Grilling a perfect steak requires the right cut of meat, preparation and cooking steps. Pick the ribeye or filet mignon steak and look for marbling to ensure flavor and tenderness. A steak that is 1 inch thick is ideal for cooking, and use salt and pepper to season the steak generously. Clean the grill, oil the grates, preheat it for 10-15 minutes before placing the steak, flipping once after 4-5 minutes. Check the temperature and let the steak rest. Finally, cut against the grain and add preferred sauce or toppings to enjoy a delicious, flavorful, and juicy steak.
Grilled to Perfection: How to Make the Perfect Steak
Introduction
Steak is one of the most beloved dishes in the world. A perfectly cooked steak is succulent, juicy, and packed with flavor. However, cooking steak is not an easy feat. It requires time, patience, and a bit of know-how. If you want to impress your friends and family with a perfectly grilled steak, then this guide is for you.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Steak
Choosing the right steak is crucial to ensuring that you end up with a juicy and flavorful piece of meat. The two most popular cuts of steak are ribeye and filet mignon. Ribeye is a fattier cut that is packed with flavor while filet mignon is leaner but still tender.
What to Look for When Choosing a Steak
When buying a steak, look for marbling. Marbling is the small streaks of fat that run through the meat. More marbling means more flavor and tenderness.
How to Pick the Perfect Thickness
The thickness of the steak is also important. A steak that is too thin will cook too quickly and may dry out. A steak that is too thick will take longer to cook and may end up overcooked on the outside and undercooked on the inside. Aim for a steak that is around 1 inch thick.
Step 2: Preparing the Steak
Once you have chosen your steak, it’s time to prepare it for grilling.
Take the Steak Out of the Refrigerator
Take the steak out of the refrigerator at least an hour before grilling. Allowing the steak to come to room temperature enables it to cook more evenly.
Season the Steak
Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be shy with the seasoning. Steak requires a lot of salt and pepper to bring out its natural flavors.
Step 3: Preparing the Grill
While the steak is resting, prepare the grill.
Clean the Grill
Clean the grill with a wire brush to remove any leftover debris from the previous use.
Oil the Grates
Oil the grates with a high-heat oil, such as vegetable or canola oil. This helps to prevent the steak from sticking to the grates.
Heat the Grill
Preheat the grill on high heat for about 10-15 minutes before grilling the steak.
Step 4: Grilling the Steak
Now that everything is prepared, it’s time to grill the steak.
Place the Steak on the Grill
Place the steak on the grill and close the lid.
Don’t Move the Steak
Don’t move the steak once it’s on the grill. Moving the steak can disrupt the sear and prevent it from developing a nice crust.
Flip the Steak
After about 4-5 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak, flip the steak and close the lid.
Check the Temperature
Check the temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for a temperature of 135°F (57°C). For medium, aim for 145°F (63°C).
Let the Steak Rest
Once the steak has reached your desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat and prevents them from spilling out when cut.
Step 5: Serving the Steak
Now that the steak is perfectly grilled, it’s time to serve it.
Cut Against the Grain
Cut the steak against the grain, which means slicing perpendicular to the lines of muscle fiber. This makes the steak more tender.
Add a Sauce or Topping
Finally, add your favorite sauce or topping to the steak. Some popular options include chimichurri, blue cheese butter, or a simple herb butter.
Conclusion
Grilling the perfect steak is not something that can be rushed, but with a bit of patience and attention to detail, anyone can do it. Following these simple steps will ensure that you end up with a perfectly grilled steak that is juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. So, get out there, fire up the grill, and start cooking!