Grilling a steak may seem intimidating, but with a few simple steps, you can become a grill master in no time! In this easy cooking tutorial, you will learn how to grill the perfect steak every time. First, pat the meat dry to ensure a hard sear and maximum browning. Then, season the steak with kosher salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, making sure to cover it evenly. Next, heat your grill on high and lay the steak down to get that satisfying sizzle. After a few minutes, flip the steak and check for grill marks. Continue cooking for about 10 minutes (or until the internal temperature reaches 120 degrees for medium rare), and let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. The result? A beautiful, juicy, and tender steak that will make your mouth water!
Preparation
Patting the Meat Dry
Before grilling your steak, it’s important to pat it dry. This step is crucial because it helps to remove any excess moisture on the surface of the meat, allowing for a better sear and browning reaction. Grab a couple of paper towels and gently press them onto the steak, soaking up any moisture. Keep patting until no more moisture is being released, and the surface of the steak appears dry. This step may seem simple, but it plays a significant role in achieving the perfect grilled steak.
Seasoning the Steak
Once your steak is dry, it’s time to season it. Start by generously sprinkling kosher salt on all sides of the steak. The salt helps to enhance the flavor of the meat and bring out its natural juices. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the steak with salt for even seasoning.
Next, grab your black pepper grinder and grind some fresh black pepper onto the steak. The choice of how much pepper to use is up to your personal preference, but it’s recommended to cover the steak liberally for a flavorful kick.
To complete the seasoning process, sprinkle some garlic powder on the steak. The combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder creates a trio of flavors that adds depth and complexity to the steak’s taste. Again, make sure to cover the entire surface of the meat for even seasoning.
After seasoning one side, flip the steak over and repeat the process on the other side. Don’t forget to press the seasonings into the meat to ensure that they adhere properly. Rub any excess seasonings around the steak to ensure it’s completely covered. Now that your steak is properly seasoned, it’s time to move on to the grilling process.
This image is property of i.ytimg.com.
Grilling Process
Getting the Grill Hot
Before placing your steak on the grill, you need to make sure the grill is hot. Turn on the gas and set the heat to high. It’s important to get your grill as hot as possible, so crank it up all the way to ensure a hard sear on the steak. The ideal temperature is around 550°F, but this may vary depending on your grill. Once the grill is hot, you’re ready to move on to the next step.
Checking for Grill Marks
When you’re ready to start grilling, place the steak on the hot grill. You should immediately hear a sizzling sound, indicating that the grill is hot enough. If you don’t hear this sound, it means the grill is not hot enough, and you won’t achieve the desired sear.
After about 2 minutes and 30 seconds, lift the steak and check for grill marks. If the steak has a nice brown color with grill marks on it, it’s time to move on to the next step. The grill marks indicate that the steak is cooking properly and developing that delicious charred flavor.
Flipping the Steak
Once you’ve checked for grill marks, it’s time to flip the steak. Make sure to press it down firmly to ensure good contact with the grill grates. This helps to achieve an even, caramelized crust on the steak. Close the grill back up and let it cook for another 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
Taking Temperature
After the second round of grilling, it’s crucial to check the temperature of the steak. Using an instant-read thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the steak. For medium-rare doneness, aim for a temperature of around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows for a juicy and tender steak that is cooked to perfection.
Continuing to Grill
After checking the temperature, continue grilling the steak for another couple of minutes, turning it slightly to ensure even heating. During this time, keep an eye on the temperature to ensure it doesn’t exceed your desired level of doneness. Remember, the steak will carry over about 10 degrees when resting, so it’s better to slightly undercook it at this stage.
Removing from the Grill
Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, it’s time to remove it from the grill. Ideally, the internal temperature should be around 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The steak will continue to cook even after it’s taken off the grill, so this additional carryover heat will bring it to the perfect level of doneness. Let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing it.
Resting and Slicing
Letting the Steak Rest
Resting the steak is a critical step in ensuring a tender and juicy result. When the steak is taken off the grill, it needs time for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. If you slice into it immediately, all the flavorful juices will escape, resulting in a dry and less enjoyable eating experience.
Place the steak on a cutting board or a clean plate, and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. This allows the steak to retain heat while still allowing excess steam to escape. Let the steak rest for at least 10 minutes. During this time, the steak will continue to cook slightly and reach its optimal temperature.
Slicing the Steak
After the steak has rested, it’s time to slice and enjoy. Using a sharp knife, slice the steak against the grain to ensure tenderness. Cut the steak into your desired thickness, but it’s generally recommended to aim for slices that are about ½ inch thick.
As you slice through the steak, you’ll notice the perfect medium-rare doneness. The meat should be juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Each slice should have a beautiful pink center, surrounded by a caramelized crust. Serve the grilled steak immediately to enjoy it at its best.
Conclusion
Grilling the perfect steak requires a few simple steps, but the results are well worth it. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve a steak that’s cooked to perfection every time. From patting the meat dry to seasoning it generously and grilling it to the ideal temperature, each step contributes to the final delicious result.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t turn out exactly as you hoped. With time and experience, you’ll master the art of grilling the perfect steak. So, fire up your grill, grab your favorite cut of steak, and get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends. Happy grilling!