Grilling the perfect steak is an art form that can take a lifetime to master. Here at FlavrQ, we know a thing or two about grilling and are happy to share the best techniques we’ve picked up over the years.
Of course, there are many different types of steaks and even more ways to prepare them, so we’re not doing recipes here. This guide is simply going to provide tried-and-true techniques that should work with most cuts.
Whether you need simple grilling tips for a casual backyard barbecue or a little support as you tackle divine bovine royalty like NY Stip Steak, FlavrQ has you covered. Follow these tips for grilling steak to unleash your inner grill master!
1. Get the Meat to Room Temperature
Before you even think about tossing your steak on the grill, take it out of the fridge and let it sit for 20-30 minutes or so until it reaches room temperature.
While the hungry devil on your shoulder might be telling you to hurry up with the heat, patience is one of life’s finest seasonings and essential to cooking the steak evenly.
The problem with grilling cold steak is that you often end up with an overcooked exterior and an undercooked interior. One of the most important tips for grilling steak is that if you’re going to do it, it’s worth doing it right.
2. Season Cautiously
How to properly season a steak depends on who you ask. Whether you’re grilling steak tips, sirloin, or rib-eye, one rule is universal: salt both sides generously.
From there, you can decide if you want a boldly seasoned steak or prefer to taste the meat’s natural flavors. We recommend treading lightly with the rest of your seasonings, with pepper being the exception. Some salt, pepper, and a proper sear will work wonders.
As far as tips for grilling steak go, “less is more” is a mantra worth repeating. It might be tempting to pull out all the stops with various spices and herbs, but there’s beauty in simplicity.
Keep it simple unless you’re going for a specific flavor profile. For example, if you’re grilling steak for tacos, some cumin, cayenne, and paprika could be a nice addition. However, with classic steaks, kosher salt, cracked pepper, and maybe a little rosemary, garlic, and olive oil are really all you need.
3. Let the Heat Work Its Magic
Words of wisdom: Let it be. This might not be the most exciting of all the tips for grilling steak, but again, sometimes less is more. You don’t want to be poking and prodding your steak while it’s cooking. Leave it alone.
You should only flip your steak one time. Just like cooking steak with a pan, you’ll know it’s ready to flip when it releases itself from the grill and can be moved without sticking.
This is FlavrQ, so naturally, we’re going to discuss tips for gas grilling! With gas grills, you have a lot of control over your heat levels, so use that to your advantage. Cook your steaks on the highest heat level so you can really sear in the flavor and juiciness.
4. Use a Meat Thermometer
This is another one of those tips for grilling steak that may cause a family feud. When it comes to determining when a steak is ready to pull, some swear by the touch method. If that works for you, fantastic. That said, a thermometer gives you hard data.
How thoroughly a steak is cooked is a matter of preference. When in doubt, go with medium-rare.
- Bleu: 110°F
- Rare: 120–130°F
- Medium-Rare: 130–135°F
- Medium: 135–145°F
- Medium-Well: 145–155°F
- Well-Done: 155°F+
5. Let the Steak Rest
It’s not going to be easy, but you’re going to need to wait a little bit longer. Remember what we said about patience?
This is going to be one of the most difficult tips for grilling steak to master, but it’s crucial. Before cutting or serving your steaks, let them sit on the cutting board or plate for 5-10 minutes with a loose tent of tin foil covering them.
Yes, it’s a struggle, but the results are worth the wait. That resting period lets everything settle. The juices get redistributed throughout the meat, so every bite is juicy, packed with bold flavor, and melt-in-your-mouth tender.
6. Aim for a Charcoal-Grilled Flavor
You probably came here looking for gas grilling tips, and now we’re telling you to get charcoal-grilled flavor?! Yes, it’s true. There’s no denying that charcoal grills deliver better flavor, but you don’t have to sacrifice taste for convenience.
Out of all the tips for grilling steak out there, this is by far the most game-changing. To achieve that rich charcoal-grilled flavor on your gas grill, get the FlavrQ Grilling System!
Using the FlavrQ Grid and our patented Charcoal Chips™ will give you a much-needed flavor boost, but that’s not all. Our proprietary system lets your gas grill get 100°+ hotter, so you can sear and seal your steaks 50% faster.
Don’t underestimate the power of a proper sear! It locks in rich flavor and juices for that elusive melt-in-your-mouth texture that separates a good steak from a great one. And your steaks will have appetizing, photo-worthy flash marks!
Grill Like the Pros
These tips for grilling steak will get you on the road, but the journey is just beginning. In order to cook the kind of steaks that people talk about with reverence at every backyard BBQ, you need the right equipment.
The simple truth is that gas grills are great machines, but flavor isn’t their strongest feature. That’s where we come in. If you’re ready to teach your old grill some new tricks, the FlavrQ Starter Kit will put you on the path to red meat glory.
For more gas grilling tips and other grill-centric content, check out our BBQ blog. Now that you have some pro tips for grilling steak up your sleeve (or in your apron pocket), it’s time to enjoy the juiciest and tastiest food at home. Boost your Q with FlavrQ’s gas grill accessories!