6 Most Common Mistakes People Make When Grilling Steak
Grilling steak may be intimidating, particularly for beginners. But the effort is well worth it when the result is a steak that is nicely seared on the outside and flawlessly tender on the inside. Before starting the hibachi grill, be sure you're not making one of these common mistakes. Here are six mistakes most people make, and how to avoid them. Read on!
The Most Common Steak Grilling Mistakes
1. Choosing the Wrong Steak
Choosing the perfect steak to grill is arguably the most difficult aspect of the process. When selecting the appropriate steak for grilling, there are a few crucial variables to consider:
First and foremost, you must pick the appropriate grade of steak. In a normal supermarket in the United States, you'll discover three options: Select, Choice, and Prime. Because prime grade accounts for less than 2% of all beef in the country, it might be tough to find at your ordinary store. Select and Choice grades, on the other hand, are widely accessible. Select grade beef is barely above what the USDA considers edible, so it's worth it to pay the additional money for Choice if you can afford it.
The next step is to examine the fat. Fat equals flavor when it comes to steak. Choose a steak with a brilliant red hue and a good degree of marbling. Marbling refers to the intramuscular fat found in high-quality cattle.
2. Grilling Steak Straight From the Fridge
If you don't plan on eating your steak for a few hours, we recommend taking it out of the fridge for about 15 to 20 minutes before grilling to come up to room temperature. This will ensure that it cooks evenly, and helps prevent it from sticking to the grill grates. The only exception to this rule is if you're using a thin steak. Grilling a thin steak cold can help to prevent you from overcooking the center.
3. Not Brushing with Oil
This tip is essential for preventing your steak from sticking to the grill grates! A few minutes before you place the steak on the grill, brush it on all sides and the edges with a little bit of oil. This will help prevent it from sticking to the grill grates and is especially important if you've got a bigger cut of steak with a thick fat cap.
4. Flipping the Steak Too Often
For an evenly cooked steak, use the 60/40 rule and turn it once. This indicates that 60% of the cooking time is spent on the first side before flipping and cooking the opposite side for 40% of the time.
5. Forgetting to Temp Your Steak
Nobody likes a steak that is either undercooked or overdone. A meat thermometer is the most precise technique to determine the doneness of a steak. Insert the thermometer into the middle or meatiest part of the steak and cook to your preferred doneness using our steak doneness and temperature guidance or the chart below.
- Rare: 120 degrees Fahrenheit
- Medium-rare: 130 degrees Fahrenheit
- Medium: 120 degrees Fahrenheit
- Medium: 150 degrees Fahrenheit
- Well: 160 degrees Fahrenheit
6. Not Letting the Steak Rest for a Few Minutes
Coming off the grill, the steak will continue cooking for a few more minutes. Resting the steak for at least 10 minutes before slicing allows the meat to finish cooking to the proper temperature and gives the juices a chance to redistribute. This will also help prevent the steak from leaking flavorful juices before you get a chance to enjoy it!
Conclusion
Throwing a steak on a grill doesn't have to be difficult. With a few basic tips and tricks, you can cook a perfectly cooked steak every time. Whether you go with a thick prime cut or a thin New York strip, you'll be able to cook a perfectly cooked steak every time with the right technique.
Do you have any tips for cooking a great steak on the grill? Let us know in the comment section below.
Do you want to try out a hibachi? Check out the hibachi at home grill options at Backyard Hibachi. Aside from the grills, we also offer hibachi cooking tools, grill accessories, replacement parts, and a whole lot more. Start shopping by going through the products on our website or give us a call for more information.
