Steak outdoor grilling guide

Grilling outside on a nice day is one the most satisfying ways to prepare a meal. And when it comes to cuts of meat, a grilled steak is the ultimate entrée. But do you know how to cook steak on outdoor grills? The recommended process is simpler than you might think, but once you know the steps, you'll be well on your way to tender results. Learn more about how to grill a steak outdoors, and get helpful tips for which type of meat to use.

How to Cook Steak on Outdoor Grills

The steps for cooking steak on grills aren't too complex, which means that any home chef should be able to easily master this skill. Here's how to do it:

  1. Take your steaks out of the fridge and allow them to sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes.
  2. A few minutes before you're ready to start grilling, heat your grill to high. The ideal grill temperature for steak is about 500 degrees.
  3. Brush the exterior of the steak with oil. Season liberally with salt and pepper, rubbing the seasonings into the steak on both sides.
  4. Place the steaks on the grill and sear each side.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Close the lid of the grill and continue cooking until you reach your preferred level of doneness (medium rare is 130 to 135 degrees Fahrenheit).
  6. Take the steaks off the grill once they're done to your liking. Tent the plate with aluminum foil and allow the steaks to rest for five to ten minutes before serving.

Extra Tips for How to Grill the Perfect Steak

Looking to go above and beyond when you cook your steak on the grill? Consider trying these advanced techniques:

  • Dry brine your steak: Add about ½ to ¾ tsp of salt per pound to your meat 2 to 24 hours before grilling for even more flavorful results. Let it rest uncovered in the fridge until 20 minutes before cooking.
  • Upgrade your meat: Choose a bone-in steak for your meal. The bone helps retain the steak juices while grilling.
  • Add flavor: Love a buttery steak? Top each one with one tablespoon of butter when you take them off the grill, allowing the butter to melt onto your steak while it rests.

What Is the Best Steak for Grilling?

Cooking steak on grills requires a delicate balance when it comes to choosing your type of meat. You want something that's hardy enough to hold up to the grill flames, but you don't want a cut that's too tough or dry. While options like A5 Japanese Wagyu are delicious, they're better for pan cooking due to their unique fat marbling.

While there are plenty of steaks which taste great when grilled, some of the most sought-after are America Wagyu beef. This type of beef mixes the tenderness of Japanese Wagyu beef with the hearty flavors of typical American beef. The earthy flavors of American Wagyu blend perfectly with the slight char from grilling, and the meat retains moisture without being too delicate to retain its structure on a grill grate.

Ready to fire up the grill? Try out these tips to enjoy the most flavorful homemade steak.