There is something special about cooking your steak on the BBQ grill. The smell of sizzling meat searing through your nose, the visually pleasing char marks, and the smoky flavor you can feel on your taste buds even before biting into the steak.
However, as tasty as a steak is, cooking it may seem like an intimidating task, especially if you are new to it. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know to become a pro at cooking steak on a BBQ grill. From choosing the right meat to serving suggestions. So, wear your chef’s hat and keep reading for amazing tips and tricks.
Meat Cuts and Steaks
When it comes to grilling steaks, choosing the right cut of meat can make all the difference. It can be time-taking to figure out and find the cut that meets your preference.
To make choosing a steak cut easier, we have prepared a list of popular cuts and their characteristics.
- Ribeye: Ribeye is considered to be one of the premium cuts. It comes from the rib section of the cow. It is known for its rich marbled texture and bold flavor. It is also relatively tender which makes it a great choice for grilling.
- New York Strip: New York meat is from the short loin of the cow and has a lean texture. It is less tender than ribeye and slightly hard to chew. New York strip will be the perfect steak for those who prefer a chewy, less soft steak.
- Filet Mignon: Filet Mignon comes from the tenderloin of the cow. It has a buttery touch to it and a mild flavor. It is one of the most tender and expensive meat cuts.
- Sirloin: Sirloin is taken from the back of the cow and has a lean texture and beefy flavor. It is an affordable option to some of the other cuts and can still turn out to be delicious when grilled properly.
- Flank Steak: Flank steak comes from the abdominal muscles of the cow and is known for its tough texture and low-fat content. However, if marinated and cooked properly, Flank steak can be a flavorful and affordable option.
When selecting your meat, keep in mind that marbling (the amount of fat within the meat) can affect the tenderness and flavor of the steak to a great extent. The more the marbling level, the more tender and flavorful the meat will be.
However, your personal preference and budget also play a main role when selecting a meat cut. Butcherbox USA rings over ten different meat suppliers providing several different steak cuts, from the well-known ribeye to cuts like chuck eye and ranch steak. Best Meat Delivery offers deals and discounts on all these meat suppliers. Special steak cuts at a lesser price? This is what dreams are made of!
How to Grill Steaks?
Now let us get into the basics of grilling steaks; this is where the magic happens.
One of the most important factors to consider is the type of grill you are using. Whether it is a gas grill or a charcoal grill, each has its own unique characteristics that will affect the taste of your steak.
Regardless of the type of grill you use, here are a few steps to follow that will help you make a steak cooked to perfection.
- Preheat your grill to high heat. This will ensure the grill grates are nice and hot enough to sear the meat.
- Season the steak with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning to enjoy its maximum flavor.
- Create some tiny holes with a fork on your steak, as this will allow better penetration of marination into the meat. Be careful with the fork to avoid rupturing the meat.
- Oil the grill grates. Use tongs to rub a paper towel dipped in oil on the grill grates. This step will prevent the steak from sticking.
- Place the steak on the grill and cook until it reaches your desired level of doneness. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your steak, but a general rule of thumb is:
Rare = 118°F to 130°F
Medium Rare = 130°F to 135°F
Medium = 135°F to 150°F
Medium Well = 150°F to 155°F
Well-done = 155° or plus
A meat thermometer will prove to be a highly helpful tool in this case.
- Wait out and let the steak rest for a few minutes before serving; as they say, good things come to those who wait. Allowing the steak to rest will make the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier, more fulfilling steak.
What Can Be Served with Grilled Steaks?
You can combine several different yummylicious sides with your steak; the options are endless. Grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, wedges, and salads are always good. You can serve the steak with compound butter such as garlic or herb butter to bring a twist to the meal. Some hot toasted garlic bread is another tasty option to serve with steak.
How Long to Grill Steaks?
The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the meat and your liking. To cook according to the temperature, you can follow the temperature guide given above.
Here is a minute-by-minute guide to grilling the steak:
- For a rare steak, grill for 2-3 minutes per side.
- For a medium-rare steak, grill for 3-4 minutes per side.
- For a medium steak, grill for 4-5 minutes per side.
- For a well-done steak, grill for 6-7 minutes per side.
The Bottom Line
With the right tools and techniques, anyone can become the master of the grill and impress the guests with mouth-watering steaks. Choosing the right cut of meat, seasoning it properly, and cooking it to the right temperature can all contribute to creating a juicy and tender steak that is bursting with flavor.
Whether you prefer a ribeye or a New York strip, grilling the steak on the BBQ grill can be a rewarding experience.
FAQS
Why put oil on the grill before grilling the steak?
Putting oil on the grill before grilling the steak will help the steak not stick to the grill during the cooking process.
Is it better to cook steak with olive oil or butter?
Butter can add a rich and creamy flavor and help to create a caramelized crust on the outside of the meat. However, butter can also burn quickly if the heat is too high. Meanwhile, olive oil has a lower smoke point than butter. It has a subtle, fruity flavor that can enhance the natural taste of the meat, and it can also keep the steak moist and tender.
