Why Can't I Grill A Decent Steak?

[vailpass]

Grilled steaks last night, they came out ok but not great. Good cuts of meat but they weren't juicy like a restaurant. I only turned them once, used high heat. I like them medium rate.
I have 2 grills, gas and infra red, just can't seem to get the perfect streak.
Anyone have any tips?

[Fire Me Boy!]

Originally Posted by mdchiefsfan

at 200 degrees, right?

350.

And if the pan is new, you should probably do a full seasoning the first few times you use it. Do the greasing, then pop it in a 350 oven for an hour. What I mentioned above is really more like maintenance.

[mdchiefsfan]

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

350.

And if the pan is new, you should probably do a full seasoning the first few times you use it. Do the greasing, then pop it in a 350 oven for an hour. What I mentioned above is really more like maintenance.

Okay got it. Thanks FMB.

[threebag]

If I cook steak indoors it's only on cast iron

[Silock]

Originally Posted by mdchiefsfan

I plan on using conola or peanut oil to dab onto the steaks to even the sear also

ON the steaks? Olive oil is best, IMO.

[Silock]

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

Steer clear of the grilling pans. I hate them. If you're going to grill, grill. You'll find the grill pans very difficult to clean and season.

Which cast iron thread are you look for?

I disagree with this. I find my grill pan to be quite easy to clean and it isn't difficult to season at all. Of course, I only use the flat side. The ribbed side can go **** itself.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Originally Posted by Silock

I disagree with this. I find my grill pan to be quite easy to clean and it isn't difficult to season at all. Of course, I only use the flat side. The ribbed side can go **** itself.

Then you're not using the grill... you're using the griddle. Yes, by all means, get a griddle. But I'd find one that's just a griddle, not a combo. That's just me, though.

[Silock]

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

Then you're not using the grill... you're using the griddle. Yes, by all means, get a griddle. But I'd find one that's just a griddle, not a combo. That's just me, though.

They make longer flat ones with a handle. I would agree that a griddle is better.

I just like the ability the sear two steaks at once, and then flip them both onto the other end that's not cooled down a bit from cooking to get a great sear on the other end. And then the first side can come back up to temp for more steaks while the second side is searing.

My skillet just doesn't get used for steak because it's not big enough to grill two different sides of the steak in different places. Small difference, to be sure, but just a preference.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Originally Posted by Silock

They make longer flat ones with a handle. I would agree that a griddle is better.

I just like the ability the sear two steaks at once, and then flip them both onto the other end that's not cooled down a bit from cooking to get a great sear on the other end. And then the first side can come back up to temp for more steaks while the second side is searing.

My skillet just doesn't get used for steak because it's not big enough to grill two different sides of the steak in different places. Small difference, to be sure, but just a preference.

I wouldn't argue with you there... just pointing out that you're using the griddle side of your grill pan. And you comment about the ridged side (the grill side) means you agree: cast iron grill pans are a PITA. Find a griddle and get that.

Personally, I've had no problem with a skillet for two steaks.

[vailpass]

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

350.

And if the pan is new, you should probably do a full seasoning the first few times you use it. Do the greasing, then pop it in a 350 oven for an hour. What I mentioned above is really more like maintenance.

FMB brings value..

[Silock]

Originally Posted by Fire Me Boy!

I wouldn't argue with you there... just pointing out that you're using the griddle side of your grill pan. And you comment about the ridged side (the grill side) means you agree: cast iron grill pans are a PITA. Find a griddle and get that.

Personally, I've had no problem with a skillet for two steaks.

Then you aren't grilling big enough steaks

But you can get flat grill pans. Really no different than skillets. Can get shallow ones that are also long.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Originally Posted by Silock

Then you aren't grilling big enough steaks

But you can get flat grill pans. Really no different than skillets. Can get shallow ones that are also long.

What you're talking about is a combo grill/griddle pan. The flat side is the griddle.

[Fire Me Boy!]

Originally Posted by Silock

Then you aren't grilling big enough steaks

But you can get flat grill pans. Really no different than skillets. Can get shallow ones that are also long.

Also, I don't geneally cook a steak in a pan. If I cook a steak indoors, I will do it sous vide then sear only in the cast iron. That's usually only about 60 seconds per side, and I've got the pan screaming hot.

[mdchiefsfan]

All I have to say is amazing. The temperature was perfectly even through out. Everyone that had it said it was the best steak so far. Can't wait to give this another go. Thanks for the tips FMB

[Fire Me Boy!]

Originally Posted by mdchiefsfan

All I have to say is amazing. The temperature was perfectly even through out. Everyone that had it said it was the best steak so far. Can't wait to give this another go. Thanks for the tips FMB

Awesome!

[vailpass]

Grilled two cuts tonight. Let them sit out coated in salt for 30 minutes. Rinsed and patted dry. Heat at 500. Quick sear, 4 minutes, then moved to other side of grill.
Best yet.
Thanks everyone.