How to grill boneless steak on charcoal grill

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Boneless charcoal steak, also known as a boneless ribeye steak, is a popular cut of beef that is well-marbled with fat, making it tender, juicy, and full of flavor. It comes from the rib section of the cow and is characterized by its rich, buttery texture and intense beefy flavor. It is a versatile cut that can be cooked using a variety of methods, including grilling on a charcoal grill, which imparts a smoky flavor and creates a delicious crust on the exterior of the meat.

Which kinds of boneless steak can you smoke on a charcoal grill?

You can smoke any kind of boneless steak on a charcoal grill, but some of the most popular options are:

  1. Ribeye: Ribeye steak is a flavorful cut that is well-marbled with fat, making it a popular choice for smoking on a charcoal grill.
  2. Strip steak: Strip steak is a leaner cut of beef that is still tender and flavorful. It works well for smoking on a charcoal grill because the smoky flavor can help enhance its natural flavor.
  3. Tenderloin: Tenderloin, also known as filet mignon, is a very tender cut of beef that is best cooked to medium-rare. Smoking it on a charcoal grill can add a smoky flavor to this already delicious cut.
  4. Sirloin: Sirloin steak is a leaner cut of beef that is still flavorful and can benefit from the smoky flavor of a charcoal grill.

Ultimately, the best kind of boneless steak to smoke on a charcoal grill is a matter of personal preference, so feel free to experiment and try different cuts to see which ones you like the best.

Why should you use a charcoal grill for grilling boneless steak?

Using a charcoal grill to grill boneless steak has several benefits:

  1. Flavor: Charcoal grilling imparts a smoky flavor to the steak, which is not achievable with gas grilling. The heat from the charcoal also creates a beautiful sear on the steak, adding another layer of flavor.
  2. Temperature control: Charcoal grills offer more temperature control than gas grills, allowing you to adjust the heat to achieve the desired level of doneness.
  3. Versatility: Charcoal grills are versatile and can be used for direct grilling, indirect grilling, and smoking, providing a wide range of cooking options.
  4. Health benefits: Charcoal grilling is a healthier cooking method than frying as it allows the fat to drip away from the meat, resulting in a lower fat content.

Overall, using a charcoal grill to grill boneless steak is a great way to achieve a delicious, smoky flavor and perfect sear.

How to grill boneless steak on charcoal grill

Here’s how to grill boneless steak on a charcoal grill:

  1. Preheat the grill: Start by preheating your charcoal grill to medium-high heat. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
  2. Season the steak: Season your boneless steak generously with salt and pepper, or any other seasonings of your choice.
  3. Add the steak to the grill: Place the steak on the grill grates and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare doneness. You can adjust the cooking time based on your preference for doneness.
  4. Check the temperature: Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be around 130-135°F (54-57°C), for medium, it should be around 140-145°F (60-63°C), and for well-done, it should be around 160°F (71°C).
  5. Let it rest: Once your steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices redistribute and make for a more flavorful and tender steak.

Remember to always use tongs to flip the steak, and avoid piercing it with a fork, as this can release the juices and make the steak dry. Additionally, you can add some wood chips or chunks to the charcoal to give your boneless steak a smoky flavor.

Types of wood for boneless steak on charcoal grill

There are many types of wood that can be used for grilling boneless steak on a charcoal grill. Here are some popular options:

  1. Mesquite: Mesquite wood is a popular choice for grilling steaks, as it imparts a strong, smoky flavor that complements the beefy taste of the steak.
  2. Hickory: Hickory wood is another popular choice for grilling steak. It has a sweet and smoky flavor that goes well with beef.
  3. Oak: Oak wood is a versatile wood that can be used for grilling a variety of meats, including boneless steak. It has a mild smoky flavor that doesn’t overpower the taste of the steak.
  4. Cherry: Cherry wood is a fruitwood that adds a sweet and fruity flavor to the steak. It’s a good choice for those who want a milder smoke flavor.
  5. Apple: Apple wood is another fruitwood that adds a sweet and mild smoke flavor to the steak. It’s a good choice for those who want a more subtle smoke flavor.

Remember to soak the wood chips or chunks in water for at least 30 minutes before adding them to the charcoal, as this will help them smolder and release smoke more slowly.

How long does it take to grill boneless steak on charcoal grill?

The cooking time for boneless steak on a charcoal grill will depend on the thickness of the steak and the desired level of doneness. Here are some general guidelines for grilling boneless steak on a charcoal grill:

  1. Preheat the grill: Start by preheating the grill to high heat. This will take about 10-15 minutes.
  2. Season the steak: Season the steak with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning. Allow the steak to come to room temperature before grilling.
  3. Grill the steak: Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for a rare steak, 5-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 7-8 minutes per side for medium.
  4. Check the temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a rare steak, the temperature should be 125°F (52°C), for medium-rare, it should be 135°F (57°C), and for medium, it should be 145°F (63°C).
  5. Rest the steak: Once the steak is cooked to your desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more tender and flavorful cut of meat.

It’s important to note that these cooking times are just guidelines, and you may need to adjust them based on the thickness and type of steak you are grilling. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Tips for boneless steak on charcoal grill

Here are some tips for grilling boneless steak on a charcoal grill:

  1. Choose the right cut: Look for a well-marbled boneless steak such as ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon, which are perfect for grilling.
  2. Prepare the grill: Make sure your charcoal grill is clean and preheated. You can add some wood chips to the charcoal for additional smoky flavor.
  3. Season the steak: Season the steak generously with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning.
  4. Sear the steak: Sear the steak over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until a crust forms. This will help lock in the juices.
  5. Cook the steak to the desired temperature: Move the steak to a cooler part of the grill and continue cooking until it reaches your desired temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your liking. For medium-rare, the temperature should be around 130-135°F.
  6. Rest the steak: Once the steak is cooked to your desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
  7. Slice and serve: Slice the steak against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides.

Remember to always use tongs instead of a fork when handling the steak to prevent the juices from escaping.

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