When it comes to grilling and cooking steaks, few methods yield results as deliciously decadent as a perfectly cooked medium rare steak. With the growing popularity of the Blackstone griddle among home cooks and outdoor enthusiasts alike, mastering this method can elevate your culinary skills to new heights. In this article, we will explore the step-by-step process of cooking a medium rare steak on a Blackstone griddle, sharing tips, techniques, and essential details to ensure your steak comes out perfectly every time.
Why Choose Blackstone Griddle for Steak?
The Blackstone griddle offers a spacious, flat cooking surface that can reach high temperatures efficiently. This feature enables the food to sear quickly while locking in the juiciness, making it ideal for cooking steak. Here are a few reasons why using a Blackstone griddle is an excellent choice for preparing steak:
- Even heat distribution: The griddle’s surface ensures that heat is applied uniformly, eliminating hot spots that can lead to uneven cooking.
- Versatility: Beyond steak, the Blackstone griddle is perfect for a variety of foods, making it a great addition to any kitchen or outdoor cooking setup.
Understanding Medium Rare Steak
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s essential to understand what medium rare really means. A medium rare steak is typically cooked to an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F. This temperature range allows the steak to retain its natural juices and flavor, resulting in a deeply satisfying experience with each bite.
Characteristics of a Perfect Medium Rare Steak
To achieve that perfect medium rare texture, look for these key characteristics:
- Uniform sear on the outside, golden-brown in color.
- Juicy, tender interior with a warm red center.
- Rich flavor that highlights the natural taste of the meat.
Choosing the Right Cut of Steak
Not all steaks are created equal. Selecting the right cut is crucial for achieving the best results. Here are some reliable options for cooking a medium rare steak:
Popular Steak Cuts
| Steak Cut | Description |
|---|---|
| Ribeye | Rich marbling and full flavor make this cut a favorite among steak lovers. |
| Filet Mignon | Tender and buttery, this cut is leaner but still offers extraordinary flavor. |
| New York Strip | Well-marbled with a bold flavor, it strikes a balance between tenderness and taste. |
| Sirloin | More affordable but still flavorful, sirloin can be a great choice for everyday grilling. |
Choose a cut that fits your budget and flavor preferences, and ensure that it’s at least 1-inch thick for optimal cooking results.
Preparing Your Steak
Proper preparation can significantly influence the outcome of your steak. Here’s a quick guide on how to prepare your steak before cooking it on the Blackstone griddle.
1. Bring the Steak to Room Temperature
Before cooking, allow your steak to come to room temperature, which typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes. This step is crucial, as it helps the steak cook more evenly.
2. Seasoning Your Steak
The seasoning process is straightforward but essential. Here’s how to season your steak for maximum flavor:
- Pat dry: Use paper towels to dry the steak, ensuring a good sear.
- Add salt and pepper: Generously season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can also include other spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite steak rub.
3. Consider Marinading
If desired, marinating your steak can enhance its flavor profile. Consider using a marinade with ingredients like olive oil, vinegar, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Cooking on the Blackstone Griddle
Once your steak is seasoned and prepared, it’s time to fire up the Blackstone griddle. Follow these steps for cooking a perfect medium rare steak:
1. Preheat the Griddle
Turn on your Blackstone griddle and set it to medium-high heat. Allow the griddle to preheat for about 10-15 minutes. The optimal cooking surface should be around 425°F to 450°F.
2. Oil the Griddle
Once the griddle is hot, lightly apply a high smoke point oil, such as avocado oil or canola oil, to the surface. This step prevents sticking and enhances the sear.
3. Cooking the Steak
Now that you’ve prepped your cooking space, it’s time to cook the steak.
1. Place the Steak on the Griddle
Gently lay the steak on the hot griddle, making sure to place it away from you to avoid any splatter.
2. Sear the Steak
Allow the steak to sear without moving it for about 4-5 minutes on one side. This will create a beautiful crust. For thicker steaks, you may want to lower the heat slightly to ensure the inside cooks adequately without burning the outside.
3. Flip the Steak
Using tongs, carefully flip the steak over to sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes. Don’t forget to press down gently with the tongs to ensure even contact with the cooking surface.
4. Check the Temperature
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness. Insert the probe into the thickest part of the steak without touching the griddle surface. Remove the steak from the heat once it hits 130°F to 135°F for medium rare.
4. Let it Rest
After cooking, let the steak rest for about 5-10 minutes. This essential step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, enhancing flavor and tenderness. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil while it rests.
Serving Suggestions
Once your steak has rested, it’s time to serve. Here are a few delightful ways to showcase your perfectly cooked medium rare steak:
1. Classic Steak and Potatoes
Pair your steak with sides of mashed or roasted potatoes, complemented with a fresh salad.
2. Gourmet Toppings
Consider topping your steak with compound butter, sautéed mushrooms, or blue cheese to elevate its flavor profile further.
Cleanup and Maintenance Tips
Taking care of your Blackstone griddle is crucial for long-term use and performance. After you’ve enjoyed your steak, follow these cleanup steps:
1. Let the Griddle Cool
Allow the griddle to cool down completely before cleaning. This process usually takes about 15-30 minutes.
2. Scrape and Clean
Use a metal spatula or scraper to remove any leftover food particles. Then, wipe the surface with a paper towel dipped in warm, soapy water.
