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23rd May 2023
As summer approaches, so does the BBQ season for Brits. When it comes to how you like your steak cooked, everyone has their own preference – whether that is rare, medium or well done, it’s a personal choice. As a butchering company and steak lover ourselves, we certainly have all the expert knowledge you need for grilling steaks.
Even if it’s your first time or your hundredth time grilling steaks, you’ll be sure to learn something new from reading this article. So without further ado, here are our 5 expert tips, including a bonus tip, on how to grill the perfect steak.
Before the grilling process even begins, it’s vital to choose high-quality assured meat from a reliable source. The quality of the steak can determine the result of the finished product. At The Catering Butcher, we have a range of Angus and Hereford steaks to choose from such as T-bone steak, rump steak, ribeye steak, sirloin steak and more. When you’re choosing a steak and you want to keep the fat content low, look for lean steaks or look for steak with lots of marbling (white fat flecks found throughout). This marbled fat melts while you grill the steak, infusing the meat fibres with flavour while keeping it juicy and tender.
It’s time to dust off your barbeque! Before you light the charcoal or turn on the gas, a clean barbecue is better to grill on, as it gives your steaks clear grilled char marks. The task of cleaning the barbecue is not the most enjoyable part but it can make a huge difference. If you cleaned your barbecue recently or before the winter, a simple wipe-down should do the trick to remove any dust. Otherwise, use a grill and oven cleaner or white distilled vinegar mixed with water to remove caked-on grease.
Now that your barbecue is clean and ready to go, the next step is to prepare and season the steaks. Blot the steaks with paper towels to allow the seasoning to stick better. You can simply season using salt, pepper or your favourite herbs. For extra flavour, you can marinate the steaks overnight in the refrigerator in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce with herbs and spices of your choice.
After the steaks have been marinated, take them out of the refrigerator and let them rest for 30 minutes to allow them to warm to room temperature. Grilling cold meat will take longer and this helps achieve an evenly cooked result for well-done preferences.
Finally, it’s time to light the charcoal or switch on the gas to preheat your barbecue. Brush the grill grates with some oil to prevent the steaks from sticking to them. The cooking time for steaks depends on a few factors, including size, tenderness and your preference of how well it’s done. We recommend cooking 2 to 4 steaks at a time, depending on how many steaks you are cooking and the size of your barbeque grill. Flip the steaks every 2-3 mins. If you feel unsure, check how well it’s cooked, use a meat thermometer and continue grilling until it is cooked to your liking. Serve with homemade salads, coleslaw, chips or wedges and barbecue sauce.
Cutting the steaks immediately after grilling can make you lose the juices. That is why we recommend letting your steaks rest for at least 10 mins to allow the juices to settle. If you wish to check how well it’s cooked and not lose the juices, place the steaks in tin foil before cutting. If your steak is quite thick, like a flank steak, cut it against the grain to help make it less chewy.
We hope you enjoyed reading our expert tips on grilling steaks. We have a true passion for supplying our customers with high-quality locally sourced meats to cook at home. Whether you’re planning a steak night with family or grilling steaks for a weekend BBQ with friends, make sure to order your meat online or from The Catering Butcher factory shop in Fenton, Stoke-On-Trent. We also supply our own marinated meats in-store to make grilling steaks easier for you. Our tasty range of steak sauces such as smoky BBQ, sweet chilli, pepper sauce are for anyone who appreciates added flavour!