Charcoal Or Gas Grill For Steak
Charcoal or wood-fired grills are always the best choice for grilling steaks because of the additional flavor and charring they provide. If you have a charcoal grill, you also can add different kinds of wood to the fire to contribute smokiness and enhance the overall flavor of the meat.
Dont worryyou can still cook a great steak on a gas grill. If using gas, open the lid, turn on the gas, and light the grill. Dont light the grill with the lid closed gas can build up inside the grill and create an explosion.
Searing Steak Equals Flavor
A rule of thumb that separates professional chefs from many home cooks is that chefs sear their steaks for more time. This is because professionals understand that you can lock in flavors and aromas on the surface of steak by searing it, so they let their steaks sizzle over direct heat until the surfaces are dark, dark brown. Dont believe that searing locks in the juices. Its a myth. But searing sure does make a steak a whole lot tastier.
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How Do I Make My Steak Sear Crispy
There are a few things you can do to make your steak sear crispy. One is to place it in a hot skillet over high heat and cook it until browned. Another is to use GrillGrates, which help create even and crispy surfaces on your steak. And finally, you can also sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
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Introduction: Cooking The Perfect Steak On Charcoal Grill
Steaks are anything but cheap. So when I decide that I want to have one, I would like it to be prepared perfectly. When it comes to grilling steaks there are only two real options for doing it, one is using a propane grill and the other is to use a charcoal grill. Propane is a good option but if you dont have it, charcoal is great for people who dont want to spend that much money or for tailgating. Although I prefer to use charcoal grills because it will give your steak a more smoky taste to it that you cant get from a propane grill.
In this Instructable I will give you advice and instructions on how to set up, season, and grill the perfect steaks. I will do this in couple of steps in what took me years of experience to get.
The Best Charcoal Grilled Steak
This post is sponsored by Home Depot. All text and opinions are my own.
Theres nothing like a beautiful summer day, your family enjoying the outdoors with you and firing up your grill for the ultimate dinner!
What makes it even better is when that dinner includes these delicious Charcoal Grilled Steaks.
Theres is nothing better than a steak thats piping hot off of a charcoal grill.
The flavor is absolutely amazing!
If you are new to grilling a steak on a charcoal grill dont worry!
We will give you the ultimate guide to getting a delicious, juicy steak off your charcoal grill.
It might take a little extra work compared to a gas grill, but once you taste the difference you wont mind the extra few minutes of work!
Trust us, its totally worth it!
One of our favorite tricks to getting the ultimate charcoal grilled steak is using our favorite Kingsford Hardwood Charocal Briquettes found at Home Depot!
We love them because the are made of all natural hardwood and create low amounts of ash during use.
Plus, they create a high heat which is perfect for searing these delicious steaks!
You can use them on your charcoal grill, smoker or ceramic grill.
Did I mention that they give your steaks the ultimate smoky flavor which is the secret of why our steaks taste better than anyones!
Shhhh, dont tell anyone our secret oh wait, maybe you should!
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Preparing For The Grill
One thing that most steaks share is that they need a touch of planning before you begin. Your barbecue will guarantee that its at the legitimate temperature and prepared to concoct the ideal steak.
To begin with, ensure your steak cuts are at room temperature before you place them on the barbecue. Doing as such will assist you with getting an all the more even cook without burning the outside.
Turn the barbecue on high heat and permit it to heat up before adding your steaks to give it the mind-boggling burn youre after.
Can I Use A Basic Charcoal Grill To Cook Steak
You dont need a fancy grill to cook up a good steak. As long as you have a digital thermometer on hand, you can easily achieve that crispy crust all grilling enthusiasts strive for. However, with some models, you may need to keep a closer eye on your steak, especially if youre new to grilling. To learn more about charcoal grills and the features to look for, read our portable charcoal grill buyers guide.
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Conquer Your Next Cookout With These Tips On Everything You Need To Know About Grilling The Perfect Steakfrom Choosing The Right Cut To Testing For Doneness
Grilling steak is an art and a science. Depending on the type of steak you purchase, you’ll have to learn the proper way to grill them. You can’t treat a filet mignon like a flank steak, after all. In order to get the juiciest grilled steak results, we’ll go over the step-by-step process for the popular cuts using both charcoal grills and gas grills. We also provide times for how long to grill steak so you can achieve the perfect desired internal temperature. The perfect grilled steak starts with high-quality meatand the right cut. Buy the best beef you can afford from a vendor you trust, and study up on our complete guide for how to select steaks before you shop.
