How to Barbecue the Perfect Steak Every Time
If you’ve ever wanted to barbecue the perfect steak, you’re in the right place.
With the right tips and techniques, you can impress your guests or simply enjoy a great meal at home.
Let’s walk through the key steps to getting that perfect steak every time you fire up the BBQ.
Step 1: Choose the Right Cut
The first step to a perfect steak is choosing the right cut.
If you’re after something tender and full of flavour, go for cuts like ribeye, porterhouse, or sirloin. These cuts have the right balance of marbling (fat running through the meat) and tenderness, giving you great flavour and texture.
If you prefer a leaner option, eye fillet or rump steaks are good choices. Just keep in mind that leaner cuts may need a bit more attention to avoid overcooking.
Step 2: Let the Steak Rest Before Cooking
Before you throw your steak on the BBQ, let it sit out at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This helps the steak cook more evenly, preventing the outside from overcooking while the inside remains underdone.
If you’re worried about bacteria, don’t stress. Letting the steak rest for this short period is perfectly safe and worth the results.
Step 3: Season Well
A good steak doesn’t need much. Keep it simple with salt and pepper. Generously season both sides of the steak just before placing it on the BBQ.
If you want to add more flavour, you can also rub it with a little olive oil, garlic, or herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Just avoid overdoing it with marinades as they can mask the natural flavour of the meat.
Step 4: Get Your BBQ Hot
The key to a great sear is a hot BBQ. Preheat your BBQ to high heat before putting your steak on. You want to hear that satisfying sizzle when the steak hits the grill.
A high heat helps create a caramelised crust on the outside of the steak while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
For gas BBQs, aim for around 230-260°C, and for charcoal, let the coals turn white-hot.
Step 5: Know Your Cooking Times
Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and how you like it cooked. As a general guide:
- Rare: 2-3 minutes each side
- Medium-rare: 3-4 minutes each side
- Medium: 4-5 minutes each side
- Well-done: 5-6 minutes each side
For more precision, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 50-55°C for rare, 60°C for medium, and around 70°C for well-done.
Don’t have a thermometer? You can also use the finger test to check doneness—press the centre of the steak and compare it to the firmness of different parts of your palm.
Step 6: Let It Rest Again
After cooking, let your steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, giving you a juicy, flavourful steak with every bite.
Trust us, this step makes all the difference!
Elevate Your Steak Game with the Right BBQ Tools
Now that you know how to barbecue the perfect steak, it’s time to put your skills to the test! At Turn Left @ Albuquerque, we have a wide range of BBQs and BBQ accessories to help you achieve steak perfection.
Shop online today to explore our range and take your next steak to the next level!