Your Guide to Grilling Perfect Steaks Every Time

When summer rolls around, our weekends are full of poolside afternoons, sunset barbecues, and backyard dinner parties. Thankfully, Adam loves to host friends and family as much as I do, so our outdoor gatherings are always a tag team effort between the two of us.

One thing we’ve learned from years of hosting is how to plan a menu that’s relatively hands-off once guests arrive. We want to be hanging out and having fun with our friends, rather than stuck inside over a hot stove. Enter: dinner menus where almost every single item is made on the grill. This strategy is genius for a few reasons: minimal prep required beforehand, almost no clean-up after, and since Adam is our resident grill master, he does almost all the work (hehe.)

Grilling the perfect steak is an art, but a simple one. With the right techniques, you can achieve a juicy, flavorful steak every time. Today, I’m sharing Adam’s foolproof method for grilling our favorite cut of meat: New York strip steaks. It’s a little bit splurge-y and it feels both casual and celebratory. And we’re serving it with my signature chimichurri sauce that takes almost any cut of meat to the next level. Follow these steps for the only grilled steak recipe you’ll ever need in your life.

Step 1: Choose your cut.

For the best results, you want it to be about 1 1/2″ thick in order to get that perfect char on the outside without overcooking the inside. I usually ask the butcher for a “premium new york strip steak (sometimes I’ll go grass fed) that’s really thick without a lot of fat.” Wins every time.

2. Prepare your steak.

One hour before grilling, remove the steaks from the fridge and let them come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking and enhances the steak’s natural flavors.

3. Preheat the grill.

Preheat your grill to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Maintaining a consistent temperature is key to achieving that perfect sear and juicy interior.

Some recipes will recommend having a hot side to sear and a cooler side for finishing, but we have the best results when we don’t allow any areas of the grill to get too hot. Keep an eye on your temperature so that it stays right at 350 throughout cooking – the temperature may drop a bit when you open the hood to put the steaks on, so adjust your controls accordingly.

4. Season your steak.

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring a good sear. Drizzle both sides of the steaks with extra-virgin olive oil, then season liberally on all sides. Lately we’ve been using chopped garlic and lots of salt and pepper. If we want to use a seasoning blend, we’ll go with class Montreal Steak Seasoning.

5. Grill – with supervision!

Place the steaks on the grill and close the hood, monitoring the temperature to keep it steady at 350 degrees. Check occasionally for flare-ups; if they occur, use tongs to gently move the steaks to a cooler part of the grate.

Cook the steaks for 8 minutes per side, turning only once, for a perfect medium-rare. This timing can vary slightly depending on your grill and steak thickness, so use a meat thermometer if needed – aim for an internal temperature of 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare.

6. Let it rest.

After grilling, transfer the steaks to a cutting board and let them rest for 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.

6. Slice and Serve:

Slice the steaks into 1-inch strips, and serve with a generous drizzle of chimichurri sauce.

Tips for Grilling Success

• Choose Quality Meat: Opt for well-marbled New York Strip Steaks for the best flavor and texture.
• Monitor Grill Temperature: Consistent heat is essential. Use a grill thermometer to ensure your grill stays at the desired temperature.
• Avoid Flipping Too Often: Flip the steaks only once to develop a beautiful crust and avoid losing juices.
• Rest Your Steaks: Never skip the resting period – it’s the secret to a juicy steak.

I love serving slices on a big platter that you can serve family-style in the center of the table. Plus, when you’re using an expensive cut of meat like this, it helps it stretch further.

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This truly is the perfect steak! Serve alongside some grilled veggies, let people add their own chimichurri, and you’ve got yourself a summer meal that really can’t be beat. Let me know if you give it a try, and scroll on for the recipe.

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