These are the best steaks for grilling:
- Chuck: Most cuts in this section are considered a bit too tough for grilling. One exception: flat iron steak.
- Rib: This section offers tender, full-flavor cuts, such as ribeye and prime rib steaks.
- Short loin: Some of the most tender steaks for grilling come from the short loin, including porterhouse, T-bone, filet mignon, and top loin steaks.
- Flank: This is the belly area, which produces flank, skirt, and hanger steaks. For the best results while grilling steaks from this section, tenderize before grilling.
How Long To Grill Ribeye For Medium Rare And Medium Doneness
Rib eye steaks are usually between 1 ¼ and 1 ½-inch thick, so theyll typically need more time on the grill than a New York Strip, for example.
Rib eye steaks should be cooked to 130 degrees for medium-rare doneness, which typically takes about 5 minutes on each side. For medium doneness, cook a grilled ribeye steak to 140 degrees for about 7 to 10 minutes on each side.
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Perfect Grill Temperature For Steak
The perfect grill temperature when cooking your steaks is between 230-260°C. But how exactly will you be able to tell when your steak is done?
Using a tool such as the Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub, can help you to get it right every time. The heat-resistant meat probe monitors the steaks core temperature, and dedicated cook programmes guide you through the process step-by-step, eliminating all guesswork.
Some people like their steak seared on the outside and dark red on the inside, while others prefer a uniform brown throughout, which means that the ideal steak is ultimately a matter of personal preference.
No matter if you prefer your steak blue, well done, or somewhere in between, the Weber Connect Smart Grilling Hub will help you achieve the perfect steak every time.
Below are the temperatures that the centre of the meat needs to be between in order to achieve your desired steak:
Serve Your Perfect Grilled Steak
Let the steaks rest 5 minutes after grilling and before cutting. This allows the juices to redistribute and helps keep them from escaping the meat as soon as it is cut .
A perfectly grilled steak needs no embellishment, but you can dress it up if you want with a bit of herbed butter, purchased steak sauce, or homemade sauce. Serve steaks with steak knives or other knives that are sharp enough to easily cut through the meat without tearing it.
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Grilling Problems To Look Out For
Lets go through one more hypothetical grilling problem. Lets say Mrs. Grilling 24×7 finds a fantastic sale on porterhouses at the local grocery store but they are ½ inch thick steaks.
She means well and by no means will I force her to return the steaks. Leave the steaks in the fridge right up until they are ready to be grilled.
I would have a high heat and I would grill the steaks for 3-3-0-0. Yup, I would toss out the indirect cooking times.
I most certainly would keep the 3 minutes of direct heat for each side because the nice char would still be necessary.
However, the steak is much thinner so the cooking time will be reduced dramatically.
Ready To Hit The Grill
If this all still feels new to you, I encourage you to head over to Grilling 101, a compilation of tips & tricks for all of the grilling basics everything from how to light your grill to how to clean your grill.
All this talk about grilling have you feelin ready to hit the grill? Me too! Be sure to check out this post for my 15 go-to marinades you need this grilling season. At our house, a good marinade is at the heart of grilling season. Im positive these marinades will be on repeat at your house this summer! For even more grilled goodness, be sure to check out all of our Grilling & Smoking recipes.
& lastly! Be sure to give @playswellwithbutter a follow on Ill be teaching you how to grill up some goodness all summer long, & we have so much fun on Instagram!
Want more grilling tips & recipes?
Youre in the right place! Were sharing exclusive grilling tips, tricks, & sneak peeks to our email friends. Plus, youll be the first to know about all of PWWBs new grilling recipes all summer long.
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How Long Should You Grill A 1 Inch Thick Steak On Each Side
Grill steak on each side for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.Grill your 1 inch thick steak on each side for about 12 to 16 minutes, or until the steak is cooked through and the fat is clear.
The longer you grill the steak, the less rare it will be.Grill steak for 1-2 hours per side on each side, or until internal temperature reaches a safe level.
Should I Oil Steak Before Salt
Salt can make or break a steak. Some people swear by it, while others dont have any problems with salt but still love their steak cooked well.
If youre thinking about cooking steak, its a good idea to oil it first. Not only is it healthier for the meat, but your steak will taste better and be less likely to stick to the pan.There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on the individuals personal opinion and diet.
Some individuals believe that oiling steak before salt can help preserve its taste and texture, while others find that it does not have a significant impact on their cooking process. Ultimately, the decision whether or not to oil steak before salt will come down to personal preference.
