The Very Best Way to Grill a Steak

Nothing quite says summer is here like a steak cooked on the grill, but if you haven’t turned on your barbecue since Labor Day, you might want a quick grilling refresher. Here, Sun Basket’s test kitchen team takes you through seven simple steps to grilling great steaks every time. 

1. Preheat your grill

Turn all the burners on high and let the grill heat for 10 to 15 minutes before you start cooking. This will get you off to a sizzling start and the steak will be less likely to stick to the grates. 

2. Start clean

Once the grill is hot, scrape the grates with a wire brush or a wad of bunched- up foil. 

3. Oil the grill

Rub an oil-soaked paper towel over the hot grates to help prevent food from sticking. 

4. Make separate heat zones

When you’re ready to cook, keep one burner on high, and turn the others off or on very low heat. Having different heat zones will give you more control over your cooking. Sear the steaks over high heat and move to a cooler spot on the grill if they cook too quickly or start to burn. 

5. Turn the meat frequently

Flip the meat often while it cooks. The steak actually cooks faster this way, and more evenly, as well.  

6. Use an instant-read thermometer

Stop poking at your steaks. A thermometer is the only reliable way to judge the doneness of your food. We like the very reasonably priced and reliable ThermoPop. Next to your grill, this is the most important grilling tool you can own. 

7. Take a rest

Let the meat rest about five minutes before you cut into it. This allows the juices to thicken and the muscle proteins to relax, so each bite of steak delivers maximum juiciness.