It’s deceptively simple—the art of cooking steak. Is it something you’ve mastered?

Yes, anyone can technically cook a steak on the grill, but to get those mouthwatering, juicy steaks you love, you first need to learn a thing or two about how to cook steak.

Like any new skill, learning to cook steak is all about trial and error—plus, learning proper technique.

To find out more, here’s our guide to cooking steak on a cast iron grill—you’re sure to love the sizzle, the fun, and the flavor!

Make Sure You Have the Right Tools

What do you need to cook a steak? Other than your grill and steak, there are a few other tools to make sure you have.

The first is a meat thermometer. This is essential for checking that your meat is cooked properly, as undercooked beef can cause serious bacteria and health issues like E.coli. Don’t take the risk!

You’ll also want tongs to use when handling your beef, placing it on the grill, and turning it over while it cooks. Plus, a serving platter and tray for them to sit on while you’re firing up the grill.

If you’re going to season your steaks as they cook, make sure your spices are next to the grill and ready, so you save yourself time.

Paper towels are also a good idea, as steak juice can get everywhere! They’re an absorbent base to put on your tray and they’re ideal for cleaning up any messes. 

Decide Which Steak Is Best

What’s the best steak to grill? That’s a tough question to answer, as it often comes down to both personal preference and budget–some cuts of beef are always going to be more expensive than others.

Many experts think that ribeye, filet mignon, T-bone, and Porterhouse are a few of the best, but it’s worth learning about the various types of beef cuts before deciding.

Keep in mind that some cuts of meat tend to have more fat than others—some fat is good, especially when it’s marbled, as it gives the steak more flavor and juicy deliciousness! However, when cooking steak, fat can be a bit riskier since it can cause the grill to flame up.

While some people love the taste of fat, others prefer a leaner cut. You can also cook steak with fat on it, to get that rich flavor, but then trim it off before serving.

Prepare Your Steak

Some grill aficionados will tell you that preparing your steak in advance is one of the best ways to make it taste amazing. This means seasoning or marinating it overnight, then putting it in the fridge.

However, some chefs think even longer is better, going for a 48 or 72-hour marinade to really create an amazing flavor.

There, it will soak up all of the spices and flavor of the marinade, which will make the steak taste better. You can find plenty of marinades and spice rubs at any grocery store, but it’s also not hard to make your own.

Popular steak seasonings include salt, cracked pepper, rosemary, sage, garlic, and paprika. Or, marinate your steak in your favorite barbeque or Southwestern sauce.

One important tip though–after your steak has seasoned overnight, don’t put it straight from the fridge onto the grill. You want to let the meat sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes first.

You also never want to throw a frozen steak on the grill. Otherwise, the meat won’t cook evenly and you won’t get good results.

Defrost overnight, then follow the process above and let it reach room temperature before cooking.

Fire Up the Grill

Time to fire up your all-in-one cast iron grill! Grease or oil your grates so that you can flip the steak easily, then turn on the grill and give it time to warm up.

This is an important step, as otherwise, your steak is likely to stick to the grill, which can be messy and also will pull some of the meat and fat off of the steak itself.

Wait until it’s reached its desired temperature before you start cooking anything—just like with your home oven, you need to give it time to preheat.

Move the Steak into the Grill’s Center

After the grill is hot, place your steak into the center of the grill. This is important because it allows the steak to be over the grill’s hottest part, which will help it cook both faster and more evenly.

You don’t want to throw it on the grill and walk away though, as steak will cook best if you turn it every 30 seconds. That being said, not everyone agrees and some chefs recommend only flipping once.

Over time, you’ll figure out which method works best for you. Keep an eye on your steak as it sizzles and enjoy the process—there’s not much better than the appetizing smells and sounds of a juicy piece of ribeye sizzling on the grill!

Grill to Just the Right Temperature

The million-dollar question—how long should I cook my steak? This depends on your preference—from rare to well-done, everyone likes their meat cooked differently.

As the chef, know that meat keeps cooking for a few minutes after you take it off the grill. This means if you’re aiming for medium-rare, for example, and go by looks alone, the steak is going to come out darker than you want it.

This is why it’s better to cook steak based on time. Here’s a rough guide as to how long you should cook steak, but this will vary based on the cut and size of the meat.

• Rare: 3-4 minutes each side
• Medium rare: 3 ½-5 minutes each side
• Medium: 4-7 minutes each side
• Medium-well: 8-10 minutes each side

You’ll find that a rare steak, when cut, looks red on the inside and pink around the edges. Medium rare will be pink in the middle and a pale pinkish-brown along the edges.

As for medium? It should have a light pink center and a brown edge. Medium well should have a pale pink center and brown edges.

Well-done, of course, should be brown all the way through. But if you don’t want to cut the steak in half before serving, then it’s best to go by time.

