Cooking on a flat iron grill involves preheating the grill, properly preparing your food, and grilling to the desired doneness. Here's a guide, specifically for a flat iron steak, as it's a common and delicious choice:
1. Preparation:
- Choose your flat iron steak: Look for steaks that are about 1-1 ½ inches thick for optimal grilling.
- Bring to room temperature: Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Season generously: Season the steak liberally with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, etc.). You can also use a marinade for extra flavor.
2. Preheat the Grill:
- Temperature: Preheat your flat iron grill to medium-high heat. You should be able to hold your hand a few inches above the grill for only a few seconds.
- Cleanliness: Ensure the grill surface is clean to prevent sticking.
3. Grilling the Flat Iron Steak:
- Placement: Place the seasoned flat iron steak directly on the preheated grill.
- Grilling Time:
- For a 1–1½ inch steak and medium-rare doneness (recommended): Grill for 12–14 minutes total.
- Flip the steak about 1 minute before the halfway point to ensure even cooking.
- Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F. Here's a quick guide for other doneness levels:
- Rare: 120-130°F
- Medium-Rare: 130-140°F
- Medium: 140-150°F
- Medium-Well: 150-160°F
- Well-Done: 160°F+
4. Resting:
- Crucial Step: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Cover it loosely with foil to help retain heat. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
5. Slicing and Serving:
- Against the Grain: Slice the flat iron steak against the grain for the most tender bites.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy!
In summary, cooking on a flat iron grill is about preparing your food well, grilling at the right temperature for the correct duration, and importantly, letting the meat rest before serving. Enjoy your delicious flat iron steak!
