Are you ready to learn how to grill a mouthwatering steak like a master chef? Look no further, because in the video titled “HOW to GRILL a STEAK by Master Chef Robert Del Grande,” you will discover the secrets to achieving the perfect steak. With over 9.8 million views, this captivating video showcases a technique that works for various cuts of beef, from ribeye to filet mignon, and can be used with different types of grills, including wood, charcoal, gas, and even a campfire. The skilled Chef Robert Del Grande not only shares his expertise on grilling a steak, but he also answers the frequently asked question of how to grill a really good steak, providing valuable tips and tricks along the way. Make sure to check out the video, like it, subscribe to the channel, click the notification bell, and don’t forget to share it with everyone you know. And if you’re ever in Houston, Texas, Chef Robert invites you to visit his top-rated restaurant, The Annie Cafe & Bar, for a delectable dining experience.

Choosing the Right Steak

When it comes to grilling a steak, one of the first things you need to consider is the cut of beef you choose. Different cuts offer different flavors and textures, so it’s important to find the right one to suit your preferences. Some popular cuts for grilling include ribeye, filet mignon, tenderloin, and T-bone. Each of these cuts has its own unique characteristics that make it perfect for grilling.

The ribeye is known for its rich marbling, which gives it a tender and juicy texture. It has a bold, beefy flavor that many steak lovers enjoy. Filet mignon, on the other hand, is a more delicate cut with less marbling. It has a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and a more subtle flavor. If you prefer a lean cut, the tenderloin is a great choice. It is incredibly tender and has a mild, buttery flavor. The T-bone steak offers the best of both worlds, with a tenderloin on one side and a strip steak on the other. It has a rich, beefy flavor and a satisfying texture.

Consider your personal preferences when choosing a steak for grilling. Think about the level of marbling you prefer, as well as the texture and flavor profiles that appeal to you. It’s also worth considering the thickness of the steak, as this will affect the cooking time and temperature needed to achieve the desired level of doneness. Take the time to explore different cuts and experiment with what works best for your taste buds.

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Preparing the Steak

Before you start grilling, it’s important to prepare the steak properly. This will ensure that you get the most flavor and juiciness out of your meat. One crucial step in preparing the steak is letting it come to room temperature. This allows the steak to cook more evenly on the grill, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful end result. Simply take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling.

Once the steak has reached room temperature, it’s time to season it. A simple and classic seasoning for steak involves olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the steak, using your hands to rub it into the meat. This helps the seasonings adhere to the steak and also adds a touch of richness. Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper generously over both sides of the steak, ensuring that it is evenly coated. The salt will enhance the natural flavors of the beef, while the pepper adds a nice kick of heat.

Feel free to add other seasonings or marinades to your steak if desired. However, keep in mind that the high heat of grilling can cause some seasonings to burn or become bitter, so it’s best to stick with simple seasonings like salt and pepper for the best results.

Selecting the Grill

Grilling a steak is all about finding the right heat source. There are various types of grills available, each with its own advantages and unique characteristics. So, it’s important to consider what type of grill will work best for you.

Gas grills are popular for their convenience and ease of use. They offer precise temperature control, making it easier to achieve the desired level of doneness. Gas grills also heat up quickly, allowing you to start grilling in no time. They are a great option for beginners or those who want a hassle-free grilling experience.

Charcoal grills, on the other hand, are known for their smoky flavor and intense heat. They require more time and effort to set up and heat, but many grill enthusiasts swear by the flavor that charcoal imparts. Charcoal grills offer a more traditional grilling experience and can reach higher temperatures, making them ideal for achieving a perfect sear on your steak.

Wood-fired grills are another option to consider. These grills use wood as a fuel source, adding a unique smoky flavor to your steak. They can take longer to heat up and require more attention, but the flavor payoff can be well worth it. Wood-fired grills allow you to experiment with different types of wood, such as oak, hickory, or mesquite, each offering its own distinct flavor.

Consider your personal preferences, the level of control you want over the cooking process, and the flavor profile you desire when selecting the right grill for your steak grilling adventures.

Building a Wood Fire

If you’ve decided to go with a wood-fired grill, it’s important to know how to build a proper fire. This will not only provide the necessary fuel for grilling but also help in achieving an even heat distribution.

Start by selecting the right type of wood for your fire. Oak logs are a popular choice, known for their rich, smoky flavor. Oak provides a nice balance between heat and flavor and pairs well with a variety of meats, including steak. You can find oak logs at your local home improvement or garden center.

To build the fire, stack the logs in a pyramid shape, leaving enough space in the center for air circulation. This will help the fire burn more efficiently. Use newspaper or firestarter cubes to ignite the logs at the base of the pyramid. Gradually add more logs as the fire grows, allowing it to establish a steady burn.

One key aspect of grilling with a wood fire is creating an uneven heat distribution. This means that one part of the grill will be hotter than the rest. Position the logs so that the hottest part of the fire is at the back of the grill, while the front remains cooler. This setup allows you to sear the steak on the hottest part of the fire and then move it to a cooler spot for more gentle cooking.

By building a wood fire properly and creating an uneven heat distribution, you can achieve a unique depth of flavor in your grilled steak that is sure to impress.

Searing the Steak

Searing the steak is an essential step in grilling that helps to lock in the juices and create a flavorful crust on the outside of the meat. To achieve a perfect sear, it’s important to place the steak on the hottest part of the fire.

