Summary:
- Choose a good steak: Flat Iron, New York Strip, or Filet Mignon, at least 1 inch thick.
- Prep the steak: Pat dry and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Sear hot: Preheat pellet grill to 450-500°F, sear steak 2-3 minutes per side.
- Cook low: Reduce heat to 225-250°F and cook to desired doneness using a meat thermometer.
- Rest: Rest the steak for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Is there anything better than biting into a perfectly cooked steak? The juicy tenderness, the flavorful char, and the satisfaction of grilling mastery. If you’re ready to take your steak game to the next level and add that irresistible smoky flavor, it’s time to fire up your pellet grill.
This guide will walk you through how to cook steak on a pellet grill step-by-step so you can impress your friends and family with restaurant-quality results.
Prep Your Steak
First things first, you’ll want to choose a cut that’s well-suited for grilling. Some popular options for the perfect pellet grill steak include:
- Flat Iron: Known for its rich marbling and flavor.
- New York Strip: A leaner cut with a firm texture.
- Filet Mignon: The most tender cut, prized for its melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Whichever cut you go for, aim for steaks at least 1 inch thick. That way, you’ll get a great sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
Before you even think about firing up the grill, there are two key prep steps:
- Pat it dry: Use paper towels to get rid of any extra moisture. This is a must for getting that perfect sear.
- Season generously: A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is all you really need to let the flavor of the beef shine. But feel free to experiment with your favorite steak rubs or spice blends.
Now you’re ready to move on to the grill.
Fire Up the Pellet Grill
When grilling steak on a pellet grill, high heat is key.
So, what temp should you cook a steak on a pellet grill? You’ll want to aim for a temperature between 450-500°F. This high heat will sear those steaks quickly and create those beautiful grill marks we all love.
Before throwing your steaks on, make sure your grill is properly preheated—it’s a must for even cooking and a great sear. Think of it like using a cast iron pan; you wouldn’t toss your steak on a cold pan, right?
Here’s a quick preheating checklist:
- Fill the hopper: Make sure you have plenty of wood pellets in the hopper.
- Turn it on: Set the temperature to the desired searing range (450-500°F).
- Close the lid: Let the grill preheat for 15-20 minutes to hit the right temp.
While the grill heats up, take this time to double-check your steaks and make sure they’re patted dry and seasoned to perfection.
Sear to Perfection
Place your seasoned steaks directly on the hot grates and resist the urge to move them—letting them sit undisturbed helps develop that perfect crust.
Wondering how long to cook steaks on a pellet grill for the sear? Aim for 2-3 minutes per side to get those beautiful grill marks and rich caramelized flavor.
Keep a close eye while searing, as every grill is different. You’re looking for a deep brown color and those signature marks, not burnt edges.
Lower the Heat for Desired Doneness
With that perfect sear done, it’s time to cook your steak to your ideal doneness. Lower the grill temperature to 225-250°F to let it cook evenly without overcooking the outside.
Here’s a quick temperature guide to help you cook your steak to perfection:
- Rare: 120-130°F
- Medium-Rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 135-140°F
- Medium-Well: 140-150°F
- Well-Done: 150°F+
Make sure to use a meat thermometer—guesswork won’t cut it. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak to track the internal temp.
Pro tip: Pull your steak off the grill a few degrees before it hits your target temp. Carryover cooking will take it the rest of the way to perfection.
Rest and Serve
Before slicing into that perfect steak, there’s one final (and crucial) step: letting it rest.
Think of your steak like a sponge. During cooking, the juices are drawn to the center. If you cut it too soon, those juices spill out, leaving the steak dry. Resting for 5-10 minutes lets the juices redistribute, giving you a tender, juicy, and flavorful bite.
Here’s how to rest your steak:
- Move it to a cutting board.
- Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
- Let it rest for at least 5 minutes, or up to 10 for thicker cuts.
Once rested, slice your steak against the grain, serve it with your sides, and enjoy every smoky, flavorful bite.
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