It’s a beautiful evening, and you’ve just fired up the grill for the first time. You’ve got your favorite cut of steak ready to go, but there’s one problem—you’ve never grilled a steak before, and the pressure is on. Will it be juicy and tender? Or will it be dry and overcooked?
Although grilling the ideal steak may seem challenging, it doesn’t have to be. This is a traditional cooking method that everyone may learn with a few easy steps.
In this beginner’s guide, we’ll share five essential tips to help you grill the best steak that will impress both you and your guests, no matter your experience level.
Tip 1: Select the Proper Steak Cut for Grilling
When it comes to grilling the best steak, choosing the appropriate cut is important. Every cut of steak has a different flavor, texture, and cooking experience; they are not all made equal.
To get excellent results with little work, it’s crucial for newbies to choose a cut that’s simple to prepare.
Some common beef steak cuts that are excellent for grilling are as follows:
- Ribeye
Because of its high fat content, this cut is incredibly flavorful and juicy. It is an excellent option for people who are new to grilling because it is tender and difficult to mess up.
- Sirloin
Sirloin is leaner than ribeye but still has plenty of flavor. It’s a bit less fatty and usually cheaper, making it a good option for those who want a solid grilling steak without the extra fat.
- T-bone
A T-bone steak gives you two types of meat in one—tender filet on one side and flavorful strip steak on the other. It’s a great choice if you want a bit of variety.
- New York Strip
This cut is in between ribeye and sirloin—it’s tender and flavorful but not too fatty. It’s a solid option that’s easy to grill.
When selecting your beef steak, consider your preference for fat and flavor. Ribeye and sirloin are excellent choices for beginners, as they are easy to cook and offer great taste.
Once you feel more comfortable with grilling, you may want to try T-bones or New York strips for a bit more variety.
Tip 2: Bring Your Steak to Room Temperature
It’s crucial to let your steak rest at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before putting it on the grill. This minor adjustment can have a significant impact on the way your steak cooks.
The surface of a steak may cook more quickly than the inside when it is cooked directly from the refrigerator. When the outside is done but the inside is still too chilly or undercooked, this might result in uneven cooking.
The beef steak cooks more evenly from edge to center when it is allowed to warm up a little.
Here’s how to do it:
- Take the steak out of the fridge 20–30 minutes before grilling.
- Place it on a plate and let it rest at room temperature.
- Avoid leaving it out for too long—more than an hour is not recommended, especially in warm weather.
Bringing your steak to room temperature doesn’t take much effort, but it helps you achieve a nice, even cook and a better overall texture.
Tip 3: Season Simply but Generously
You don’t need a lot of ingredients to make the best steak. In fact, just salt and black pepper are enough. These two seasonings help bring out the natural flavor of the meat.
The trick is to season your beef steak well. If your grilling steak is thick, don’t be afraid to use a bit more salt. When it’s grilled, this helps produce a tasty crust on the outside.
Here’s how to accomplish it:
- First, pat the steak dry with a paper towel. This improves the seasoning’s retention.
- Season the grilled meat on both sides with salt and pepper evenly.
- If you want, you can add a little garlic powder or paprika-but don’t overdo it. Keeping it simple lets the taste of the steak stand out.
A well-seasoned steak doesn’t need any sauces. Just salt, pepper, and proper grilling can make it taste amazing.
Tip 4: Get the Grill Temperature Right
The temperature of your grill plays a big role in how your grilled steak turns out. If the grill is too hot, the outside might burn before the inside is cooked.
If it’s not hot enough, you won’t get that nice sear or grill marks that give steak its flavor and look.
For the best results, your grill should be hot, but not smoking or flaming. You’re aiming for medium-high heat—hot enough to sizzle when the beef steak hits the grill.
Here’s how you can check:
- If you’re using a gas grill, preheat it for 10–15 minutes with the lid closed until it reaches about 450–500°F (230–260°C).
- If you’re using charcoal, wait until the coals turn white or gray with a layer of ash—that’s when they’re ready.
- You can also do the hand test (carefully): Hold your hand 5 inches above the grill. If you can keep it there for only 4–5 seconds, the heat is just right.
A hot grill helps sear the outside of the steak quickly, locking in the juices and flavor while the inside cooks to your preferred level.
Tip 5: Don’t Overcook – Use a Meat Thermometer
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is overcooking the steak. When it’s left on the grill too long, it can turn dry and tough.
To avoid this, the best thing you can do is use a meat thermometer.
A meat thermometer helps you check the inside temperature of the grilling steak, so you know exactly when it’s done, without cutting into it and losing the juices.
Here’s a simple guide to get the best steak done:
- Rare: 120–125°F (49–52°C) – Very red in the center, soft texture
- Medium Rare: 130–135°F (54–57°C) – Warm red center, tender and juicy (most popular choice)
- Medium: 140–145°F (60–63°C) – Pink center, slightly firm
- Medium Well: 150–155°F (65–68°C) – Small amount of pink, firmer texture
- Well Done: 160°F+ (71°C+) – No pink, fully cooked through (less juicy)
How to use the thermometer:
- Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the beef steak, from the side if possible.
- Make sure it doesn’t touch bone or fat, as that can affect the reading.
- Remove the steak from the grill when it reaches the desired temperature. Keep in mind that it will keep cooking a little as it rests.
Using a thermometer takes the guesswork out of grilling. It helps you cook the steak just the way you like it—juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
Bonus Tips for Even Better Grilling
Here are a few extra tips that can help take your steak-grilling skills to the next level:
- After grilling, let your steak rest for 5–10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to settle inside the meat, keeping it tender and flavorful.
- Before grilling, make sure your grates are clean and lightly oiled. This helps prevent sticking and gives you those perfect grill marks.
- Always use tongs to flip your beef steak. Piercing it with a fork can let the juices escape, making the steak dry.
- Let the steak cook on one side before flipping it—usually, once is enough. This helps get a good sear and keeps the meat juicy.
- In the last minute or two of grilling, you can add a small knob of butter (and maybe garlic or herbs) on top of the beef steak for extra richness.
Explore:
10 Most Common Types of Steaks Cuts
Is Steak Healthy? Benefits of Eating High-Quality Beef
Conclusion
Grilling the best steak doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right approach and a bit of practice, anyone can learn to do it well.
Start with the basics, stay patient, and pay attention to the small details—these make all the difference.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a weekend barbecue, these tips will help you build confidence and enjoy the process. Happy grilling!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the rule of 3 for grilling steaks?
The “rule of 3” is a simple method: grill the beef steak for 3 minutes on one side, turn it 90 degrees and grill for another 3 minutes, then flip and repeat. This gives you perfect grill marks and even cooking, especially for medium-rare.
- Is 8 minutes enough for a steak?
It depends on the thickness and how you like it cooked. For a 1-inch steak, 8 minutes total (about 4 minutes per side) is often enough for medium-rare to medium. Always check the internal temperature to be sure.
- How long should a beef steak rest before cutting?
Let the steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to stay inside the meat, making it more flavorful and tender when you cut into it.
- How to make steak, and what are the 4 grilling guidelines?
- Preheat your grill properly.
- Season the steak well.
- Don’t press down on the beef steak while cooking.
- Let it rest before slicing.
