Best Steaks for Grilling: Ribeye, Strip, Filet & More

What Makes a Steak Perfect for Grilling?

The ideal steak for grilling has a balance of flavor, tenderness, and marbling (the thin streaks of fat within the meat). These qualities enhance the steak’s ability to cook evenly and stay juicy while developing that sought-after seared crust.

Look for steaks with:

• Ample Marbling: Fat enhances flavor and juiciness.
• Uniform Thickness: Evenly thick steaks cook more consistently.
• Well-Aged Meat: Dry-aged or wet-aged steaks offer deeper flavors.

Top Steaks for Grilling

1. Ribeye Steak

• Why It’s Great: Known for its rich marbling and robust flavor, the ribeye is often considered the king of steaks for grilling. Its fat content melts into the meat during cooking, keeping it juicy and flavorful.
• Best Prep: Season with salt and pepper to let the natural flavors shine. Sear over high heat and finish on medium for the perfect doneness.

2. New York Strip Steak

• Why It’s Great: Also called a strip steak or Kansas City strip, this cut offers a good balance of tenderness and bold beefy flavor.
• Best Prep: Grill it hot and fast for a perfect crust while keeping the interior juicy.

3. Filet Mignon

• Why It’s Great: This cut is prized for its buttery texture and mild flavor. While it’s leaner than other steaks, its tenderness makes it a favorite for special occasions.
• Best Prep: Wrap in bacon to add flavor and prevent drying out during grilling.

4. T-Bone and Porterhouse Steaks

• Why It’s Great: These iconic cuts combine two steaks in one: the tenderloin and the strip. The T-bone is slightly smaller, while the porterhouse includes a larger portion of tenderloin.
• Best Prep: Grill on both sides over high heat, then move to indirect heat to cook the thicker portion to the desired doneness.

5. Flat Iron Steak

• Why It’s Great: This affordable cut is surprisingly tender and flavorful, with good marbling for grilling. It’s versatile and cooks quickly.
• Best Prep: Marinate for extra tenderness and grill over medium-high heat.

6. Skirt Steak

• Why It’s Great: Known for its intense flavor, skirt steak is thin and cooks quickly. It’s a great choice for fajitas or tacos.
• Best Prep: Marinate to enhance flavor and tenderness. Grill hot and fast, slicing against the grain to serve.

7. Flank Steak

• Why It’s Great: Like skirt steak, flank steak is flavorful and versatile. It’s leaner than some cuts, so proper preparation is key to avoid toughness.
• Best Prep: Marinate, grill over high heat, and slice thinly against the grain.

8. Tomahawk Steak

• Why It’s Great: This showstopper cut is a ribeye with the bone left intact, offering a dramatic presentation. Its large size and marbling make it perfect for grilling.
• Best Prep: Sear on high heat, then finish over indirect heat for even cooking.

How to Grill the Perfect Steak

1. Choose the Right Steak

Pick a steak that matches your flavor and texture preferences. Ensure it’s at least 1-inch thick for optimal grilling.

2. Bring It to Room Temperature

Let the steak rest at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling. This ensures even cooking.

3. Season Generously

Salt and pepper are classic, but feel free to experiment with garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dry rubs.

4. Preheat Your Grill

Heat your grill to high. The Arteflame Grill is ideal for achieving a perfect sear at over 1,000°F on the center grate while finishing the steak to perfection on the surrounding flat top.

5. Sear the Steak

Place the steak on the hottest part of the grill for 1-2 minutes per side to develop a flavorful crust.

6. Use the Reverse Sear Method

For thicker cuts, finish cooking on the Arteflame’s flat top griddle or a cooler part of the grill to your desired doneness.

7. Check Internal Temperature

Use a meat thermometer to ensure precision:

• Rare: 120°F
• Medium Rare: 130°F
• Medium: 140°F
• Medium Well: 150°F

Remove the steak when it’s 5-10°F below the target temperature, as it will continue cooking while resting.

8. Rest Before Serving

Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes to redistribute juices and enhance tenderness.

Pairing Sides for Your Steak

Round out your meal with these grill-friendly sides:

• Grilled Asparagus: Toss with butter and grill until tender.
• Baked Potatoes: Wrap in foil and cook on the flat top griddle.
• Sautéed Mushrooms: Cook directly on the grill with garlic and butter.
• Corn on the Cob: Grill until charred and serve with seasoned butter.

Conclusion

The perfect steak for grilling depends on your preferences, but cuts like ribeye, New York strip, and filet mignon are unbeatable classics. Pair your steak with the high-heat searing power of the Arteflame Grill, and you’ll achieve steakhouse-quality results in your own backyard.

Grill with confidence, experiment with different cuts, and savor the satisfaction of a perfectly cooked steak every time.