How To Perfectly Grill A New York Strip Steak

We will show you how to grill a juicy New York strip steak perfectly. You’ll learn how to pick the best steak and master grilling skills. Get ready for a delicious meal.

Few beef cuts can beat a New York strip steak on the grill. Whether it’s a weekend BBQ or a fancy dinner, this steak will wow your guests. Learn how to grill it right.

The New York strip steak is known for its tenderness and flavor. It comes from a part of the cow called the beef short loin, which makes it perfect for grilling.

This guide gives you pro tips for better grilling. You’ll make every bite of your steak taste amazing. So, put on your apron, start the grill, and let’s make the perfect steak.

Choosing the Perfect New York Strip Steak

If you already know what a New York strip steak is, then you should also learn how to choose the right one. The steak’s features will significantly shape its taste and texture. To determine the perfect steak, follow these easy tips:

1. Consider the Grade of Beef: Beef grade talks about the meat’s quality and fat patterns. You’ll find Prime, Choice, and Select grades at the store. Prime has lots of fat, making it very tender. Choice offers a good mix of taste and value. Select is leaner and might need some help tenderizing.
2. Pay Attention to Marbling: Marbling is the fat inside the steak’s muscles. It’s key for taste, juiciness, and tenderness. Aim for steaks with plenty of even marbling. Steaks with little marbling can be dry and not as tasty.
3. Optimal Thickness: The steak’s thickness matters for cooking it right. For grilling, get a steak that’s 1.5 to 2 inches thick. This size lets you sear the outside well without drying out the inside. Thinner steaks cook too quickly and can easily overdo.
4. Consult with Your Butcher or Trusted Source: Not sure which steak to pick? Your local butcher or a trusted expert can help. They know what’s best and can suggest the ideal steak for you.

• Look for the correct beef grade for the best taste and tenderness.
• Check the marbling to boost flavor and juiciness.
• Go for the right thickness, aiming for 1.5 to 2 inches for perfect grilling.
• If unsure, get advice from your butcher or a trusted source.

Preparing the Steak

Getting the New York strip steak ready is key for perfect grilling. Before starting the grill, season, marinate, and warm your steak correctly.

1. Seasoning: First, generously season your steak with salt, pepper, and any spices you like. This step makes the meat tastier and gives it a great crust when grilled.
2. Marinating: For a juicier and more flavorful steak, marinate it for a few hours or even all night. Pick a marinade highlighting the steak’s taste, like a zesty citrus or rich herb-based mixture.
3. Bringing to room temperature: It’s crucial to let the steak warm up before grilling. This helps cook the meat evenly and get the proper doneness. Just remove the steak from the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before grilling.

By seasoning, marinating, and warming your New York strip steak, you ensure it’s grill-ready. Now that the steak is prepped, it’s time to preheat the grill as the next step.

Preheating the Grill

Preheating your grill is crucial for grilling a tasty New York strip steak. It ensures your grill reaches the perfect temperature for a great sear.

For gas grills, begin by setting all burners on high heat. Then, close the lid and let it warm for about 10-15 minutes. This heats the grates evenly, making perfect grill marks on your steak.

Using a charcoal grill? Then, stack your charcoal briquettes in a pyramid shape at the grill’s center. Light them up and wait until they’re coated in white ash, roughly 20-30 minutes. Spread the hot coals evenly and preheat more with the lid closed for 10 minutes.

Preheating sets the stage for an excellent New York strip steak. The high heat seals in flavors and gives a tasty crust. So, always remember to heat your grill before you start cooking. You’ll get a delicious steak every time.

Grilling Techniques for New York Strip Steak

Mastering the right grilling techniques is essential for a juicy and tasty New York strip steak. Knowing how to grill makes a big difference whether you like it rare or well done. Learning various methods ensures your steak comes out just right.

Direct Grilling

Direct heat grilling is a favorite method. It involves cooking the steak right over the heat, which sears it beautifully. Heat your grill high and cook each side for 4-5 minutes for a perfect medium-rare. Let it rest briefly before cutting to keep it juicy.

Indirect Grilling

Try indirect heat grilling for thicker cuts. This method cooks the steak away from direct flames for even cooking. Light burners are on one side of the grill, and the steak is on the other. This method prevents the outside from charring while the inside cooks perfectly. Use a meat thermometer to know when it’s done just right.

Tips:

For a smoky flavor, add wood chips or chunks to your grill. Soak them in water for 30 minutes before. Put them on the hot coals or in a smoker box. The smoky wood adds a delicious aroma to your steak.

Cooking times and temperatures can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and how you like it done. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the temperature is just right.

