6 Steps to the Perfect Grilled Steak
Posted April 26, 2008 – 12:13 pm in: How To
We’ve been experiencing a lot of late April snow and cold, but the BBQ has already been put to use. There’s nothing quite like a juicy, grilled-to-perfection steak. If you’re having trouble getting your steaks to look and taste like those at your favourite steakhouse, here are 6 simple steps to a perfect grilled steak:
- Choose the right steak. Just because the steak is labelled ”good for grilling” doesn’t mean it is. You don’t want lean meat. You want a steak that has marbling throughout. The best cuts are: fillet (mignon), top loin (rib eye)—the same cuts you love in a restaurant.
- Pre-heat the grill. A gas grill should be heated to high on one side and low on the other. If you are using charcoal, spread 2/3 of the briquettes on one side and 1/3 on the other. You will have a hot side for searing the meat and a “cool” side for cooking the meat.
- Season the meat. Rub both sides of the steak with oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear the steak. Start the meat on the hot side of the grill. Cook on each side for three minutes to get a nice grilled meat colour you love.
- Move steak to cooler side. Here’s where you will bring the meat to the desired doneness: rare, medium-rare, etc. Check doneness by pressing a steak in the centre, says Steven Raichlen, author of The Barbecue! Bible. Then use your thumb, fingers, and the varying firmness of the base of your thumb as your guide. (See below)
- Let the steak rest. When the steak is done, take if off the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to spread back out so that you’ll have a juicy steak with a nice crust.