By Jessica Ivey, RDN
Summertime means grilling time, and I fully embrace this fun method that takes the cooking from the kitchen to the outdoors. While I love the fact that my husband often makes dinner if the grill is involved, we girls can grill too.
The first step is to choose the right cut. I like to choose lean cuts, like Strip Steak, Top Sirloin Steak and Flank Steak most often, although a Ribeye is another delicious option. Next, prepare the beef. Start by trimming away all visible fat to help prevent flare-ups on the grill. While most of the cuts are delicious with a simple sprinkle of salt and pepper, dry rubs and marinades can add additional flavor. If your marinade is meant only to add flavor, then marinade the beef for just 15 minutes or up to 2 hours in a zip-top plastic freezer bag or a glass or plastic container in the refrigerator. For tougher cuts, like flank or skirt steak, marinade for at least six hours but no more than 24 hours. Turn or stir the beef occasionally to ensure an even exposure to the marinade, and be sure to pat the beef dry with paper towels before cooking.
Prepare your grill and preheat to medium heat. Place the beef on the grid and cook, turning occasionally, until the internal temperature reaches 145°F for medium-rare and 160°F for medium. Covering the grill with the lid will cook the meat all the way through to the center for a more uniform doneness. Let cooked steaks rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Grilling requires several food safety precautions. First of all, keep beef refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. If you’ll be taking the food to another site to grill, place the beef in an insulated cooler on ice to ensure it stays cold. Be sure to wash your hands after handling raw beef, and use a clean plate or platter (not the same one as the raw meat) for cooked beef to prevent cross-contamination.
While you’ve got the grill fired up, throw on some veggies as well. I love grilled asparagus, bell peppers, squash, zucchini and eggplant. Or why not skewer beef along with veggies for a fun meal-on-a-stick?! These Classic Beef, Sweet Peppers and Mushroom Kabobs are simple but big on flavor, and for a more adventurous option, try Citrus-Marinated Beef Top Sirloin & Fruit Kabobs. Grilling fruit caramelizes the natural sugars for a flavorful side dish or healthy dessert.
Head on over to BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com for more grilling favorites. I can’t get enough of my Grilled Steak and Asparagus Salad with Strawberries, which I’ll be serving up on the @alcattlemen Instagram story on Thursday, May 10. Join me for step-by-step instructions on this summery meal that’s full of flavor and nutrition!
This article was funded by Beef Farmers and Ranchers. Brought to you by the Alabama Beef Checkoff Program.