How to Grill Steak to Perfection

8 Tips for Achieving the Juiciest Steaks: Your Complete Guide to Grill Marks, Caramelization, and Seasoning

If you want to discover how to grill steak perfectly, you’ve come to the right place. Grilling steak is an art that combines the right seasoning, proper grilling techniques, and precise temperature control. Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a backyard BBQ enthusiast, these eight tips will help you achieve steak perfection every time. In this complete guide to grilling steaks, we’ll cover everything from the impact of grill marks and caramelization to the best grilling accessories and the ideal internal temperatures for different levels of doneness.

 

1. Choose Your Preferred Cut of Steak

Whether you normally shop for steak at your local grocery store or go to a butcher to find the best quality cuts of meat, you’ll want to pay attention to the grades of steak. There are three distinct grades: Select, Choice, and Prime. For high-quality cuts, we recommend at least choosing Choice-grade steak. While these cuts may be slightly more expensive per ounce, the flavor and quality surpass Select cuts. If you prefer the best of the best, then look for Prime cuts of steak, and be prepared that this grade of steak comes with a price. 

Types of Steak:  Some examples of quality steaks include New York strip, T-bone, filet mignon, porterhouse, flank, and skirt steak.

2. How to Prepare a Steak for Grilling

Make sure the steak is at room temperature: Remove your steak from the refrigerator, and allow it to get to room temperature. Eliminate excess moisture from the steak by patting it dry with a paper towel. This helps to get a decent sear on the grill.

• How to Season a Steak to Grill: First, choose the right rub. Then season the steak with salt and pepper or a dedicated steak rub for intense flavor. Big Poppa’s Double Secret Steak Rub and Competition Brisket & Steak Rub are excellent choices. These rubs are crafted with a blend of premium spices that enhance the natural flavor of the meat. 
• Let It Sweat: Apply a generous amount of your chosen rub to both sides of the steak. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This process, known as "sweating," allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat and creates a flavorful crust during grilling.

3. Gas vs. Charcoal Grill: Pros and Cons

You can achieve the perfect char-grilled steak that is both tender and juicy on either a gas or a charcoal grill. Each grill type has its advantages and disadvantages.

• Gas Grills: They are extremely convenient, easy to use, reach high heat in a matter of minutes, and are easy to control the temperature. However, with a gas grill, you don’t get the smoky BBQ flavor that you would with a charcoal grill. 
• Charcoal Grills: The biggest advantage of the charcoal grill is that you can achieve that smoky BBQ taste you crave when grilling. Experienced grill masters sometimes prefer the authentic grilling experience because it requires a certain skill. Charcoal grills take a bit longer to pre-heat than a gas grill. With charcoal grills, it can also be more challenging to control the temperature of grilling. 

4. Preheat, Clean & Oil Your BBQ Grill

• Preheat the Grill: For a gas grill, you’ll want to ignite the burners and allow the temperature to reach 450°F to 500°F. If you are using a charcoal grill, add the charcoal and liquid starter fuel, and light the charcoal. 
• Clean the Grill Grates: Then, before it gets too hot, it’s important to make sure that your grill grates are clean and that there is no leftover food residue, as this can lead to unnecessary flare-ups while grilling. Use a grill brush to scrub the grates thoroughly.
• Oil the Grill Grates: Then apply a small amount of cooking oil or spray, like olive, avocado, or saffron oil, to the grill grates. This helps the steak to not stick to the grates as it cooks, making it easy to flip during the grilling process. 

Tip: Once your grill has been cleaned and oiled, be sure to cover the lid and allow it to reach the necessary temperature for cooking steak.  

5. How Long To Grill a Steak on the Grill

Before you place your perfectly seasoned cut of steak on the preheated grill, be sure you know how long to grill steak to achieve your desired level of doneness. 

Know Your Steak Temperatures: To cook your steak to the following internal temperatures for your preferred level of doneness:

• Rare: 120°F - 125°F

• Medium Rare: 130°F - 135°F

• Medium: 140°F - 145°F

• Medium Well: 150°F - 155°F

• Well Done: 160°F and above

Tips for Using a Digital Meat Thermometer: 

• Insert the meat probe into the thickest part of the steak, and make sure not to touch the bone with the thermometer if your cut has a bone. 

• Don’t poke too many holes into the steak with the meat thermometer when checking the internal temperature, as you don’t want the juices to escape. 

• Keep in mind that steak continues cooking after being taken off the grill. The internal temperature of the grilled steak will typically rise another 5°F, so be sure to account for this increase if you do not want to overcook your steak. 

6. How to BBQ a Steak

The amount of time for cooking your steak will depend on the thickness of your particular cut of beef. Using the two-heat zone method will help you achieve that perfect golden crust on the outside and tender, juicy steak on the inside. 

Two-Heat Zone Method of Grilling Steaks: For gas grills, turn one (or two if there are three burners) to high while leaving one on low. This can also work for charcoal grills if you have the charcoal on one side of the grill. 

Place the steak on the high-heat side of the grill and sear for three to four minutes. Then flip the steak to the other side and repeat. If you want to get the perfect charred grill marks, be sure to rotate the steaks at different angles as you sear the meat. Close the lid to keep the heat in as the meat cooks.

Then, finish grilling the steak using the indirect heat in the designated cool zone of the grill. This helps to ensure that your steak is cooked evenly and to your level of doneness without overcooking it. Be sure to monitor the temperature with your meat thermometer. 

Tip: Only flip the steaks once, as this helps to ensure the juices stay intact. 

The Impact of Grill Marks and Caramelization

• Grill Marks for Presentation: Grill marks not only make your steak look appetizing but also contribute to the overall flavor and texture. To achieve perfect grill marks, preheat your grill to high heat, and ensure the grates are clean and oiled.

• Caramelization for Flavor: Caramelization occurs when the natural sugars in the steak react to the high heat, creating a rich, savory crust. This Maillard reaction is essential for developing deep, complex flavors. Sear your steak over direct heat to achieve optimal caramelization.

7. Let the Steak Rest

Allow your steak to rest for at least five to ten minutes after removing it from the grill to let the juices redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful bite. You’ll thank yourself later for being patient. 

8. Now You’re Ready to Enjoy the Best BBQ Steak

Once you have let the steak rest for a few minutes, use the proper BBQ knife to slice the steak against the grain into the perfect slice.  Serve your perfectly grilled steak with delicious corn on the cob, steak mushrooms, grilled vegetables, Brussel sprouts, or a baked potato with all the fixings.

Big Poppa Smokers’ Steak Recipes

For some inspiration, try one of these tried and true steak recipes for mouthwatering BBQ. 

• How To Grill The Perfect Wagyu Picanha

• Big Poppa’s Chairman’s Reserve Filet Mignon with Mushroom Sauce

• Big Poppa's Chairman's Reserve Prime Flat Iron Steak

• Prime New York Steak with Brussel Sprouts

Essential Grill Accessories for Steaks

• Digital Meat Thermometer: A digital meat thermometer is indispensable for grilling steaks. It ensures your steak reaches the perfect internal temperature for your desired doneness without cutting into the meat and losing juices.

• Grill Grate Cleaner: A clean grill grate is essential for achieving good grill marks and preventing sticking. Use a quality grill grate cleaner before and after grilling.

Summary of How to BBQ the Perfect Steak

Creating the perfect grilled steak involves mastering the art of seasoning, understanding the importance of grill marks and caramelization, using the right accessories, and achieving the correct internal temperature. By following these eight tips for how to grill steak and incorporating Big Poppa’s rubs into your grilling routine, you’ll be able to impress your guests with steakhouse-quality results right in your backyard. Happy grilling!