How to Grill the Perfect Juicy Steak with Garlic Butter

There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a perfectly grilled steak.

The smoky char on the outside, the juicy pink center, and that rich beefy flavor – it’s the stuff meat lovers’ dreams are made of.

But let’s be honest, grilling the perfect steak can be tricky.

Too often, home cooks end up with dry, tough meat that’s more disappointing than delicious.

That’s why I’m sharing my foolproof method for grilling incredibly juicy steaks topped with savory garlic butter.

With a few simple techniques, you’ll be serving up steakhouse-quality meat right in your own backyard.

Choosing the Right Cut of Steak

The first step to an amazing grilled steak is starting with the right cut of beef. For tender, juicy results, you’ll want to choose a well-marbled steak from the rib or short loin. Some excellent options include:

• Ribeye – Rich, beefy flavor and plenty of marbling
• New York strip – Lean but still tender with good flavor
• T-bone – Best of both worlds with strip and tenderloin
• Porterhouse – Similar to T-bone but with more tenderloin

Look for steaks that are at least 1-inch thick, preferably 1.5 to 2 inches. Thicker steaks are easier to cook to the perfect doneness without overcooking. You’ll also want to choose USDA Choice or Prime grade beef for the best quality and marbling.

Preparing the Steak

Once you’ve selected your steaks, proper preparation is key. Follow these steps:

1. Remove steaks from the refrigerator 30-60 minutes before grilling to allow them to come to room temperature. This ensures more even cooking.
2. Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps develop a better crust.
3. Season generously on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the salt – it helps tenderize the meat and enhance flavor.
4. Brush the steaks lightly with a high-heat oil like avocado or grapeseed oil. This prevents sticking and promotes browning.

Preparing Your Grill

Whether you’re using a gas or charcoal grill, proper setup is crucial for the perfect steak:

For a gas grill:

• Preheat on high with the lid closed for at least 15 minutes
• Clean and oil the grates
• Set up two temperature zones – one side on high heat, the other on medium-low

For a charcoal grill:

• Light the charcoal and let it burn until the coals are covered with gray ash
• Arrange the coals for two-zone cooking – pile them on one side for high heat, leave the other side empty
• Clean and oil the grates

Grilling the Perfect Steak

Now for the main event – grilling your steak to juicy perfection:

1. Place the steaks on the hot side of the grill. For a crosshatch pattern, place them at a 45-degree angle to the grates.
2. Grill for 2-3 minutes, then rotate 45 degrees and grill another 2-3 minutes.
3. Flip the steaks and repeat on the second side.
4. Move the steaks to the cooler side of the grill and continue cooking until they reach your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy :
   • Rare: 125°F (52°C)
   • Medium-rare: 135°F (57°C)
   • Medium: 145°F (63°C)
5. Remove steaks from the grill and let them rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Making the Garlic Butter

While your steaks are resting, whip up this simple but decadent garlic butter to take them over the top:

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix all ingredients until well combined.
2. Spoon the butter mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap.
3. Roll into a log shape and twist the ends to seal.
4. Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

To serve, slice off a pat of the garlic butter and place it on top of your hot grilled steak. The heat will melt the butter, creating a luscious sauce that mingles with the steak’s juices.

Tips for Grilling Success

Follow these additional tips to ensure your grilled steaks turn out perfectly every time:

• Don’t overflip: Resist the urge to constantly flip your steaks. Flipping once or twice is enough.
• Use tongs: Never pierce your steak with a fork, as this lets precious juices escape.
• Know your grill’s hot spots: Most grills have areas that are hotter than others. Learn where these are to control cooking.
• Let it rest: Resting allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Don’t skip this step!
• Slice against the grain: When serving, cut perpendicular to the direction of the meat fibers for maximum tenderness.

Pairing Your Steak

A perfectly grilled steak deserves equally delicious sides and beverages. Consider these pairings:

Side Dishes:

• Grilled asparagus or zucchini
• Baked potato with all the fixings
• Crispy roasted potatoes
• Simple green salad with vinaigrette

Beverages:

• Red wine: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Syrah
• Beer: A robust porter or stout
• Cocktail: Old Fashioned or Manhattan

Troubleshooting Common Steak Grilling Issues

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Even experienced grillers can run into problems. Here’s how to address some common issues:

Grilling the perfect juicy steak with garlic butter is an art that combines quality ingredients, proper technique, and a bit of patience. By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create restaurant-quality steaks in your own backyard. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt isn’t flawless. With each steak you grill, you’ll gain more experience and confidence. Before long, you’ll be the go-to grill master among your friends and family, known for serving up mouthwatering, perfectly cooked steaks topped with decadent garlic butter. So fire up that grill, grab some quality beef, and get ready to savor the unbeatable flavor of a perfectly grilled steak.