Ten Foolproof Steps to Grilling a Restaurant-Quality Steak

You probably have been going to your favorite restaurant and ordered a steak cooked to perfection. And, you’ve probably wondered how they did it. Well, this read is for you!

Steak is one of the most enjoyed meals all around the world. But, how do you make it at home without any disappointments? While there are many ways to achieve that level of succulence, we’re going to show you 10 foolproof steps to grilling a restaurant-quality steak:

1. Prepare Your Grill

First things first, you need to make sure that your grill is prepped and ready for cooking. This means cleaning off any previous residue and making sure the grates are oiled. Use a wire brush to clean off any previous food that might be stuck from the last cookout. Find all of the tools you need to clean your grill at our Ellicott City and Columbia hardware stores. Then, oil your grill grates using a paper towel or brush, so it doesn’t stick when you put them on.

2. Choose the Right Steak

Not all steaks are created equal and different types of steak will require different cooking times and methods. For example, a thinner steak like a flank or skirt steak will need to be cooked for a shorter amount of time than a thicker steak like a ribeye.

When choosing, make sure to pick one that is at least 1-inch thick so it can stand up to the high heat of the grill without drying out.

3. Season Your Steak

Once you’ve chosen your steak, it’s time to season it. Seasoning adds flavor and helps to create a crispy crust when cooked. To season, use a simple blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You’ll want to use a generous amount (but not too much) of salt and pepper, as this will help to create a delicious crust on the outside. You can also add other herbs and spices like rosemary or thyme if you want to spice things up. When it comes to seasoning, it all depends on your personal preference.

For an even tastier steak, let the seasoning blend sit on for at least 30 minutes before grilling. This will give the flavors time to penetrate the meat and really make a difference in the taste.

4. Preheat Your Grill

Now that your steak is seasoned and ready to go, it’s time to preheat your grill. The last thing you want is to put it on a cold grill, as this will give it an uneven cook. Therefore, make sure your grill is nice and hot before adding your steak. Preheating the grill is key to getting that perfect sear on the outside while keeping it juicy on the inside.

While the grill is preheating, you will also want to grease the grates with some oil to prevent sticking.

5. Create a Two-Zone Fire

Once your grill is preheated, it’s time to create a two-zone fire. This simply means that you’ll have one area of the grill that is very hot and another area that is not as hot. Searing over the hot area of the grill is key to getting that perfect crust while cooking it over the cooler area of the grill will ensure that it is cooked through without burning.

To create a two-zone fire, simply turn half of the burners on your grill to high heat and leave the other half off. For a charcoal grill, you’ll want to pile all the coals on one side of the grill and leave the other side empty.

6. Sear the Steak

Once your grill is preheated, and you’ve created a two-zone fire, it’s time to sear it. To do this, place it on the hot side of the grill and cook it for 1-2 minutes per side. You’ll want to make sure not to move it around too much, as this will prevent it from developing a nice crust. You can use a thermometer at this point to check the internal temperature of the steak and ensure it is cooking evenly.

7. Flip the Steak

After searing on both sides, it’s time to flip it over and cook it on the cooler side of the grill. Be careful when flipping it, as you don’t want all of the juices and seasoning to fall off. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches the desired level of doneness.

• Rare- 120ºF;125ºF for about 2 to 3 minutes per side
• Medium rare;130ºF-135ºF for about 4 to 5 minutes per side
• Medium-well;150ºF-155ºF for about 7 to 9 minutes per side
• Well-done; 160ºF-165ºF for about 9 to 12 minutes per side

8. Remove From Grill and Let Rest

Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and place it on a plate or cutting board. It’s important to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting into it, as this will help keep all of those delicious juices inside.

9. Slice and Serve

After letting the steak rest, it’s time to slice and serve. For a thicker steak like a ribeye, you’ll want to cut it against the grain into thin slices. This will make it easier to chew and more enjoyable to eat.

For a thinner steak like a flank or skirt, you can cut it with the grain since it will be more tender. Once you’ve sliced the steak, serve it with your favorite sides, and enjoy!

10. Enjoy Your Perfectly Grilled Steak

Now that you know how to grill the perfect steak, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy! Whether you’re grilling for a special occasion or just because this delicious meal is sure to please. So, fire up the grill and get cooking!

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