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Searing A Steak With A Pellet Or Charcoal Grill
If you are lucky enough to own a gas, charcoal and pellet grill, I strongly recommend doing your steak on the gas grill. Gas grills can create the heat needed for a proper sear. I personally have a Traeger Ironwood 650 which can be cranked up to 500F but it just doesnt provide the high heat needed for a good sear. My Broil King Regal S590 can get really hot, fast and sear steak amazingly. It is my go to.
Charcoal grills can create the searing heat needed for steaks if you have the right tools. I use a charcoal Vortex to get searing temps on my Weber Kettle. You simply put the charcoal into the Vortex and the heat will be focused at the center of the grill grates. This creates high searing heat and works perfect for steak.
Internal Temp Of Steak
To check the internal temp of steak use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak. Here are the temperature ranges to look for :
- Rare : 120 130 degrees
- Medium-Rare : 130 140 degrees
- Medium : 140 145 degrees
- Medium-Well : 145 155 degrees
- Well-Done : 160 degrees
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How To Grill Skirt Steak
The most important part of serving skirt steak actually comes after grilling steak. Always cut skirt cuts thinly and against the grain for buttery, tender results.
- Season steak with salt and black pepper, and, if desired, marinate.
- For a charcoal grill: Grill steak on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals about 4 minutes or until steak is lightly charred, turning once halfway through grilling.
- For a gas grill: Preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place steak on grill rack over heat. Cover and grill as directed above.
- Remove steak from grill. Cover with foil and let stand 10 minutes. Slice steak against the grain and serve.
How To Know When Steak Is Done
The time needed to cook a steak varies depending on its thickness, and how you like it. Dont be tempted to cut into a steak to see if its done. This allows the precious juices to escape, making the meat tough. Instead, press the centre of the steak with the back of your tongs if its medium the meat will spring back. Use this guide for cooking times and to tell when its ready.
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Should I Use Oil Or Butter For Steak
There are a few factors to consider before making this decision. First, its important to realize that oiling your steak can increase the risk of food poisoning.
Second, salt can also cause problems with meat texture and flavor. Finally, its important to be aware of potential health risks associated with cooking over high heat, such as cancer and liver damage.
Tips For The Perfect Grilled Steak
Here are some simple tips to ensure you serve a steakhouse quality steak, every time.
Use a dry brine
Dry brining is the process of applying salt to meat prior to cooking it.
When you salt the exterior of your meat, the salt draws moisture out of the meat that then dissolves the salt, before finally being reabsorbed back into the meat. This gives us an ultimately juicier, more flavorful steak.
You can use just salt, or use a rub that contains salt.
Use a meat thermometer
I cant say this enough. Use a quality digital instant-read thermometer. I have a Thermapen, and I cant recommend it enough.
Check your steak while you are cooking it to make sure you know when it is almost done and to ensure you do not overcook it.
Use GrillGrates
GrillGrates are an aftermarket product that comes in various sizes to fit different grills that will give you the best sear marks of your life.
Made of anodized aluminum, GrillGrates increase the grill surface temp, reduce flare-ups, and eliminates hot spots on your grill.
In fact, GrillGrates are used by almost every competitor on the Steak Cookoff Association competition circuit.
They are by no means necessary, but if you are looking for
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How To Grill Steaks On A Charcoal Grill
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Although meat is one of the primitive staple foods, its more delicious recipes have only been developed in the last couple of years. For example, lets take steaks they are arguably one of the most universally loved red meat dishes of our times but they only caught on in the 20th century.
Today, steaks are cooked in many different ways. You can fry, broil, bake, roast, and grill them. But many would agree that the best way to prepare a fine cut of steak is to grill it on red and white-hot coals. The smoky flavor that a charcoal grill brings to a steak is irreplaceable.
Thickness Of The Steak
With regards to steak, the thicker it is the better. A slender steak will cook fast and you will not have the option to give it an appropriate burn without gambling it being exaggerated within.
A steak that is no less than 1 thick permits you to stay away from that.
For thick steaks, the converse burn strategy is a far superior method for cooking.
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Dont Cook Your Steaks Straight From The Fridge
Prentiss advises taking your steak out from the fridge about one hour before you’re going to cook it, and setting it on a roasting rack.
Sharp prefers to season his steaks a couple of hours in advance, and then agrees about letting them come to room temperature before cooking. There’s an exception, however: “If is on the thinner side,” he says, “starting it cold will give a buffer from overcooking the center.”
While chefs differ in their recommendations for length of time at room temperature before cooking, chef Dinesh Jayawardena advises not squeezing the time below a half hour.
