Sizzle Up: Medium-Well Steak Perfection Over Charcoal
How to Cook Medium-Well Steak on Charcoal Grill
Grilling the perfect medium-well steak can be a daunting task, especially if you are a beginner. However, with the right techniques and understanding of the process, you can easily achieve a juicy, tender, and flavorful medium-well steak on your charcoal grill.
Gather Your Ingredients and Tools
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 to 2-inch thick ribeye, strip, or tenderloin steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Tools:
- Charcoal grill
- Chimney starter
- Long-handled tongs
- Spatula
- Meat thermometer
- Timer
Preparing Your Charcoal Grill
- Set up Your Grill: Start by setting up your charcoal grill for indirect grilling. This means creating two zones of heat, one hot zone and one indirect zone. To do this, pile the charcoal briquettes on one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty.
- Light the Charcoal: Use a chimney starter to light the charcoal briquettes. Once the charcoal is lit, let it burn for about 15-20 minutes, until it is covered with a layer of ash.
- Arrange the Coals: Spread the lit coals evenly over one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. This will create a hot zone on one side and an indirect zone on the other.
Preparing Your Steak
- Trim the Steak: Trim any excess fat from the steak, leaving a thin layer of fat for flavor.
- Season the Steak: Rub the steak with olive oil and season liberally with salt and pepper.
Grilling the Steak
- Sear the Steak: Place the steak on the hot zone of the grill over direct heat. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it develops a nice caramelized crust.
- Move the Steak: Once the steak is seared, move it to the indirect zone of the grill. Close the lid and let the steak cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-well.
- Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. Once it reaches 135°F, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Grilling a Perfect Medium-Well Steak
- Use a high-quality steak with good marbling.
- Season the steak liberally with salt and pepper before grilling.
- Sear the steak over direct heat to create a flavorful crust.
- Move the steak to the indirect zone of the grill to finish cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak.
- Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Steak is Too Tough: If your steak is tough, it may have been overcooked. Make sure to cook the steak to the desired internal temperature and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- Steak is Too Dry: If your steak is dry, it may not have been cooked long enough or it may have been cooked over too high heat. Try cooking the steak for a longer period of time over indirect heat.
- Steak is Not Cooked Evenly: If your steak is not cooked evenly, it may not have been placed on the grill correctly. Make sure to place the steak directly over the heat source for searing and then move it to the indirect zone to finish cooking.
Conclusion
With patience, practice, and the right techniques, you can easily grill a perfect medium-well steak on your charcoal grill. Enjoy the deliciousness of a juicy, tender, and flavorful steak cooked to your desired doneness.
FAQs
- What is the best cut of steak for grilling medium-well?
- Ribeye, strip, and tenderloin steaks are all excellent cuts for grilling medium-well.
- How long should I cook a steak over direct heat?
- Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side over direct heat.
- How long should I cook a steak over indirect heat?
- Move the steak to the indirect zone of the grill and cook for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 135°F for medium-well.
- How can I tell if a steak is cooked to medium-well?
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. The internal temperature should be 135°F for medium-well.
- How can I prevent my steak from drying out?
- Make sure to cook the steak over indirect heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