Let the Steak Rest Before Slicing

We know you’re eager to enjoy that perfect steak you’ve just cooked, but it’s best to let it sit for around 3-4 minutes first. This will actually make the steak more juicy when you do slice into it, so it’s worth the wait!

If you’re worried about the steak losing heat while it’s resting, you can wrap it loosely with some aluminum foil.

Then, it’s time to eat! A steak you’ve cooked yourself always tastes so much better. Plus, it’s an easy, but impressive, meal to serve to guests at a barbeque or party.

And for side dishes? One amazing thing about steak is that it goes with everything!

Consider mashed potatoes, fries, veggies, salad, corn on the cob, or even add some seafood for surf n turf.

Clean Your Grill

After you’ve enjoyed your delicious steaks, the last step is the washing up! Yes, this applies to your grill as well.

Using gentle dish soap, warm water, and a sponge or steel wool, scrub down all of the grill’s surfaces. This should be done after each use, as it will help your grill last longer.

Just be gentle, as putting too much elbow grease into it could remove some of the grill’s protective coating.

Otherwise, it’s easy for bits of food, especially fat, to stick to the grill and damage its surface over time. It also ensures your grill is clean and ready for the next time you want to grill some steaks!

Learning How to Cook Steak Is Easy With This Guide

If you’re getting hungry reading this, you’re not alone! Now that you know how to cook steak properly, use this guide to plan your next steak dinner.

Just be easy on yourself—we’ve all accidentally overcooked a steak or two, as learning how to do it properly takes practice. But if you put the effort in, you’ll soon learn how to cook a delicious steak that’s better (and cheaper!) than you’d get in a steakhouse.

Did you find this article helpful? If so, please read on to find out more.

Outdoor kitchens, sometimes called outdoor grills or outdoor fireplaces, are a place to host friends and family while enjoying the open air. Luxury outdoor kitchens can be made from various materials and come in different styles, depending on your preferences.

Some things that you will need for a successful outdoor kitchen include a grill, tables and chairs, an oven/stovetop, refrigerator/freezer, storage cabinets, countertops with sinks built-in, lighting fixtures, and more.

For many people building their outdoor kitchen is cheaper than buying one already constructed. To build the perfect outdoor kitchen, there are several appliances you will need to have ready before you get started. Check out this list to get:

Now that you have that list, you can see what appliances are perfect while building an outdoor kitchen.

Grill

According to Statista, in 2021, the American barbecue grill market was valued at approximately US $2.75 billion.

A grill is a necessity when it comes to outdoor kitchens. People always enjoy grilling outdoors because of the open air and hanging out with friends and family while cooking some delicious food.

Refrigerator/Freezer

An indoor refrigerator or freezer is not very practical in an outdoor kitchen, so you’ll need one that has been made for the outside world.

Ensure that your refrigerator will have proper insulation along with a solid door seal to prevent heat from escaping through the doors.

Also, make sure that you purchase a model with doors on both sides if you plan on opening them at different times. In this way, you will still be able to open the fridge from either side without having to wait for one side to cool down before opening the other.

Oven/Stove Top

It is nice to have an oven for breakfast, lunch, and dinner if you plan to use luxury outdoor kitchens for more than just cooking.

A stovetop will also be needed so you can cook some of your favorite foods without having to go inside.

You’ll want to purchase appliances that do not require electricity because electrical connections may damage the unit due to the weather.

Storage Cabinets

The outside world can cause longer-term damage than indoor use unless special precautions are taken while building your outdoor kitchen.

Ensure that all storage cabinets have insulating features and a door latch or lock to prevent heat seeping out during warm days.

Also, make sure the cabinets are waterproof if they contain any electrical components.

Lighting Fixtures

Whether you want to have a romantic dinner for two under the stars or need enough light to see your grilling tools, lighting is critical when hanging out in your outdoor kitchen in the dark.

Lighting fixtures can be placed almost anywhere and come in many different shapes and sizes.

Outdoor lamps can be placed around an area, hung from above, or even put on a timer to avoid forgetting that they are still on after getting distracted with other things.

Side Burners

Side burners are not for everyday use, so they will be perfect for adding to your outdoor kitchen.

You’ll want one on each side of the grill if you plan to cook larger meals because it is even more convenient for someone to cook their food while you’re cooking yours. Side burners also come in handy when you need a pot or pans that aren’t very big and don’t fit over the primary fire.

Appliances

Many appliances can be helpful while building an outdoor kitchen, such as dishwashers, microwaves, ovens/stovetops, refrigerators/freezers, and sinks with countertops.

There are different appliances available depending on the amount of space available and what types of food you plan on cooking.

Make sure to choose appliances made for outdoors and have been tested to make sure they will last even in the worst of conditions.

