Fire Up the Flavor: Tips for Grilling the Perfect Steak
Few things say summer quite like the sizzle of a steak hitting a hot grill. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, planning a date night or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-worthy dinner at home, mastering the perfect steak is easier than you think.
Ready to become the grill master everyone talks about? Follow these tips and get ready to impress.
Take the Chill Off
Let your steak sit at room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before grilling.
This helps the meat cook more evenly and creates a better sear. Just before seasoning, use paper towels to pat both sides completely dry. Even if they have been sitting out, some moisture will collect on the surface of the meat.
Keep the Seasoning Simple
When you have a quality steak, less is often more. A generous sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper is often all a great steak needs. If you’d like, use a quick easy marinade or brush lightly with olive oil before seasoning and add a little garlic powder, smoked paprika or your favorite steak seasoning/rub.
Heat Things Up
Your grill should be hot – really hot. Aim for 450-500°F before the steak even touches the grates. A properly preheated grill creates that irresistible crust while searing in the juices.
Don’t forget to clean and lightly oil the grates first.
Resist the urge to keep flipping. One flip is usually all it takes. Let the steak develop a beautiful crust before turning it over. Constant flipping prevents that deep, flavorful sear that everyone loves.
Trust the Thermometer
The secret to perfectly cooked steak isn’t guesswork - it's a meat thermometer.
- Rare: 120-125℉
- Medium Rare: 130-135℉
- Medium: 140-145℉
- Medium Well: 150-155℉
- Well Done: 160℉+
Remember your steak will continue cooking another few degrees after it’s removed from the grill.
Don't Skip the Rest
This might be the hardest part. After grilling,
let your steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
This gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping every bite tender, juicy and full of flavor.
Finish with Flavor
Take your steak from backyard barbecue to steakhouse worthy with one simple finishing touch.
Try some of the following:
- Compound butter
- Chimichurri sauce
- Blue cheese crumbles
- Sautéဧd mushrooms and onions
- Flaky sea salt
Sometimes the smallest finishing touch makes the biggest difference.
Steak Your Claim
Ready to “steak” your claim as the grill master? Fire up the flames and get ready for rave reviews – juicy ribeyes, tender filets, sizzling t-bones and all the bold, mouthwatering flavors that make steak night so irresistible. No reservations required!
Grilled Ribeye with Arugula, Radicchio and Pear Salad
In this recipe from Certified Angus Beef®, a juicy grilled ribeye meets a vibrant salad of peppery arugula, and charred pear and radicchio.
Grilled Cajun Beef Steaks
Farm Fresh turns up the heat with these grilled Cajun strip steaks, seasoned with a bold blend of spices and grilled to juicy perfection for big, smoky flavor.
Grilled Filet and Shrimp with Bacon-Jalapeño Butter or Chili-Garlic Basil Butter
Juicy grilled filet and shrimp pair perfectly with two crave-worthy compound butters in this delicious recipe courtesy of Price Chopper Market 32 Ready Magazine.
Grilled Brazilian Steak Kabobs
Global flavor meets grill in this Brazilian-inspired steak skewers recipe from McCormick®. Grill Mates® Brazilian Steak House Marinade is the key to transforming sirloin steak into one epic meal.
T-Bone in Bourbon Marinade
A bold bourbon marinade takes this juicy grilled T-bone to the next level, delivering irresistible smoky-sweet flavor in every bite.
Pair It with Summer Favorites
Complete your cookout with grilled corn, baked potatoes, pasta salad, grilled vegetables or a crisp garden salad from our friends at Farm Fresh. Add an ice-cold lemonade, sweet tea, or a nice Cabernet Sauvignon and dinner is served.
Grilled Corn-on-the-Cob
Sweet, smoky and perfectly charred, grilled corn is the ideal sidekick for a juicy grilled steak.
Caprese Pasta Salad
Fresh, flavorful and perfect for summer, this pasta salad with juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella and fresh basil is the ideal accompaniment to steak.
Fire-Roasted Balsamic Vegetables
Caramelized to perfection, these grilled veggies are finished with a splash of balsamic vinegar for a colorful, flavor-packed side that pairs beautifully with grilled steak.
Crisp Wedge Salad
Cool, crisp and loaded with flavor, this classic wedge salad is the perfect fresh complement to a sizzling grilled steak.