Using tongs, carefully place the seasoned steak directly over the hottest part of the fire. You should hear a sizzle as the steak makes contact with the grill. Allow the steak to cook undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping it to the other side. This will ensure a nice sear and caramelization on the surface of the meat.

The high heat of the fire will quickly brown the exterior of the steak, creating that sought-after crust. Keep an eye on the steak as it cooks, adjusting the position if necessary to avoid any flare-ups or charring. Remember, a little charring is normal and can add depth of flavor, but excessive charring can result in a burnt taste.

Once both sides of the steak are seared, you can move on to the next step of the grilling process.

Moving to a Cooler Spot

After searing the steak on the hottest part of the fire, it’s time to move it to a cooler spot on the grill to continue cooking. This step allows the steak to reach the desired level of doneness without becoming overcooked or charred.

Using tongs, gently transfer the steak to a cooler area of the grill. This can be the front part of the grill or a spot where the heat is less intense. By moving the steak to a cooler spot, you create a more gentle cooking environment, allowing the heat to penetrate the meat evenly.

The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the steak, ensuring that it reaches the desired level of doneness. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook even after it is removed from the grill, so it’s best to take it off a few degrees below the desired temperature.

The cooler spot on the grill allows for slower, more controlled cooking, resulting in a steak that is cooked to perfection. This step is crucial in achieving the desired level of doneness and ensuring that your steak is juicy and tender.

Resting the Steak

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, it’s important to allow it to rest before cutting into it. Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute and settle, resulting in a more flavorful and tender end result.

Transfer the steak to a clean cutting board or a platter and tent it loosely with aluminum foil. Let the steak rest for about 5 to 10 minutes before slicing into it. During this time, the residual heat in the meat will continue to cook it slightly, while the resting period allows the juices to settle back into the fibers of the steak.

Resting the steak also helps to ensure that the juices don’t flow out of the meat when it is cut, resulting in a drier steak. By allowing the steak to rest, you’ll be rewarded with a juicier and more flavorful eating experience.

Adjusting Cooking Time

Achieving the perfect level of doneness is a matter of personal preference. While some people enjoy a rare steak with a cool, red center, others prefer a well-done steak with no trace of pink. To get it just right, it’s important to understand how cooking time affects the doneness of the steak.

Cooking time depends on a variety of factors, including the thickness of the steak and the heat of the grill. Thicker steaks will require more time to cook, while thinner cuts will cook more quickly. Additionally, higher heat will cook the steak faster, while lower heat will result in a longer cooking time.

To determine the doneness of the steak, you can use a meat thermometer to measure its internal temperature. Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so it’s best to take it off the grill a few degrees below the desired temperature. Here are some general guidelines for different levels of doneness:

• Rare: 125°F (51°C) with a cool, red center
• Medium Rare: 135°F (57°C) with a warm, pink center
• Medium: 145°F (63°C) with a slightly pink center
• Medium Well: 150°F (66°C) with a small amount of pink
• Well Done: 160°F (71°C) with no pink, fully cooked throughout

Keep in mind that cooking times may vary depending on the grill and various other factors. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure precision and accuracy.

Avoiding Sticking

One common challenge when grilling steak is preventing it from sticking to the grill. To avoid this, it’s important to use the right amount of oil and take the necessary precautions.

Before placing the steak on the grill, make sure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled. Use a brush or a paper towel soaked in oil to lightly coat the grates with oil. This creates a non-stick surface and helps the steak release easily when it’s time to flip it.

When oiling the grates, be careful not to use too much oil, as excessive oil can cause flare-ups and charring. A light coating is sufficient to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Additionally, make sure the grill is preheated properly before adding the steak. A hot grill will help prevent sticking and aid in achieving a nice sear.

When it’s time to flip the steak, use tongs or a spatula to gently lift and turn it, being careful not to scrape or press down on the meat. This will help to maintain the integrity of the crust and prevent it from sticking to the grill.

By using the right amount of oil and taking the necessary precautions, you can enjoy a beautifully grilled steak without the frustration of it sticking to the grill.

Conclusion

Grilling a steak to perfection is an art that requires attention to detail and a good understanding of the cooking process. By considering different cuts of beef, preparing the steak properly, selecting the right grill, building a wood fire, searing the steak, moving it to a cooler spot, resting it, adjusting cooking time, and avoiding sticking, you can achieve a perfectly grilled steak every time.

Remember to experiment with different cuts of beef to find the one that suits your taste buds. Let the steak come to room temperature before grilling and season it with olive oil, salt, and pepper for optimal flavor. Choose the right grill for your needs, whether it’s gas, charcoal, or wood-fired, and understand the benefits of each type. Build a wood fire with oak logs to add smoky flavor and create an uneven heat distribution for searing and cooking the steak. Sear the steak on the hottest part of the fire to achieve a flavorful crust, then move it to a cooler spot to continue cooking until it reaches the desired level of doneness. Allow the steak to rest before cutting into it, giving the juices time to settle and ensuring a tender and juicy end result. Adjust the cooking time based on the desired level of doneness and employ techniques to prevent the steak from sticking to the grill.

With these tips and techniques in mind, you’ll be able to apply the grilling technique to any scenario and enjoy a perfectly grilled steak that will impress your friends and family. So fire up the grill, grab your favorite cut of beef, and get ready to savor the deliciousness of a perfectly grilled steak. Bon appétit!