Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Choosing the Perfect Steak for Grilling

Steak Grilling Tips - Part 1 

It is finally grilling season! Tip to fire up the grill and through on some steaks. However, there are few things you should consider in your quest to make the perfect steak. I mean you don't want to waste you money on a delicious piece of meat that turns into shoe leather.

In Part 1 we'll talk about choosing the right cut of beef for grilling. Part II will be Grilling Tips.

The wonderful Flat Iron steak
1. Some pieces of meat weren't meant to be grilled. Perfect grilling steak are those that are very tender naturally. My favorite choices are the Flat Iron (the second most tender cut of beef, but at a much more economical price), Kansas City Strip (strip steak), and the sirloin are my favorites. Other great options are a T-bone or Ribeye, but since I like a smaller portion sides I go with the first mentioned. Plus, don't forget if you are looking for one of the 29 leans cuts of beef look for loin or round in the name.

1a. Don't choose the sirloin steak if you like your steak prepared any higher than medium doneness. It isn't as tender as some of the other cuts so it does a lot better when cooked to medium-rare to medium.

2. Look for marbling. Marbling is the the little white flecks of fat within the meat. Those flecks of fat give the meat it's flavor. Also, the marbling will keep you meat a lot more tender as you cook it.


I only buy meat that is of Choice or Prime grade, AAA if I'm in Canada. Choice and Prime refer to the amount of marbling. If you really want a great grilling steak experience stay away from Select steaks. 

3. Where you buy your steaks makes a difference. I love beef right off the farm, but unfortunately due to distance I can't raid my parent's fridge whenever I want. If you can find a local beef producer to buy your beef from I highly recommend it. Next best option is straight from the meat cutter at your grocery store. I really enjoy being able to pick and purchase my meat. Plus, if you are unsure about what is the piece piece of red meat for your grill is the meat cutter will be able to help you out. 

What are your favorite steaks to grill? 
And don't forget to come back tomorrow for more grilling tips. 

5 comments:

  1. Great tips! Tri Tip is very popular around here (but it has to be marinaded) - every time we go to a BBQ that seems to be what is served.

    Sarah from The House That Ag Built

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  2. My roomates and I are going to grill tomorrow evening! (if we can get our grill to turn on... it sometimes has a mind of it's own) But we are going to use whatever steak I brought from home.

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  3. Glad to see you mentioned marbling and it's an important thing to look for when selecting steaks at the grocery store. anxious for summer to get here so we can throw some on the grill.

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  4. It's true that not all parts of meat are meant for grilling. In addition, you should be careful in choosing and marking a marinated sauce, because there's a tendency that meat can easily burn. Define the texture of the meat so you know what marinate is best for it.

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  5. Alex, thanks for the additional grilling tips.

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