How to Prepare Steak for the Grill
Using the direct grilling method for steaks imparts the smoky flavors of wood and charcoal. Taking extra steps to prepare the meat prior to grilling--with either dry rubs or marinades--further enhances the taste of the final product. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Two to four steaks of choice
- Hammer-style meat tenderizer
- For dry-rub method:
- Salt and pepper based dry-rub seasonings
- Clean plate or platter
- Plastic wrap
- For marinade method:
- Two cups desired marinade per steak
- Large zip-seal food storage bag or plastic bowl with tight-fitting lid
Instructions
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Dry-Rub Preparation
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1
Place one steak on a wood chopping block, slab or other hard surface and pound four or five times on each side with the bumpy side of the meat tenderizer. Repeat for all steaks.
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2
Rub dry-rub seasonings into the meat on each side of the steaks.
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3
Place steaks on a clean plate or platter, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for several hours or overnight prior to grilling. The longer the seasoning sits on the meat, the more it soaks in the flavor.
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4
Set up the charcoal or gas grill for direct grilling and grill steaks to preferred doneness, about six minutes on each side for medium-rare.
Marinade Method
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5
Place one steak on wood chopping block, slab or other hard surface and pound four or five times on each side with the bumpy side of the meat tenderizer. Repeat for all steaks.
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6
Place steaks and desired marinade in a one or two-gallon zip-seal storage bag or large plastic bowl with lid, ensuring meat is completely covered in liquid before sealing the container.
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7
Refrigerate the mixture for one to three hours, allowing the marinade to soak into the meat.
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8
Set up the charcoal or gas grill for direct grilling and grill steaks to taste, about six minutes on each side for medium-rare.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Dry-rub seasonings and marinades for steaks are a matter of taste, so try different commercially available varieties, or consult grilling cookbooks or websites for homemade blends.
Adding hardwood smoking chips to coals or above gas burners in special smoker boxes contributes additional flavor to steaks.
Always use fire-resistant cooking mitts when opening or closing hot grill lids and when feeding coals or chips into the fire. Handle meat with long, grilling-style cooking tongs to avoid burns.