3. Season the Griddle
After cleaning, apply a thin layer of cooking oil to maintain the surface and prevent rusting.
Conclusion
Cooking a medium rare steak on a Blackstone griddle combines practicality with culinary artistry. By understanding the nuances of steak selection, preparation, cooking times, and temperature management, you can confidently serve an appealing and mouthwatering dish that will impress your guests and family alike. So fire up that griddle, follow these steps, and enjoy the delicious journey to perfect steak mastery!
What temperature should I set my Blackstone griddle to cook a medium rare steak?
To achieve a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak, you should set your Blackstone griddle to a high temperature, ideally around 450°F to 500°F. Preheating the griddle is essential to ensure that the steak sears properly, forming a delicious crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Use a cooking thermometer to check the griddle’s surface temperature before placing the steak on it for optimal results.
Once your griddle reaches the desired temperature, you can lay the steak down and let it sear for a few minutes on one side. Make sure to avoid moving the steak around too much, as this can prevent it from developing that rich, caramelized crust that enhances its flavor and texture. Remember that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the steak, so you’ll want to monitor it closely.
How long should I cook the steak on each side?
For a medium rare steak, the general rule of thumb is to cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side, depending on the steak’s thickness. For steaks that are around 1 inch thick, you can start with this timing and then adjust as necessary based on the specific cut and preference. It’s crucial to flip the steak only once during the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
After cooking for the initial time, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; you’re aiming for around 130°F to 135°F for medium rare. If your steak hasn’t yet reached this temperature, continue to cook it, checking every minute or so. Remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly as it rests, so don’t worry if you pull it off just before it hits the target temperature.
How can I ensure the steak is evenly cooked?
To guarantee an evenly cooked medium rare steak, it’s important to let the steak rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. Allowing the meat to come to a more uniform temperature helps prevent it from cooking unequally. Additionally, you can consider scoring thicker steaks, which helps heat penetrate more evenly throughout.
Another key to even cooking is to flip your steak only once and to avoid pressing down on it with a spatula. Pressing can lead to the loss of precious juices that contribute to the meat’s flavor and tenderness. Instead, use a pair of tongs to gently turn the steak and ensure it sears beautifully on each side.
Should I marinate my steak before cooking it?
Marinating your steak can enhance its flavor and tenderness, but it’s not always necessary for a quality cut. If you’re using a tender cut of beef like ribeye or filet mignon, a simple seasoning with salt and pepper can suffice, as these cuts often have great flavor on their own. However, if you choose to marinate, aim for a marinade that complements the meat without overwhelming it.
If you decide to marinate, aim for a time frame of about 30 minutes to a few hours. Avoid extended marination times, as they can break down the meat too much and lead to a mushy texture. After marinating, be sure to let the excess marinade drip off before placing the steak on the griddle to achieve a good sear.
What type of steak is best for cooking medium rare on a Blackstone griddle?
The best types of steak for cooking medium rare on a Blackstone griddle are cuts that are tender and well-marbled, such as ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon. These steaks have a good amount of fat, which helps keep them juicy and flavorful. The marbling also ensures that the steak remains tender, making it ideal for a quick cooking method like griddling.
Another excellent choice is a sirloin steak, which is leaner but can still be cooked medium rare effectively. Regardless of your steak selection, ensure you choose quality cuts that are fresh and ideally at least 1 inch thick, as thinner cuts can cook too quickly and dry out before reaching the desired doneness.
Do I need to use oil when cooking steak on a Blackstone griddle?
Using oil when cooking steak on a Blackstone griddle can be beneficial, especially if you want to achieve a great sear. A high smoke point oil, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or grapeseed oil, is perfect for this application. Oil not only helps to prevent the steak from sticking to the griddle but also assists in creating that coveted crispy exterior.
That said, if you’re cooking a well-marbled steak, there’s a good chance that the fat content in the meat will provide enough natural oils for cooking. In such cases, you may choose to skip adding oil. However, if you’re working with leaner steak cuts, adding a light drizzle of oil can enhance the cooking experience and prevent sticking.
How can I tell when my steak is done without a meat thermometer?
While a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to determine doneness, you can also use other methods to check your steak. One common technique is the touch test. When you gently press the steak, the level of firmness can give you clues about its doneness. A medium rare steak should feel slightly springy, similar to the fleshy part of your palm underneath your thumb when your hand is relaxed.
Another visual cue is the color of the juices that run from the steak when you cut into it. For a medium rare steak, the juices should be a nice pink color, indicating that the interior is still quite moist. As with any cooking method, practice makes perfect, so over time you’ll develop a better understanding of doneness based on these physical cues.
Should I let my steak rest after cooking it?
Yes, letting your steak rest after cooking is crucial for achieving the best flavors and textures. When meat cooks, the juices inside are pushed towards the center. By allowing the steak to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes after cooking, the juices redistribute back throughout the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy piece of meat when you finally cut into it.
Cover the steak loosely with aluminum foil during resting to help retain warmth without steaming the exterior. This step is especially important for larger cuts, but even smaller steaks will benefit significantly from this short resting period. Remember, a well-rested steak is more delicious and satisfying, ensuring a rewarding cooking experience.