Grilling Basics
Grilling is one of the most exciting ways to enjoy beef. Whether cooking on a gas or charcoal grill, in the backyard or at a tailgate, this cooking method provides maximum flavor and optimal tenderness.
grilling basics
This is a popular method for preparing steak, but it’s also the one that tends to worry a lot of beginner cooks. But when you follow these steps (and allow yourself a little practice), you’ll find grilling is easy and—most importantly—very satisfying. Check out our cooking chart for more recommendations and guidelines.
PREP PAYS OFF
Some grill experts emphasize the importance of bringing steaks to room temperature before grilling, but we don’t recommend it for food safety reasons. Likewise, our cooking chart is based on the meat going directly from chill to grill. So plan on pulling the meat from the fridge, seasoning well, and getting started right away.
FIRE IT UP
Make sure your grill is clean (to prevent flare-ups) and the rack is well-oiled (to prevent sticking). If you’re using charcoal, follow the directions for how much you’ll need and how to build the charcoal pile. For gas grills, refer to your owner’s manual and set the grill to medium-high.
GRILL, BABY, GRILL
Use an ovenproof or instant-read thermometer to monitor doneness, and let it go—don’t flip the steaks so much! One flip is usually all you need, but take care to avoid charring or burning and be ready to turn down the heat (or move to a cooler spot on the grill) if necessary. Keep in mind the internal temperature will continue to rise for a few minutes after coming off the grill.
REST & RELAX
Here’s another step novice cooks often overlook: resting the meat before serving—even if you’re hungry. It’s seriously worth the wait, because it prevents all those tasty juices from draining onto your plate. For most grill-friendly cuts, about five minutes is enough.
FINISHING TOUCHES
If you're slicing the steak before serving, be sure to go across the grain. There’s no shortage of tips for assembling a great burger. For steaks, we recommend topping them off with compound butter or serving with a sauce.
Glossary
Grain
Although grain is an important part of raising beef, in this case it refers to the direction of the muscle fibers in a cut of meat. Slicing "across the grain" means slicing perpendicular to the direction of the fibers, which helps make the meat easier to chew.
Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak |
Balsamic Marinated Flank Steak |
Tangy balsamic vinegar makes this marinade. Mix in Dijon mustard, garlic and basil, pour over Flank Steak, then grill and serve with a variety of veggies for a simple, fresh meal.
Sirloin Sandwiches with Red Onion Marmalade |
Sirloin Sandwiches with Red Onion Marmalade |
A homemade marmalade of red onions, red wine, prunes and figs gives this sandwich out-of-this-world flavor. Crumbled goat cheese provides just the right amount of creaminess.
Sizzling Sirloin Kabobs on a Bed of Orzo |
Sizzling Sirloin Kabobs on a Bed of Orzo |
Versatile Top Sirloin Steak is cubed for kabobs made with colorful bell peppers. Big flavor comes from basil and Italian dressing.
BBQ Beef Chuck Steak |
BBQ Beef Chuck Steak |
Flavorful 7-Bone Chuck Steak is marinated and grilled. Use the marinade as your barbecue sauce.
Denver Steak
Cut from the center of the Under Blade, these steaks are extremely tender with a good amount of marbling and beef flavor. Best when cooked over high heat on the grill.
Sirloin Bavette Steak
Cut from the Sirloin Bavette/Sirloin Flap and a good source of fajita meat. Marinate and grill or broil.
Bottom Round
This lean, economical cut comes from the outside of the rear leg. It's generally best when braised, but can be roasted and sliced thinly against the grain. Bottom Round steak cuts should be marinated before grilling or broiling.
Top Sirloin Steak
A flavorful cut that’s versatile and juicy. Great served as a steak or cut into kabobs.
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