Patio Furniture

Having the perfect patio furniture is probably one of the most important things to add to your outdoor kitchen. Furniture such as bistro sets and dining chairs will add comfort and style while you hang out in your paradise.

You’ll want to make sure that the furniture is made for the outside world and has been tested for endurance. There are different styles and sizes of furniture, so make sure whatever you choose will meet all your needs and standards.

Doors and Drawers

Outdoor kitchens are not only used for cooking food but relaxing and entertaining family and friends as well.

You’ll need doors in your outdoor kitchen if you plan on getting a grill that is a cabinet type with a door instead of a top with knobs. Pull-out drawers can also be added underneath counters to hold extra grilling tools or condiments.

You can use the above ideas to buy good quality and premium brand kitchen appliances for your outdoor cooking activities.

Baking is somewhat of a science. 

While cooking has a lot of wiggle room when it comes to making adjustments and alterations, one wrong move when you’re baking cakes, pies, or cookies can lead to results that are…less than ideal. 

If you’ve ever experienced disappointing baked goods, you know this all too well.

Have you ever tried to bake perfect cookies from what looked to be the best recipe, just to end up with dense hockey pucks or a batch of cookies that merged into one? We’ve been there, and we want to help you out.

Keep reading for our favorite cookie baking tips so you don’t have to worry next time you’re trying to fill your cookie jar.

1. Follow Recipes Exactly

The first (and arguably most important) tip in the list is to follow recipes as they are written (if you’re using a recipe and not creating your own, that is).

It’s easy to get a bit lazy with your recipes. You scoop your flour with no regard for what the consequences might be if your measurements are off. You add salt with reckless abandon. You even get over-confident and add in your “secret ingredient” because certainly, it will make things better.

You end up with cookies that look nothing like the cookies in the photos. What gives? 

Even the smallest change can make or break your cookies. Think of baking like chemistry. You need the right binding, the right ratio of liquid to dry ingredients, and the perfect baking time if you want everything to come together. 

When you’re adding in your ingredients, measure the right way. If something asks for packed sugar or flour, make sure that you pack and level your measuring tools. Even that small oversight makes a big difference in how much of each ingredient makes it into the bowl.

Don’t add or remove anything unless you know what you’re doing. 

2. Know The Power of Butter

Did you know that the state of your butter makes a difference in how your cookies turn out?

First, we’ll start simple. You have a choice between salted or unsalted butter. This is straightforward enough. 

If you’re already adding salt to your cookies, consider how salty you want them to be before you choose your butter. Some cookies benefit from a bit of extra salt (like chocolate chip cookies, for example), while others will taste “off” with the extra salt. 

You also need to consider the temperature of your butter. This goes back to following recipe instructions. If a recipe asks for a certain temperature of butter, it isn’t a loose guideline.

Melted butter will cause cookies to spread out and get thin and chewy. If this is your goal, that’s what you should choose. Cold butter makes for crispy cookies. Most recipes call for room-temperature butter that will keep cookies stable and not too greasy.

If your cookies didn’t turn out quite right, consider whether or not you followed instructions about your butter. 

3. Don’t Overdo Your Add-Ins

If you want cookies that are so full of chocolate chips, candies, or sprinkles, why not add in an extra few tablespoons? Who’s going to know?

Adding in bonus ingredients, even if they don’t make up the “chemistry” of the cookies, can have an impact on how well they bake and hold together. If you want a cookie that’s stuffed to the brim with add-ins, you should find a recipe that calls for that.

Some cookies can stand up to the extra ingredients, but they may need a different baking time and they might not look as pretty as they’re supposed to. They could even crumble if the dough isn’t thick enough. 

Add those extra chocolate chips if you choose to, but know that there might be consequences. 

4. Substituting? Use Caution

Many people need substitutions when they’re baking. If you’re gluten-intolerant, you might need a different kind of flour. People who don’t use animal products need to avoid milk, eggs, and butter and exchange them for plant-based alternatives. Some people may need to replace sugar with a sugar substitute. 

Keep in mind that many alternatives are equivalent enough to their “real” counterparts that you can swap them with ease, but not every recipe will work. Make sure that you look up your specific substitute before using it to see if you need a different amount. 

If you need substitutions, it’s best to use a recipe that already includes them. This is more difficult if you’re following an old family recipe, so researching your substitute ingredients is the next best option. 

5. Avoid Sticking: The Right Way

So you’ve made the perfect cookie dough. You followed all of the instructions to the letter and your cookies are ready to go into the oven. You’ve even set the oven to the exact right temperature.

What could go wrong?

If you don’t use the right method for stopping your cookies from sticking, you’re going to have a problem. Your cookies might spread out or stay too small, or worse, stick to the baking sheet. 

