Grilling juicy, flavorful steaks on a gas grill is easy with the right techniques. Follow these tips and you’ll be serving up tender, mouth-watering steaks all barbecue season long.
Selecting the Best Steaks for Grilling
Go for Tender Cuts
When choosing steaks for the grill, opt for naturally tender cuts like:
- Filet mignon
- Ribeye
- NY Strip
- Tenderloin
Tougher cuts like flank or skirt steak can also be delicious, but require marinating or mechanical tenderizing before grilling.
Pick the Right Thickness
- 1-inch thick steaks are ideal for grilling. Thinner cuts will dry out and cook too quickly.
- 2-inch thick steaks work too, but require a slightly modified grilling method.
Look for Good Marbling
- Marbling means the intramuscular fat interspersed within the meat. It bastes the steak during cooking and ensures a juicy, flavorful result.
- Choose steaks with generous marbling for maximum tenderness and moisture.
Proper Handling and Prep
Let the Steak Warm Up
- Take steaks out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before grilling.
- Letting it warm to room temp helps it cook more evenly later.
Pat Dry and Coat with Oil
- Blot steaks with paper towels before grilling.
- Brush lightly with oil. This gives great caramelization on the grill.
Season Generously with Salt
- Salt brings out the natural flavor of the beef.
- Apply coarse kosher or sea salt just before grilling.
Consider Extra Flavorings
- For bolder flavor, rub on garlic, herbs, spices, or dry rub before grilling.
- Marinate ahead of time or use a rub for variety.
Grilling Techniques for Perfect Steaks
Preheat Grill Properly
- Heat gas grill on high for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
- Clean grates and coat with oil to prevent sticking.
Go for Direct High Heat
- Grill steaks directly over the hot grates, not indirectly.
- This sears the exterior to lock in juices.
Skip the Lid
- Don’t cover the grill while cooking steaks.
- You need the high direct heat to achieve a good sear.
Sear Both Sides
- Sear steaks on high heat 2-4 minutes per side.
- Get a nice sear to caramelize the exterior.
Finish Over Lower Heat
- After searing, move steaks to lower heat to finish cooking.
- This prevents overcooking from high heat only.
Test for Doneness
- Use instant read thermometer for perfect doneness every time.
- Remove from grill when thermometer displays target temperature.
- Rare – 120-125°F
- Medium Rare – 130-135°F
- Medium – 140-145°F
- Medium Well – 150-155°F
- Well Done – 160°F
Let Meat Rest
- Allow steaks to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing into them.
- This allows juices to redistribute for a tender, juicy interior.
Slice Properly
- Slice steak across the grain for tenderest bites.
- Cut into thin slices to maximize juiciness.
Avoid Piercing the Meat
- Don’t use a fork to turn or move steaks during grilling.
- Piercing allows juices to escape. Use tongs instead.
Top 6 Tips for Grilling Steak on a Gas Grill
1. Use the Right Steak Cuts
Pick naturally tender cuts like ribeye, strip, or filet mignon. Tougher cuts can work too but benefit from marinating first.
2. Heat Grill Properly
Preheat your gas grill on high heat for 10-15 minutes before cooking. Clean and oil the grates.
3. Sear Over Direct High Heat
Sear both sides over direct high heat for 2-4 minutes per side. This caramelizes the exterior.
4. Finish Over Lower Heat
After searing, move steaks to lower heat indirect or direct low heat to finish cooking.
5. Check for Doneness
Use an instant read thermometer to test doneness. Remove from grill when internal temp reaches target.
6. Let Meat Rest
Allow steaks to rest 5-10 minutes before slicing to let juices redistribute for a juicy interior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thickness for grilling steak?
1-inch is ideal. 2-inch steaks can work but require modifying the grilling method slightly. Avoid thin steaks under 1-inch, which overcook too quickly.
How long does it take to grill a 1-inch steak?
Figure around 4-8 minutes of direct high heat grilling time per side for a 1-inch steak to get to medium rare doneness. Times vary by cut and desired doneness.
Should you grill steak on high or low heat?
Use a two-stage approach: Sear over direct high heat first, then finish cooking over lower direct or indirect heat. Skipping that initial sear over high heat will lead to a bland, un-caramelized steak.
What temperature do you grill steak at?
Crank your gas grill up to its highest heat, around 500-600°F if possible. This gives the nice sear you need on the outside of steaks before finishing over lower heat.
How do you keep steak juicy on the grill?
- Choose a thick, well-marbled cut.
- Let meat warm to room temp before grilling
- Sear over high heat before finishing over lower heat.
- Let steak rest before slicing into it.
- Slice across the grain when serving.
What gas mark is best for cooking steak?
For searing, use the highest heat your grill provides, which is usually around 500-600°F. After searing both sides, reduce heat to medium or medium low (around 350-450°F) to finish cooking the steak.
Conclusion
Grilling the perfect steak on a gas grill is easy once you know the basics. Use naturally tender cuts, generously season, sear over direct high heat, finish over lower heat, and let steaks rest before serving. Employing this simple method will reward you with juicy, caramelized, and flavorful grilled steaks every time. Experiment with different cuts, spice rubs and marinades for delicious variety. Master grilling steak over gas and enjoy your new go-to meal all barbeque season!