Whenever I have dinner in my favorite restaurants, such as the American Cut Steakhouse, I always end up being envious of how their chefs can grill the meat perfectly. I have to be honest, I have tried imitating their techniques several times, but, I seldom succeeded in ending up with the steak that I envision. With this, in the rest of this post, I will share some of the things that I have learned and I hope that you can apply it better than I did.
Don’t Skip the Seasoning
During a recent private dining in Buckhead, I talked to one of the chefs who prepared our meal and he shared that seasoning is one thing that should never be ignored. Even a little seasoning can go a long way in improving the flavor of the meat. Salt is one of the best seasonings. It does not only make the meat more flavorful, but it also absorbs moisture. Rubbing it with cracked black pepper or brushing with butter will also do the trick.
Use Charcoal or Propane
Traditional grilling is one of the best ways to come up with the perfect steak. Make sure to use real charcoal. Although electric grills are convenient, they do not give the steak the flavor and aroma that you can achieve with the use of charcoals. With charcoal, it will be easier for the steak to demonstrate a rich and smoky flavor. When fat pours on the charcoals, it burns and becomes smoke. It rises to the meat, making it tastier. That said, while charcoal has been in the game for a long time, propane seems to have become the rage of the current time. Wondering why? Grilling with propane is often favored over charcoal due to its convenience, efficiency, and control. Propane grills are known to ignite quickly with the push of a button, eliminating the lengthy process of lighting and waiting for charcoal to heat up. Likewise, temperature control is precise and easily adjustable, allowing for consistent cooking results. What’s more? Propane burns cleaner, producing fewer contaminants and reducing smoke, which enhances the flavor of the food without overpowering it. Additionally, propane grills require less cleanup, as there are no ashes to dispose of. The best part is that you can source propane easily from redtriangleoil.com and similar platforms at an affordable rate. Sounds like a great alternative for charcoal, right?
Wait Before you Grill
Even if you are in a hurry, do not immediately put the meat on the grill. Instead, you need to wait for at least half an hour until the meat reaches room temperature. Allowing the meat to warm up ensures that it cooks evenly, preventing the outside from becoming overcooked while the inside remains undercooked. This step is crucial for achieving a juicy, perfectly cooked steak. Nonetheless, it should also be pointed out that you should not wait too long, as this can spoil the meat and make it a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria thrive at room temperature, so leaving meat out for extended periods significantly increases the risk of foodborne illnesses. When the steak is too cold, it will be cooked inconsistently, resulting in a less than perfect meal with uneven textures and flavors. Taking the time to let your meat come to room temperature balances food safety with achieving the best grilling results, ensuring a delicious and safe dining experience. This simple step can make a substantial difference in your grilling success.
Know the Right Time to Grill
The 2:2 rule is one of the things that will be helpful in grilling the perfect steak. Wait for the coals to fire up and for the flames to go down. Once it has settled, place your hand at least two inches on the top of the grill. If you can hold your hand for at least two seconds, this means that it is hot enough and you are now ready to start grilling!
Master the Post-Grilling Technique
In one article from Huffington Post, one of the grilling tips revealed is that when you are done grilling, this does not mean that it is the end of it. Dressing the board is one thing that you should learn. In a cutting board, drizzle olive oil. Grate lemon zest and shallot. Once the steak is ready, place the meat on the top of the board and let it absorb the flavor and aroma of what is underneath.
The next time you grill steak at home, pay attention to the things mentioned above, and for sure, you will end up with mouthwatering meat!