PREPARATION PAYS OFF
Many grill experts emphasize bringing steaks to room temperature before putting on the grill, but according to the Beef Council, they don’t recommend it for food safety reasons. Their cooking chart is based on the meat going directly from chill to grill. So plan on pulling the meat from the fridge, seasoning well, and getting started right away.
FIRE IT UP
Make sure your grill is clean (to prevent flare-ups) and the rack is well-oiled (to prevent sticking). If you’re using charcoal, follow the directions for how much you’ll need and how to build the charcoal pile. For gas grills, refer to your owner’s manual and set the grill to medium-high.
GRILL, BABY, GRILL
Use an ovenproof or instant-read thermometer to monitor doneness, and let it go—don’t flip the steaks too much! One flip is usually all you need, but take care to avoid charring or burning and be ready to turn down the heat (or move to a cooler spot on the grill) if necessary. Keep in mind the internal temperature will continue to rise for a few minutes after coming off the grill.
REST & RELAX
Here’s another step novice cooks often overlook: resting the meat before serving—even if you’re hungry. It’s seriously worth the wait, because it prevents all those tasty juices from draining onto your plate. For most grill-friendly cuts, about five minutes is enough.
FINISHING TOUCHES
If you're slicing the steak before serving, be sure to go across the grain. There’s no shortage of tips for assembling a great burger. For steaks, we recommend topping them off with butter or serving with a sauce.
(Source: Beef Council. Website: beefitswhatsfordinner.com)