Memorial Day heralds the arrival of sunnier days and warmer evenings, drawing us outdoors to enjoy quality time with family and friends. At the center of these summer gatherings is the barbecue, where the tantalizing aroma of grilled meat conjures fond memories of summers past. However, not all steaks are created equal, and that's where Silver Fern Farms comes in.
Sourced from the lush, green pastures of New Zealand, Silver Fern Farms 100% Grass-fed Angus Beef is raised without antibiotics or hormones. Animals eat and live as they would naturally – reducing stress and promoting better animal welfare. A diet of nutrient-rich grass produces natural marbling and allows the natural flavors of the meat to shine through. The result is the finest quality, nutritious and delicious, tender red meat.
But good produce is only half of the picture. Achieving the perfect steak also relies on proper cooking technique. A marriage of high-quality meat and expert grilling methods is essential to creating a steak that is tender, juicy, and full of flavor.
And luckily, these techniques aren’t divine knowledge locked away in the minds of Michelin star chefs - but instead available to everyone with a grill and a keen interest in making their steaks as delicious as possible.
We’ve done the work to find the best grilling techniques and put them together in one place. It's now up to you to pair these techniques with our delicious steaks and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
So whether it’s grass fed prime rib, a New York strip – or a juicy sirloin that you’re throwing down on the grill - here is everything you need to know about creating the perfect steak this summer.
TIPS ON HOW TO GRILL THE PERFECT STEAK:
1. Bloom the Meat
Meat doesn’t like being cooked cold! Let it warm up a bit. Remove your steak from its packaging and wait 10 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. This step, known as "blooming," ensures consistent cooking and brings out the full flavor of the grass-fed beef.
2. Oil the Meat, Not the Grill or Pan
Avoid burning oil by heating your grill or pan first and then adding oil directly onto the meat. This way, the pan can get extra hot without the oil burning, and also prevents the steak from sticking.
3. Season the Meat
Season the steak with salt and pepper just before cooking. This creates a delicious outer crust that makes the steak even more tender and juicy. A well-seasoned crust seals in the juices, ensuring a delectable bite.
4. Warm Up Before You Start
Make sure the pan or grill is extra hot before adding the steak. A hot pan will sear the meat quickly, trapping in all the delicious juices, and giving it a smoky, caramelized finish.
5. Give It Some Space
Crowding the pan or grill can lead to uneven cooking. For a delicious steak, make sure to give each piece some space, so they can cook evenly and develop a beautiful crust.
6. Hot Plate for Searing
A hot plate is perfect for first searing, then roasting cuts. Searing the meat quickly cooks the outside, creating a delicious seal that traps in all the flavor. Grass-fed beef, in particular, benefits from a good sear, which accentuates its unique flavor profile.
7. Baste While Cooking
For extra flavor, baste a little marinade or butter on your red meat while cooking. For example, the best marinade for New York strip steak might include garlic, herbs, and olive oil, or try basting your 12 oz New York strip with butter and thyme.
8. Use Tongs
Use tongs instead of a fork to avoid puncturing the steak, ensuring those delicious juices stay sealed in. This prevents the steak from drying out and retains its tender texture.
9. Only Turn Once
Only turn your steak once on the grill or in the pan for an even finish and a delicious crust. Flipping too frequently can disrupt the crust formation, leaving your steak lacking that perfect caramelization.
10. Rest the Meat
Once you’re done cooking, transfer the steak to a board or plate, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
11. Cut Across the Grain
When slicing your steak, always cut across the grain. Look for the small lines running in the same direction across the meat, and cut in the opposite direction. This ensures a melt-in-your-mouth experience, especially if you slice thinly.
Now that you’re equipped with the skills to grill like a pro, pair that with Silver Fern Farms’ premium 100% Grass-fed Angus Beef, and you’ll be ensuring that the flavors sizzling on the grill are as memorable as the moments shared around it.
Happy Grilling!