Achieving the Perfect Sear

A sear gives the New York strip steak its delicious crispy crust. It shows you’ve cooked the steak perfectly, impressing your guests. Follow the advice below to create a beautiful, flavorful sear on your steak.

Start with a high-quality New York strip steak. Pick one that’s a well-marbled and vibrant red. The marbling adds moisture and flavor, enhancing the sear.

Let your steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. This ensures it cooks evenly and sears nicely.

Seasoning and Oil

Season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper. Salt draws out the meat’s flavors, and pepper adds spice. Feel free to add garlic powder or your favorite seasoning for extra flavor.

Coat the steak with oil high in smoke point, like canola. This prevents sticking and helps get a crisp sear. Massage the oil into the meat well.

Preheating the Grill

Preheat the grill to a high temperature before adding the steak. Aim for around 450°F to 500°F. An instant-read thermometer can check this.

Once hot, clean the grates with a wire brush. Then, oil the grates to prevent sticking and achieve a great sear.

Grilling Techniques

Place the steak directly over the heat. This quickly sears the outside, trapping juices inside and forming a crust.

• Grill a medium-rare steak for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This gives a nice sear and a pink center.
• For a medium steak, cook it 1 to 2 minutes longer on each side.
• Grilling times vary with steak thickness. Use a thermometer to check for doneness. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F.

While grilling, only flip the steak once to ensure a good sear. Avoid flipping it too often.

After grilling, let the steak rest for a few minutes. This makes it tender and juicy. Your perfectly seared New York strip steak is ready to impress. Serve it with your favorite sides for a memorable meal.

Resting and Slicing the Steak

After you grill your New York strip steak, it’s important to let it rest. This rest time spreads the juices, making the steak tender and flavorful. Here’s what to do to rest and cut your steak right:

1. Put the steak on a clean cutting board off the grill.
2. Cover the steak lightly with aluminum foil to keep it warm.
3. Wait 5 minutes for thin cuts or 10 minutes for thicker ones before you slice.

As the steak sits, it cooks more, so remember this to get the doneness you want. This rest helps the steak’s fibers relax, making it softer to eat.

Ready to slice? Here’s how:

1. Cut the steak against the grain with a sharp knife. This makes it easier to chew.
2. Slice thin cuts about ¼ to ½ inch thick.
3. Go for ½ to ¾ inch slices if you like them thicker.

You’re now a pro at resting and slicing your New York strip steak. Enjoy this delicious meal by itself or in your favorite dishes. A well-prepared steak will always wow your guests.

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve mastered grilling the perfect New York strip steak let’s make your meal even better. We have some tasty ideas to add flavors and make this meal one to remember:

1. Classic Side Dishes

Pair your steak with classic sides. Go for creamy mashed potatoes, seasoned roasted veggies, or tangy coleslaw. These sides will make your steak dinner even more delicious.

2. Fresh Salad

A fresh salad makes a great addition. Mix crisp greens with colorful veggies like tomatoes and cucumbers, and add a light vinaigrette. This combo of crisp salad and tender steak brings an exciting mix of textures.

3. Flavorful Sauces

Boost your steak with a yummy sauce. Try a savory mushroom sauce, a zesty chimichurri, or a tangy barbecue sauce. Pour it over your steak or have it on the side for dipping.

4. Grilled Vegetables

Grill veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus with your steak. They’re perfect for grilling and add a smoky flavor. These grilled veggies taste great with the steak.

5. Crusty Bread

Include crusty bread to mop up the steak juices and sauces. Grill it for a crispy outside and soft inside. It’s the best way to enjoy every flavor of your meal.

Try different combinations to find what you like best with your New York strip steak. The goal is to bring out the steak’s natural flavors and add new ones to make your meal exceptional.

How To Perfectly Grill A New York Strip Steak

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Whether you’re a seasoned griller or a beginner, our New York strip steak recipe card is your go-to resource for mouthwatering results. 

• Author: Janine Do
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 to 12 minutes
• Total Time: 40 to 42 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 New York strip steaks (1–1.5 inches thick)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to high heat (450-500°F).
2. Once the grill is hot, place the steaks directly over the heat.
3. Grill for 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness is achieved.
4. Remove the steaks from the grill and place them on a cutting board.
5. Tent the steaks loosely with aluminum foil and let them rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

Notes

1. Preparation:

• Take the steaks out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Pat the steaks dry with paper towels.
• Rub both sides of the steaks with olive oil.

2. Grilling:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 155°F for medium-well.
• If using fresh herbs, place a sprig of rosemary or thyme on the steak after flipping.

3. Marinate the steak with your favorite herbs and spices a few hours before grilling for an extra flavor boost.