perfection, with the perfect temperature guide for every taste

Ok…I'm going to let you in on a little secret. Cooking the perfect steak on the grill is easy if you follow a few simple rules, and I'm going to walk you through them all. So go ahead and grab your spatula and we will get cooking. It's time to eat. We hope that you love this How to Grill the Perfect Steak post.

Prime steaks shown from left to right: skirt or machete, blade on bone, ny strip, ribeye, filet tenderloin

The Perfect Steak for Grilling

First and foremost, you have to remember that the perfect grilled steak starts with choosing the a beef cut that is suitable for grilling. As a general rule, the leaner cuts should not touch a grill, nor should the muscles of the animal that do the heavy lifting. Those cuts are better when braised low and slow in some sort of liquid. Any “how to grill the perfect steak” that recommends brisket for example should be questioned. That's a great braising cut, but a horrible grilling choice.

No. What we want are tender cuts that contain fat in the form of marbling. Marbling looks like white thin lines of fat that run through the steak. We want muscles that were worked LESS on average, not more. So what do you ask for when you are standing in front of the butcher?

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Sirloin, ribeye, striploin, porterhouse, and tenderloin are all great choices (my personal favorite is the ribeye). Of those cuts, sirloin is likely the cheapest, but it can at times be a bit chewy. Ribeye and striploin offer good marbling, and they cook up tender and flavorful. The tenderloin is actually pretty lean, but it's a muscle that doesn't see much work, so it is incredibly tender. Finally, the porterhouse offers the best of both worlds, as one side of the steak is tenderloin and the other side striploin. Now pick your steak, we are ready to cook!

What's in a Temperature

• BLUE RARE STEAKS
• Grill 1-2 minutes per side, to an internal temperature of 120
• RARE STEAKS
• Grill 3-4 minutes per side, to an internal temperature of 120 to 130 degrees
• MEDIUM RARE STEAKS
• Grill 4 to 5 minutes per side, to an internal temperature of 130 to 135 degrees
• MEDIUM STEAKS
• Grill 5 to 7 minutes per side, to an internal temperature of 135 to 140 degrees
• MEDIUM WELL STEAKS
• Grill 7 to 9 minutes per side, to an internal temperature of 140 to 150 degrees
• WELL DONE STEAKS
• Grill on MEDIUM heat for 9 to 11 minutes per side, to an internal temperature of 150 to 170 degrees

How to Grill the Perfect Steak

Ingredients

• 1 inch to 1 ½ inch thick steaks
• kosher salt
• fresh cracked black pepper
• melted butter
• glass casserole dish
• a dash or two of Worcestershire Sauce, if desired

Directions

1. Place steaks in glass casserole dish and let rest at room temperature for 1 hour.
2. Preheat grill to high.
3. Pat the steaks dry with a paper towel. Season the steaks liberally on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Brush on melted butter.
4. Place steaks on the grill and close the cover.
5. Open grill only ONCE to flip steaks according to the temperature guide below.
6. Remove steaks from grill bring inside. Let steaks rest for at least 15 minutes before carving them.

Planning to cook your steak inside? 

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How to Pick the Perfect Steak

Here are some tips on how to pick the perfect steak:

• Choose the right cut of meat. There are many different cuts of steak, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Some of the most popular cuts include:
  • Filet mignon: This is a lean, tender cut of meat that is perfect for grilling or pan-frying.
  • New York strip: This is a flavorful, juicy cut of meat that is perfect for grilling or broiling.
  • Ribeye: This is a fatty, flavorful cut of meat that is perfect for grilling or broiling.
  • T-bone: This is a combination of a New York strip and a filet mignon, making it a great choice for those who want the best of both worlds.
  • Porterhouse: This is a larger version of the T-bone steak, making it a great choice for sharing.
• Look for marbling. Marbling is the white fat that is found throughout the meat. It is what gives steak its flavor and juiciness. The more marbling, the more flavorful and juicy the steak will be.
• Choose a steak that is the right size for your needs. Steaks come in a variety of sizes, from small filet mignons to large porterhouses. Choose a steak that is the right size for the number of people you are serving and the amount of meat you want to eat.
• Ask your butcher for help. If you are not sure what type of steak to choose, ask your butcher for help. They will be able to recommend a cut of meat that is perfect for your needs.

enjoy these Tips to pick the perfect steak

• Inspect the steak before you buy it. When you are inspecting a steak, look for the following:
  • A bright red color.
  • Firm, smooth flesh.
  • No visible fat or gristle.
  • No cuts or tears in the meat.
• Store the steak properly. Once you have purchased your steak, it is important to store it properly so that it stays fresh.
  • Wrap the steak in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
  • Place the steak in the refrigerator.
  • Do not store the steak in the freezer.

See..I told you. How to Grill the Perfect Steak is simple! Let us know in the comments how your steak turns out, and if you need some grilling inspiration check out our:

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We hope that you are inspired by this How to Grill the Perfect Steak post. With these tips in mind, you can pick the perfect steak for your next meal. Happy grilling!

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