Steak Grilling and Roasting Tips

How well you prepare your steak will determine the final quality of the steak cut. Even using the best Kobe or Wagyu steaks, grilling preparation and technique is very important. From marinade to hickory wood chips there are many great tips to grilling the perfect steak.

Everything is about flavor and tenderness. There are many easy ways to increase the tenderness, juiciness and flavor of your steak when you are grilling steaks or roasting steaks.

Pre-Grill Temperature is Tenderness

One way to tenderize your steak is to bring the steak to room temperature prior to grilling or roasting. Allow your steak to set out on the counter for about 1 hour prior to grilling or roasting. Bringing the steaks to room temperature decreases the shock factor to the meat and creates a more tender cut.

Caution: Frozen or Partially Frozen Steaks

If you plan to grill or roast a frozen steak, be sure to decrease the grilling temperature and increase the cooking time.

Marinate Your Steaks. Flavor Explosion!

Make sure to allow at least 2 hours for marinating your steak so that you achieve maximum flavor. It is best, if you have the time, to allow the steaks to marinade overnight. The longer you allow the steaks to marinade prior to grilling or roasting, the more flavorful they become.

Marinade Acidity, Lemon, Lime or Orange

When creating the perfect marinade for grilling steak or roasting steak, you want to be sure to include some form of acidic juice. The acidity in lemon, lime and orange juice break down the steak’s fibers and create a more tender steak. Include lemon, lime or orange juice to any of your favorite marinades to increase your steak’s tenderness.

Searing Steaks to Lock in Flavor

Once your steaks are brought to room temperature and marinated, be sure to sear each side of the steak on very high heat in order to trap in the natural juices. Prior to grilling or roasting your steak, simply bring a skillet to medium high heat and fry each side of your steaks for about 1 minute or until browned.

Flip Only Steaks Once When Grilling

Grilling your steaks is really quite easy. After marinating and searing your steak, set them on the grill and cook for about 3-5 minutes. Flip your steaks only once and continue to grill the other side for another 3-5 minutes. Flipping your steaks more than once beats the steak up and creates a less tender piece of meat.

Roasting and Broiling Steaks

If you plan on roasting steak or broiling steak, be sure to leave the oven door open so the air can circulate properly. Keeping the door closed is much like baking and you do not want to bake your steak. While roasting steak, be sure to put slices into the fat in order to prevent curling. Never cut the fat completely off; it provides natural flavoring.

Grilling Steaks and Smoked Flavor

If you plan on grilling steak, you can add a smoked flavor to your steak by burning certain hardwoods, such as hickory. Place the hickory wood into the flame and allow it to burn, creating a smoked flavor. The hickory will burn slow, long and consistent which is perfect for grilling steak.

Steak Rareness and Flavor

The more rare a steak is, the more flavor it will have. In order to ensure proper doneness, a meat thermometer is used to measure the degree of doneness. Place the meat thermometer into the steak and the temperature will read 130 degrees to 150 degrees for rare to well done.

Steaks Keep Cooking off the Grill

Be cautious of cooling times when determining how long for grilling steak or roasting steak. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook for a few minutes after grilling or roasting. You want to pull the steaks out of the grill or oven a few minutes early and let them set in order to achieve the perfect doneness. Be sure to only use tongs when handling your steak. Do not puncture the meat with a fork, as it will become less juicy.

Slice Your Steaks Right!

If you plan to slice your steaks when you serve them, be sure to slice against the grain. The grain fibers and their length help to determine how tender a steak is. If you cut across the grains you will make the steak even more tender. Be sure to heat your serving platter in order to keep your steaks warm after grilling or roasting.

Come Back Soon for More Great Steak Grilling Tips!

Enjoy and Good Luck!