By: Mike Sullivan
Go to Coupon
Page
There is nothing quite like a good, juicy steak cooked on a grill. But,
many people don't know grilling secrets such as the best cuts to use,
what size they should be, how long to cook the steaks, and
marinades to use.
Choosing the correct cut of meat is very important when grilling. Some
of the best steaks for grilling are the premium cuts such as:
- Filet Mignon
The filet mignon is a stylish cut taken from the heart of the beef
tenderloin that has outstanding taste as well as texture.
- Top Sirloin
The top sirloin is a juicy cut taken from the center of the sirloin -
the tenderness part - and a great cut for grilling.
- T-Bone
The t-bone is a succulent cut that is a favorite of steak fans. It is
both a strip sirloin (with the bone) and a tender filet mignon.
- New York Strip (sometimes known as Kansas City Strip)
The New York strip is such an excellent cut for grilling, many
grilling experts refer to it as the "ultimate" steak for cooking out.
- Porterhouse
The Porterhouse is a very large steak that is actually a combination
of two steaks: the New York strip on one side and a tender filet on
the other.
- Rib Eye
Another classic cut, the rib eye has marbling throughout the meat -
making it one of the juiciest cuts as well as very tender.
Thickness of the steak is very important. Each cut should be between 1
inch and 1 ½ inches thick. The strip steaks and top sirloin should be
a little less expensive than the filet mignon, t-bone, porterhouse,
and rib eye.
Many people like to marinate their steaks before cooking. You can
purchase marinades in the grocery store (A1 brand offers several
different types) or make your own. If you are not opposed to using
alcohol, beer makes an excellent marinade. You can combine 1 12-ounce
can of beer, ½ cup of chili sauce, ¼ up of salad oil, 2 teaspoons of
soy sauce, 2 gloves of crushed garlic, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon
mustard. Let that simmer for 30 minutes over a medium heat. Marinate
your meat in the mixture overnight in the refrigerator to tenderize
and allow the meat to absorb the flavor. You can also brush your meat
with the marinade as you cook. Another great homemade marinade
includes 1 ½ cup of steak sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1/3 cup of
Italian salad dressing, 1/3 cup of honey, and ½ teaspoon of garlic
powder.
Many people prefer to use a rub on their steaks rather than marinate
them. A rub is a combination of spice and herbs that is rubbed on the
meat about an hour before grilling. It adds a great flavor to the
meat, but is quicker than marinade as it does not require the
overnight soaking. An excellent recipe for a rub that will give your
steaks a smoky flavor is 1 tablespoon of chili powder, onion powder,
garlic powder, cumin, cracked black pepper, white pepper, and kosher
salt plus 2 teaspoons of oregano, 1 teaspoon of coriander, and ½
teaspoon of cayenne pepper. If you use a rub, be sure to rub the
mixture into the cut of meat, not just daub it across the top.
There are other options for cooking steaks other than marinades and
rubs. Many times, filet mignons are served wrapped in bacon (held on
by a skewer) or you can cut your steak and combine it on a skewer with
vegetables like peppers, squash, and onion to make a shish kabob.
Coat your grill with non-stick kitchen spray before you begin to keep
your steaks from sticking to the grill. Preheat your grill before
placing your steaks on. Resist the temptation to put your steaks on
before the grill is properly preheated. The proper temperature for
grilling steaks should be around 550 degrees Fahrenheit. Trim any
excess fat from the side of the cut to prevent flare-ups and curling
when grilling.
You should only turn your steaks once on the grill to prevent drying
them out. How long you will cook your steak depends on how well you
want it cooked. You can use a grilling fork with a digital thermometer
to see how well done your steak is. If you want your steak rare, the
temperature should be no more than 150 degrees when done. If you want
medium, the temperature should be no more than 160 degrees when done.
Finally, if you want well done, you should have a temperature of at
least 170 degrees.
After grilling your steak, allow it to set for five minutes before
serving to let the juices settle. Serve with a baked potato, salad or
other side dish and enjoy!