Utah Cracked Pepper T-Bone Steaks on Arteflame
Introduction
Thick, juicy, and bursting with bold flavor—these Cracked Pepper T-Bone Steaks grilled on the Arteflame deliver steakhouse-quality results right in your Utah backyard. With a scorching sear on the center grill grate and a perfect finish on the flat top cooktop, this is the ultimate reverse-seared steak that locks in flavor, juices, and that irresistible char.
Ingredients
- 2 thick-cut T-bone steaks (1.5 to 2 inches thick)
- 2 tablespoons coarse black pepper
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (softened)
- Wood for fire (such as oak or hickory)
- Vegetable oil (for lighting the fire)
- 3 paper napkins (for lighting)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire Up the Arteflame Grill
- Place 3 paper napkins soaked in vegetable oil in the center of the Arteflame grill.
- Stack dry hardwood firewood over the napkins.
- Light the napkins and allow the fire to burn down for about 20 minutes until the center grill grate reaches 1,000°F.
Step 2: Prepare the Steaks
- Rub both sides of the T-bone steaks generously with sea salt and coarse black pepper.
- Let the steaks sit at room temperature while the grill heats up—this ensures even cooking.
Step 3: Sear on the Center Grill Grate
- Place the steaks directly on the center grill grate for a deep, crisp sear—sear each side for about 1.5 to 2 minutes.
- Once you get a beautiful crust, move the steaks to the flat top cooktop to continue cooking.
Step 4: Cook to Desired Doneness
- Relocate the steaks to the hotter inner section of the flat cooktop.
- Add a pat of butter on top of each steak and let it melt into the surface while grilling.
- Cook until the internal temperature is 15°F below your desired doneness (e.g., remove at 120°F for medium-rare).
- Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and rest for 10 minutes. The internal temperature will continue to rise as they rest.
Tips
- Always let your steaks rest before slicing to retain maximum juiciness.
- The Arteflame’s flat cooktop lets steaks sizzle evenly without burning.
- Use the heat zones to your advantage—move steaks closer to the center to finish faster, or further out for slower cooking control.
- Cooking multiple dishes? The Arteflame has plenty of room to cook all sides and mains together!
- Use high-quality firewood—this affects the flavor and consistency of your grilling heat.
Variations
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Garlic Butter T-Bone: Add minced garlic to your butter for a flavorful finish on the cooktop.
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Herb Crusted T-Bone: Rub steaks with rosemary and thyme with the salt and pepper for an aromatic twist.
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Smoky Paprika T-Bone: Replace half the black pepper with smoked paprika for a bold, smoky crust.
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Steakhouse Rub T-Bone: Use a Montreal steak seasoning blend instead of straight salt and pepper for deep, complex flavor.
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Chili-Crusted T-Bone: Add crushed red pepper flakes or chipotle powder for a little kick.
Conclusion
With the ultra-hot sear of the Arteflame grill and the gentle, flavorful finish on the flat cooktop, this Utah-style Cracked Pepper T-Bone recipe delivers steakhouse perfection without ever needing an oven or pan. Easy cleanup, perfect crust, and steaks that sing with flavor—the Arteflame way.
Best pairings
- Grilled asparagus with lemon butter on the Arteflame flat top
- Cast-iron-style potatoes on the griddle topped with fresh herbs
- Buttery grilled corn on the cob
- Bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec
- For beer lovers, a hoppy IPA or rich porter