Grilling the Perfect Steak

Now is the perfect time to plan your summer cookouts. You can create enviable backyard barbeques, and tease the neighbors with the aroma of gloriously grilled meat. You have 13 weekends to perfect your craft! So, lets get started!

What kind of grill should I get?

There are many choices, from the basic open style Hibachi grill to the Gas grill, to the smoker. You can invest hundreds of dollars in a state of the art unit, or start with a simple and inexpensive Hibachi. There are wagon style grills, covered grills, and cylinder grills, too. For now, choose an inexpensive, open top grill. You can find one at your nearest home center or discount store, for $100 or less. You can choose a tabletop grill, or a freestanding unit with legs.

What other accessories do I need?

You’ll need an inexpensive oven mitt, one that you can throw out if it gets too close to the flames or too dirty to clean. You’ll also need a pair of thongs for handling the food, a few pastry brushes for basting, and a meat thermometer.

How do I start the fire?

You will need charcoal briquettes, starter fluid, and long, fireplace matches. There are many varieties of charcoal briquettes to choose from. You can purchase briquettes that have been saturated with starter fluid, or briquettes seasoned for flavor, or just plain old charcoal briquettes. Some of the cheap ones are made with sawdust and other fillers, and do not burn well. Your best bet will be to buy standard, good quality briquettes, without starter fluid or flavoring. For the starting fluid, make sure you buy a product that is made specifically for grilling. Never use kerosene, gasoline or other flammable liquid to start a fire, as it is unsafe. Buy a bottle of starting fluid, and follow the directions.

What kind of steak tastes best when cooked on a grill?

There are a number of good cuts to try. I recommend the best, choicest cut you can afford. The best quality cuts are porterhouse, New York strip, T-bone, rib steak, and of course, filet mignon. Choose any of these for delicious flavor, and tenderness.