Summertime is here, and that means it’s grilling season. If you’re grilling steak on a budget, it can be a bit nerve-wracking. Steaks are typically pricey, so you want to make sure you cook them perfectly, whether you’re indoors or outdoors. To avoid ending up with an underseasoned, tough piece of meat, here are some common mistakes to steer clear of:
1. Not Preheating the Grill: Flames may be coming from the burners or charcoal, but make sure to wait 10-20 minutes (or longer for charcoal) after lighting up to ensure the grill grate is hot enough. This prevents your steak from sticking and ensures a nice sear.
2. Using Too Much Heat: After preheating, adjust the temperature as needed. Avoid cooking thick steaks directly over high heat as it may char the outside while leaving the inside raw. Move the steak to a cooler spot on the grill to cook it more evenly.
3. Using Lighter Fluid: Opt for a chimney starter instead of lighter fluid to avoid your steak tasting like gasoline due to the fluid’s strong odor.
4. Choosing the Cheapest Steak: Look for steaks with good fat marbling like ribeyes or New York strips for a juicy and flavorful result. Consider USDA Prime or Choice grades for better quality over Select, which tends to be dry.
5. Not Patting the Steak Dry: Before grilling, ensure the steak’s surface is dry for a good sear. Pat it dry with a paper towel to prevent steaming on the grill.
6. Cooking It Too Long: Account for carryover cooking when grilling a steak. Remove it from the heat a bit before your desired doneness as the temperature will continue to rise off the grill.
7. Not Seasoning It Enough: Steaks can handle a generous amount of seasoning, so don’t skimp on salt and pepper. The meat-to-surface ratio means it can take more seasoning than you might think.
Grilling the perfect steak doesn’t have to be stressful if you avoid these common pitfalls.
When seasoning your beef, don’t shy away from using a generous amount of salt, especially if you want it to have the flavor of a steakhouse. Avoid poking the meat with forks that can cause the juices to escape on the grill instead of staying inside the beef. Use tongs or a spatula to handle the steak and refrain from slicing into it to check for doneness. Instead, rely on a meat thermometer to ensure that your steak is cooked to your liking without overcooking it. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute before cutting into it. This will help prevent the juices from spilling out onto the cutting board.
