Summary of How To Grill Steak Perfectly Every Time, According to a Chef:
With summer approaching, it’s time to start planning barbecues and grilling. Grilled steak is a classic dish, but it can be intimidating for novice chefs. Chefs Michael Senich and Max Tucci share their tips for preparing the grill, choosing the right cut of meat, and cooking the perfect steak. They also discuss the differences between propane and charcoal grills and offer recommendations based on personal preferences. The recommended temperature range for grilling steaks is 550-650°F in the hot zone. For specific levels of doneness, they provide cooking times and temperature ranges to follow.
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Grilling Steak Perfectly: Tips from Expert Chefs
As the sun starts to shine and the temperatures rise, it’s time to start breaking out the grill and cooking up some delicious steak. Grilling can be intimidating, but with a little expert advice, anyone can grill the perfect steak. We spoke with two experts, Chef Michael Senich and Max Tucci, to get their tips on how to grill steak perfectly every time.
Start with a Clean, Hot Grill and Quality Meat
The first step to grilling the perfect steak is having a clean and hot grill. Make sure to preheat your grill to high heat before placing your steak on the grates. Additionally, be sure to work with a quality cut of meat, such as a bone-in ribeye or sirloin. Look for well-marbled cuts with a good fat content, and make sure the steak is at room temperature before grilling. Don’t be afraid of adding plenty of seasoning to the steak, as much of it will fall off and stick to the grill during the cooking process.
Charcoal Grill vs. Propane Grill: Which is Better?
Both types of grills can be used to grill a delicious and perfectly cooked steak, but it really comes down to personal preference. Charcoal grills impart a smoky flavor to the meat and can get hotter than propane grills, but they require more time and expense. Propane grills are more convenient and allow for precise temperature control, but they don’t impart as much smoky flavor to the meat. Ultimately, the decision on which type of grill to use comes down to personal preference.
The Best Temperature for Grilling Steak
According to Chef Senich, 550–650°F in the hot zone is ideal for grilling steak. This temperature will achieve a great sear and beautiful grill marks. For thicker steaks, preheat the grill to around 450–500°F. For thinner steaks, grill at medium-high heat, around 375–450°F. Another tip is to use the two-zone grilling technique to achieve a perfectly charred crust while still cooking the steak to your desired level of doneness without overcooking.
Grilling Steak to the Perfect Temperature
Whether you like your steak cooked rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done, knowing the proper grilling technique will get you the perfect results every time. For a rare steak, preheat the grill to high heat and sear the steak for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping it only once to develop a crust. For medium-rare, follow the same steps but continue cooking the steak for an additional 1–2 minutes per side. For medium, cook for an additional 2–3 minutes per side. For well-done, cook for an additional 3-4 minutes per side.
In conclusion, grilling the perfect steak may seem daunting, but with the right preparation, temperature, and cooking time, anyone can achieve a perfectly cooked steak. Remember to start with a clean and hot grill, work with quality meat, and use the temperature and two-zone grilling techniques to achieve your desired level of doneness. With these tips, you’ll be grilling steak like a pro in no time.
