How to Grill the Best Steaks

The best steak cookout is a science and an art alike; it can take years to master even the finest chefs, so for the adventurous chef it can be a great challenge. To help you become the steak expert in your backyard, we asked some of our nation’s top chefs to share their secrets on how to grill the perfect steaks. Here’s what we learned. The secret is to use temperature, not technique to get that perfect steak.

When grilling your steak, make sure you know the grilling technique. For example, if you’re grilling beef, use low heat for about 30 minutes before flipping. If you’re grilling chicken, stick with medium-high heat. Never ever leave the grill on too long, as this can cause the steak to overcook and get mushy. Keep the meat moist by dipping it in a seasoned marinade (balsamic vinegar or lemon juice is a great one), or by placing it under a broiler for a few minutes. If you’re grilling fish, use low heat and cook to almost doneness (you can check the texture of the fish by inserting a toothpick into it). Steak is much more forgiving when it comes to cooking methods, so don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.

When cooking a steak, remember to keep it at the same temperature for the entire grilling process. Don’t switch to a different temperature halfway through. Don’t also forget about temperature fluctuations. You can cook a steak perfectly, but if you cook it in the wrong temperature, the steak may not come out as juicy and tender as it was when you first took it out of the fridge. For example, if you start cooking it on the high side, the steak may overcook in a few minutes, so it may be better off staying on medium-high heat until the first half of the steak is completely done. When grilling a steak using a thermometer, make sure the steak reaches an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees F.

The next thing to remember when grilling a steak is that you need to use the right tools for the job. To get the best results, you’ll need the best spatula, a heavy-duty spatula, a non-stick coated steel fork, and a good thermometer to monitor the cooking process. {if you don’t already have one. Also, try to use one that’s easy to clean and doesn’t break easily, like a spatula with metal blades, especially when using them for flipping. on the steak. Most steaks are going to have a tendency to stick to the sides, so make sure your spatula doesn’t break while flipping.

Once you’ve got the tools ready, start preparing the steak. Take a piece of aluminum foil and wrap it around the outside of the steak while you’re preparing the steak. This will keep the outside from getting burned. Also, lay some paper towels on top of the aluminum and wrap it around the steak as well, for added protection. You may also want to spray the foil with cooking spray before laying it over the steak and lay it on a tray or plate for extra protection.

When preparing the steak, do it slowly, as when flipping on the grill it can cause the steak to splinter. You can add onions, garlic, spices, salt or anything else you want to flavor the steak, but you shouldn’t stir it during the cooking process, only flip it.