Steak Grilling Tips for New Cooks

If you’ve never attempted it before, grilling the perfect steak can sound like a daunting task. Fortunately, the steak experts at Ruth’s Chris Steak House are here to help you master the art of grilling steak. If you’re new to grilling, read our tips below, and you will be well on your way to grilling the perfect steak at home.

Of course, if you don’t want to do the work yourself, you can always head over to your nearest Ruth’s Chris for a sizzling steak grilled and seasoned to perfection. Reserve your table today!

Choose a Thick Steak

When selecting your steak, look for one that’s one-and-a-half to two inches thick. That thickness will help the steak achieve an optimal char on the outside while retaining the ability to maintain a medium-rare center.

Don’t Trim the Fat

Unlike in the case of, say, chicken, fat gives steak its flavor. Large chunks of fat on the sides of a raw steak may look unappetizing but trust us; leave a little bit on the edges when cooking at high grilling temperatures.

Season Repeatedly

At least an hour before you grill the steak, lightly sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. Then just before grilling, pat the steak dry with paper towels, and salt it again. Not only will this flavor your steak, but the salt will help the meat retain moisture for ultimate juiciness.

Create Two Zones on the Grill

Make one side of the grill hot for searing and the other side a bit cooler for regular cooking. That’s easy if you’re using a gas grill with burners, but if you’re using coals, build a ramp of embers from one side of the grill to the other to create high and low settings.

In the event of a flare up on the hot side—almost inevitable due to dripping fat—you can simply slide the steak to the cool side until the flames die down.

Pro tip: How do you know when coals are hot enough for cooking? Once the flames have subsided, hold your hand two inches above the hottest coals. If you can keep it there for exactly two seconds—not one, not three—you’re good to go.

Always Use Tongs to Flip

Piercing the steak with a fork to turn it will allow some of those precious juices to escape, resulting in drier, less flavorful meat. Keep all that moisture locked in by using tongs. A spatula can work, too.

Use a Meat Thermometer

Again, cutting into steak to gauge if it’s ready to eat will prematurely release the juices. Instead, use a meat thermometer to get an exact measurement. 125˚F indicates a medium-rare steak.

Let the Steak Rest

As tantalizing as that steak looks, it’s best if you let it sit for about ten minutes before serving. The fibers will relax, and the juices will spread all throughout the meat, ensuring peak flavor. Afterward, your steak is finally ready to devour!

Visit Ruth’s Chris Steak House for the Perfect Steak

Even if these tips help you grill a steak all on your own, sometimes you just want to sit back and relax while someone else grills it for you. Whether it’s a special occasion or an ordinary Tuesday, you’re always welcome to enjoy a sizzling steak at Ruth’s Chris. Visit us today!