Grilled steaks are one of the easiest foods to prepare on the barbecue.  If you are planning a cookout for Father’s Day, consider steaks on the grill.  There are just a few tips to follow to achieve perfectly grilled steaks.

Tips for Perfectly Grilled Steaks

1. Bring your meat to room temperature by taking it out of the fridge 20-25 minutes before grilling.
2. Pat your meat dry with paper towels.
3. Season your meat.
4. Preheat your grill 15-20 minutes in advance.  
5. Once you place your steaks on the grill, let it develop a nice sear.  If you flip it too soon, it will stick to the grate.
6. I like using an instant read thermometer to eliminate guessing if the meat is done.  We like ours medium rare.  See Using a Meat Thermometer below.
7. Let your cooked steaks rest on a platter for five minutes before serving.  This allows the juices to settle inside the meat.   This resting time is also the perfect time to fill your water glasses or to put the finishing touches on any side dishes.

Different Cuts of Meat

I enjoy a variety of cuts of meat.  Inexpensive cuts known as hanger, skirt and flank are delicious when marinated, grilled to the right temperature and cut against the grain.  I also love a meaty strip steak or rib eye.  The most expensive cut, filet mignon, is always welcomed at my table!

You can follow the tips above for simply prepared grilled steaks.  If you prefer going beyond just seasoning your meat and grilling it, give one of these three recipes a try.

Grilled Balsamic and Rosemary Flat Iron Steak

via Life’s Ambrosia

Jack Daniel’s Grilled Strip Steaks

via Diethood

Garlic Rosemary Filet Mignon

via Girls Can Grill

Using a Meat Thermometer

An instant read thermometer is a must for grilling meats.  For me, it’s important for food safety when it comes to chicken and pork.  For red meat though, it’s imperative so the meat is not overcooked!

I found this Meat and Poultry Temperature Guide at the Food Network.  They give a great explanation on food safety and properly cooking meat.  You can enjoy a rare steak without worrying; if it’s rare hamburger though, you need to be concerned.

You have to make your own decisions on internal temperature.  Our definition of medium rare is 125° and their’s is shown at 130-135° (medium to medium-well in our opinion).  Once you find the right temperature, write it down so you know for future cooking.

Cooking Steaks Indoors

If your weather is not cooperating or if you prefer to cook indoors, visit my Recipe of the Week from my OMG Worthy Reads, Week 76.  Ina Garten’s method of cooking steaks in a cast iron skillet is foolproof!

Next week I will share some great side dishes for a Father’s Day Barbecue.

Thanks for stopping by!