Can’t Wait to Fire Up the BBQ Grill? Start with the Perfect Steak!
Spring is here and all you diehard grill masters can finally break out the BBQ grill! We can’t think of a better way to kick off grilling season than with the perfect steak. While some of you may have it down to a fine art, for many, grilling the perfect steak is almost as elusive as finding a unicorn – but it doesn’t have to be. There are more than a few tips and techniques that can help you grill the perfect steak every time.
Take the Chill Off
One of the first steps to grilling the perfect steak is to let it warm up before throwing it on the BBQ grill. This will help the steak to cook more evenly. The perfectly grilled steak should be brown and slightly charred on the outside while warm and juicy on the inside. If the meat goes on the grill right out of the refrigerator, it will end up being overcooked and dry by the time the center is properly done. It is best to let your steaks stand at room temperature for at least 20 to 30 minutes before putting them on the grill. They will cook quicker and stay juicer.
Remember the Salt
While your steaks are warming up is the perfect time to salt them. Lightly salt both sides of the meat, 20 to 30 minutes before grilling. This will help the meat retain its moisture and keep it juicy. The sugars and proteins in the moisture will combine with the salt and any other seasonings you use when it hits the hot grill, creating a tasty crust on the steak. Some people prefer to use kosher salt as the larger granules can create a better, more textured crust.
Fresh Cracked Pepper
Of course, when it comes to seasoning, salt and pepper go hand in hand. While fresh ground pepper will give your steaks a bit of spice, freshly cracked pepper will also add a bit of crunch. Crack the pepper by putting it in a resealable plastic bag and crushing it with a heavy frying pan. This will create a variety of pieces from fine to course, adding flavor and texture of your steaks.
Sear in the Flavor
It is a grilling myth that searing locks in the meat’s juices but it does significantly add to the flavor. Searing creates a multitude of aromas and flavors on the surface of steak, so let your steaks sizzle on the BBQ grill over direct heat until the outside is brown.
Sear and Slide
Your average steak will cook perfectly over direct heat. If you’re putting thicker cuts on the BBQ grill, you’ll want to slide them off to the side once they have been nicely browned on both sides. Continue cooking them over indirect heat. This will allow the inside to be properly done without burning the outside to a crisp.
Don’t Walk Away
Grilling the perfect steak takes a bit of commitment. One of the most important tips for grilling a steak is removing it from the heat before it loses too much moisture.There is a very short window, typically just a minute or two when a steak goes from medium rare to medium to medium well. Taking advantage of that window requires that you stay put. Don’t walk away from the BBQ grill or before you know it, your perfect steak could be too well done.
Be Patient
It seems like a good idea, taking your steak from the grill right to the plate, but actually, a little patience can pay off big here. Let the meat rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into it. If you slice a steak straight off the grill, you will see a flood of juice escape onto your plate. If you wait you will see significantly less escape as the meat has had time to absorb those juices. This is the finishing touch to grilling the perfect steak.
The Perfect BBQ Grill
There is one more element to grilling the perfect steak. A great BBQ grill! It doesn’t matter if you’re a novice or a grill master, the expert staff at Jersey Coast Appliance can help you choose the perfect BBQ grill for your needs. We proudly carry quality grills manufactured by Weber, DCS, and Lynx and are an authorized parts depot for Weber. Stop into one of our two locations and gear up for grilling season now.