This is another case in which you should follow the instructions. Different recipes call for different non-stick methods. If they don’t list specifics, using parchment paper (a special paper to bake with) is often the best choice.

You never want to bake the best cookies just to end up scraping them off of the cookie sheet later. That ruins your perfect batch!

Time to Bake the Perfect Cookies

Baking the perfect cookies is easy once you understand the basics.

Our best baking advice? When in doubt, follow the recipe as it’s written. Bakers and food bloggers have tested their recipes out and they know that they work! Making changes is a recipe for disaster. 

Do you love cooking, baking, and reading about food? We have plenty of articles to choose from. Check out the rest of our site!

Who doesn’t love the fact that spring’s getting closer and closer? Not that you don’t enjoy warm winter soups, homemade cookies, or hot coffees by the fireplace and snugging in your cozy blankets, but spring amazingly makes flowers and trees bloom, brings the nicest weather ever, and of course, some delicious traditional spring dishes that you can enjoy by yourself or with your loved ones.

Refreshing meals like salads, seafood, and vegetable dishes are always the most cherished plates during spring. You can’t even begin to imagine a picnic or barbecue session without the seasonal fruit desserts of spring.

To give exciting twists to the classic spring dishes, discover new flavors in your existing recipes with smoked spices, such as salt or oregano spices, and start off the season with a kick! Here’s a list of ideas to spice up your spring dishes:

1. Put Your Vegetables On The Grill

After the winter season, when all your desires revolve around being indoors and as near the heat as possible, the best way to welcome the spring is with an outdoor activity. Nothing says spring like a backyard barbecue with your family, friends, or that special someone. Instead of sticking to the typical meat meals like burgers, organize a unique evening with your loved ones and try grilling seasonal vegetables like asparagus, eggplant, or potatoes. But that’s not all—while grilling your veggies, add your favorite smoked spices to really bring out the flavor. You’ll be surprised how tasty it can be!

2. Taste Some Abroad Refreshing Drinks

Spring is a perfect reminder that life’s constantly renewing itself and that your imagination and curiosity are the perfect roots to grow your interests from. To truly celebrate the arrival of the blooming season, a lemonade can’t be missing from your spring list. Not just any lemonade though—prepare Sima! This Finnish spring mead is a lemonade with a twist; it’s lightly fermented. You can enjoy this beverage with floating raisins and some smoked rosemary to add a unique touch!

Nevertheless, be warned: the longer Sima ferments, the more it’s possible to go from slightly bubbly to a bit intoxicating. So, just be careful and you’re well on your way to celebrate the arrival of spring the Finnish way! 

3. Spinach Will Be Your Best Friend 

How many times have you ignored your mother’s wish to eat her broccoli or spinach meals? Quite a few times for sure. Prepare yourself as things are about to change!

For the ideal brunch or for an easy supper when you arrive late from work, delight yourself in spinach and ricotta pie with spring vegetables. It’s very easy to make! It’s also great for picnics because of its lightness, plus it’s easy to carry around. Blow your friend’s mind by adding smoked cumin to the preparation! It’ll mix perfectly with the spinach’s flavor. 

4. The Perfect Spring Cookie Isn’t A Chocolate Cookie

Are you shocked? It’s not that they aren’t delicious (because they are) or out of fashion. But haven’t you been eating chocolate cookies since forever? This spring is the perfect time to explore new traditions and nourish your palate with delicious flavors that you never thought you’d fall in love with before.

Substitute the all-time loved chocolate cookies with lemon bars instead, and to make it extra flavorful, add smoked cinnamon on top. Now you’re ready to enjoy your new favorite afternoon tea snack! Moreover, it works as a beautiful gift for your loved ones; slice the bar into squares, rectangles, or triangles, choose a decorated box to pack them in, and surprise them with a thoughtfully wrapped, exquisite lemon bar!

5. Reinvent Your Spring Rolls

There’s never a more inspiring time than the spring season. This can apply to many aspects in life: starting a new business, changing your furniture completely from the ground up, and your soon-to-be favorite spring activity—creating new recipes and mixing flavors you know you love.

Here’s a suggestion: try making traditional, fresh spring rolls made with steamed buns. Simply combine your chosen ingredients from two traditional food items or recipes to create your own recipe. There are no rules, it’s all up to you! However, to really innovate this creation, we suggest adding smoked crushed red pepper to your list of ingredients to spice things up!

Conclusion

Now that the days are longer, the sky is brighter than ever, and the shining sun transforms the outside of your home into a gorgeous picnic spot, there’s no reason to lock yourself at home and limit your options to old recipes when you want to grab a bite. The lighter and easier it is to make your meal, the more you’d be enjoying the beginning of the spring. More importantly, modifying traditional dishes with your favorite smoked spices will enhance their flavor, and perhaps even the way you live your life.