There’s nothing quite like the sizzle of a steak hitting the grill, and with the correct technique, you can turn an average cut of meat into a culinary masterpiece. If you’re a fan of grilling and appreciate a perfectly cooked steak, mastering the art of grilling on your Weber grill is a skill worth acquiring. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything from choosing the right cuts of steak to mastering the perfect sear and achieving the ideal level of doneness.
Choosing the Right Cut of Steak
Before you even fire up your Weber grill, it’s important to start with a good-quality cut of steak. The type of steak you choose can significantly impact the flavor and texture of the product. Here are a few classic steak cuts that are well-suited for grilling:
Ribeye
Ribeys are known for their rich marbling and robust flavor, making ribeye steaks a popular choice for grilling. The marbling helps keep the meat juicy while grilling.
New York Strip
This cut comes from the short loin and offers a balance of tenderness and robust beefy flavor. It’s a favorite among grill enthusiasts.
Filet Mignon
If tenderness is your priority, then filet mignon is your cut. This lean cut is prized for its silky texture.
Pettit Sirloin
Consider grilling a Petit Sirloin steak on your Weber grill for a budget-friendly option that still delivers great flavor.
Preparing Your Steak
Once you’ve selected your preferred cut of steak, it’s time to prepare it for the grill. Following
these steps will help ensure your steak is seasoned and ready to be grilled to your guests’
desired temperature.
- Before grilling, it’s important to let the steak sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
This will help make sure that the steak cooks evenly. - After that, pat the steak with paper towels to remove any surface moisture. This step is
completed to achieve a good sear on the steak. - When seasoning, use generous amounts of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
To enhance the flavor, add garlic powder, onion powder, or a steak rub to the seasoning
blend. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings.
Mastering the Grill
Now that your steak is prepared, it’s time to fire up your Weber grill and get ready to cook.
Following these steps will prepare your grill for the perfect sear:
- To prepare your Weber grill, start by preheating it to high heat. Ensure that your grill
grates are clean, free of debris, and well-oiled to prevent the steak from sticking to them
during the grilling process. - Once the grill is sufficiently hot, carefully place the steak on the grates. Sear each side of
the steak for about 2-3 minutes. This will help develop a delicious, flavorful crust outside
of the steak. - After searing, transfer the meat to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the grill’s heat to
medium. I prefer moving it as it takes time to lower the heat from hot to medium. Keep a
close eye on the steak to make sure that it reaches the desired level of doneness for you
or your guests’ taste preferences.
Achieving the Ideal Level of Doneness
Grilling the perfect steak is all about achieving the ideal level of doneness to suit your
preferences. Here’s a general guide to help you grill your steak to perfection:
Rare
A rare steak has an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C), which results in a steak seared on the
outside and bright red in the center.
Medium Rare
If you prefer a bit more pink in the center, a medium-rare steak will have an internal temperature
of 135°F (57°C). Your steak will be seared with a warm, red center at this temperature.
Medium
For a medium steak, grill to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This produces a steak that
is pink and juicy throughout, with a slightly firm texture.
Medium Well
If you prefer a steak with a center that is just a touch pink, aim for an internal temperature of
150°F (66°C).
Well Done
For a well-done steak, cook to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). This will yield a fully
cooked steak without any pink color.
Resting and Serving
Once your steak has reached the desired level of doneness, it’s important to let it rest before serving. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and tent it loosely with foil. Let the steak rest for at least five and no more than 10 minutes to allow the cooked meat’s juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy steak.
One crucial step that is often overlooked is slicing the steak against the grain, which produces maximum tenderness.
Conclusion
Grilling the perfect steak on your Weber grill is an art that requires a combination of skill, technique, and attention to detail. Following these tips and techniques, you can impress your friends and family with quality steaks from your own Weber grill.
