Thawing Steak vs Grilling Frozen: Which Method is Best?

When it comes to grilling steak, the debate often centers on whether to thaw the steak first or cook it straight from frozen. Each method has its benefits, but the choice ultimately depends on your timing, tools, and desired results. Let’s dive into the pros and cons of both approaches and how to use your Arteflame grill to achieve perfection either way.

1. Why Thaw Steak Before Grilling?

Thawing steak is the traditional approach for grilling and comes with some clear advantages:

Even Cooking: Thawed steaks cook more uniformly from edge to center.
Seasoning Penetration: Thawing allows salt and marinades to penetrate deeper into the meat.
Ease of Grilling: Thawed steaks are easier to handle and flip.

How to Thaw Steak Properly

Place the steak in its original packaging or a sealed plastic bag.
Thaw in the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
For a quicker method, submerge the sealed steak in cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes.

However, thawing does have drawbacks:

It’s time-consuming.
Improper thawing can lead to uneven temperatures or bacterial growth.

Flat top grills

すべてを表示

最大$600割引
Arteflame XXL 40 インチフラットトップグリル - ハイユーロベース

(172)

下限 $2,495 ~~$2,995~~

詳細を表示
最大$600割引
Arteflame XXL 40 インチグリル - クラシックストレージベース

(139)

下限 $2,695 ~~$3,195~~

詳細を表示
最大$600割引
Arteflame XXL 40 インチグリル - ハイラウンドベース

(275)

下限 $2,495 ~~$2,995~~

詳細を表示
Arteflame XXL 40 インチフラットトップチャコールグリドルグリル: アートへのアウトドアクッキング

(182)

下限 $2,995

詳細を表示

2. The Case for Grilling Frozen Steaks

Grilling a steak straight from the freezer offers unique benefits:

Time-Saving: Skip the thawing process and go straight to grilling.
Perfect Sear: A frozen exterior creates a better crust while protecting the interior from overcooking.
Juicier Results: The cold center retains more moisture during grilling.

Using the Arteflame grill, which features a 1,000°F center grate and a flat-top griddle, is ideal for grilling frozen steaks because it allows for high heat searing and gradual cooking.

3. How to Grill Frozen Steaks

Grilling frozen steaks requires precision. Here’s how to do it right:

Preheat Your Grill: Use the Arteflame’s center grate for high heat. Wait until it reaches 1,000°F.
Sear the Steak: Sear for 90 seconds on each side to form a crust.
Move to the Griddle: Transfer the steak to the flat-top griddle to cook through.
Monitor Temperature: Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature. Remove the steak when it’s 15°F below your desired doneness.

Steakhouse quality recipes

すべてを表示

Arteflame グリルでのコック・オ・ヴァンの白ワイングリル
Arteflame で美しく焼き上げた、完璧な白ワイン入りコック・オー・ヴァンのレシピをご覧ください。ジューシーなチキン、ワインソース、柔らかい野菜!
5 Easy BBQ Family Dinners
Discover 5 easy BBQ family dinners: drumsticks, pork chops, burgers, ribs, and veggie kebabs. Perfect for delicious, crowd-pleasing meals on the grill!
3 Delicious Recipes Using Rotisserie Chicken
Transform leftover rotisserie chicken into quick, delicious meals with these easy recipes: tacos, Alfredo pasta, and chicken salad wraps, perfect for any occasion.
Rotisserie Chicken with McCormick Mesquite Seasoning on the Arteflame Grill
Bold and smoky rotisserie chicken with McCormick Mesquite seasoning, grilled to perfection on the Arteflame. Juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned.
Rotisserie Chicken with Smokehouse Maple Seasoning on the Arteflame Grill
Sweet and smoky rotisserie chicken with Smokehouse Maple seasoning, perfectly grilled on the Arteflame, paired with caramelized sweet potatoes and asparagus.
Rotisserie Chicken Recipe for the Arteflame Grill
Juicy rotisserie chicken with crispy skin, cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill. An easy, flavorful recipe with tips for perfect grilling results.
BBQ Chicken and Pizza Recipe
Master the art of grilling with this BBQ Chicken and Pizza recipe using the Arteflame grill. Juicy BBQ chicken and smoky pizza combine for an irresistible meal.
Ultimate Grilled Stuffed Peppers Recipe
Grilled stuffed peppers are a colorful and flavorful dish, packed with seasoned meat, rice, and cheese, then cooked to perfection on the Arteflame grill. This recipe uses the unique capabilities...

4. Thawed Steak on the Grill

Grilling thawed steak is a more familiar process:

Preheat Your Grill: Create direct and indirect heat zones.
Season Generously: Let the steak rest with seasoning for 15-20 minutes before grilling.
Grill to Perfection: Sear on the center grate and finish on the flat-top griddle, just like with frozen steaks.

5. Thawing vs. Grilling Frozen: Key Differences

Prep Time

Thawed steaks require 12-24 hours of planning ahead to allow for proper defrosting in the refrigerator or a quicker cold-water thaw. In contrast, grilling frozen steaks eliminates this step entirely, making them ready to grill immediately.

Cooking Time

When it comes to cooking, thawed steaks cook faster since they start at a warmer temperature. Frozen steaks, on the other hand, take slightly longer as they need extra time for the interior to reach the desired doneness.

Crust Formation

Frozen steaks excel at forming a superior crust. The colder surface allows for a crispier, more caramelized exterior compared to the standard crust of a thawed steak.

Juiciness

Both methods produce juicy steaks, but grilling frozen steaks offers slightly better moisture retention due to the cooler interior protecting against overcooking.

Flavor

Thawed steaks allow seasoning or marinades to penetrate deeper into the meat, enhancing flavor throughout. Frozen steaks, however, shine with a crispier exterior that intensifies the caramelized flavors of the crust.

Both methods deliver excellent results, and the choice depends on your priorities—time, texture, or flavor.

6. Which Method is Right for You?

Choose Thawed Steak if you:

Have time to plan ahead.
Want to deeply marinate or season the steak.
Prefer a more traditional grilling experience.
Have an Arteflame grill to handle the high heat and even cooking required.

Choose Frozen Steak if you:

Need a quick option for grilling.
Love a crispy, caramelized crust.
Have a gas grill.

Note

If you have a gas grill, you may want to try grilling your steak frozen. Most gas grills simply don't get hot enough to properly sear steaks and keep the center rare / medium rare. By the time you have a good sear, the steak is overcooked. Grilling frozen steaks might be a good option!

7. Arteflame: The Perfect Grill for Both Methods

The Arteflame grill makes grilling steaks—thawed or frozen—a breeze:

1,000°F Center Grate: Perfect for searing, whether the steak is frozen or thawed.
Flat-Top Griddle: Provides even heat for finishing the steak to perfection.
Versatility: The ability to cook other sides while managing different heat zones.

8. Final Thoughts

Both methods—thawing steak and grilling frozen—have their place in the grilling world. If you’re pressed for time or want to experiment with a crispier crust, try grilling frozen steaks. If you prefer a more traditional approach, thaw your steak and enjoy deeper seasoning and even cooking.

With the Arteflame grill, you can master either method and create steakhouse-quality results every time.