Grill the perfect steak and Mexican-Style Steak recipe

8 Tips to Grill a Great Steak

1. Use the freshest beef possible

Ask your butcher for the most recent beef and only use meat that has been refrigerated for no longer than three days. And for best results, avoid frozen beef.

2. Clean the grill

Be sure to use clean grates before and after each use. Oil grates lightly before preheating, then heat your grill with lid closed at least 10 minutes before grilling.

3. Trim the meat

Cut off any extra fat from the steak then season simply with coarse salt and fresh ground pepper.

4. Keep lid closed

Always keep lid closed while grilling and move steak as little as possible.

5. Make your mark

For steakhouse grill marks, lay steak diagonally on the grates and grill for a couple of minutes. Then move steak diagonally the other way and grill for a couple of minutes. Flip steak and do the same on the opposite side.

6. Timing is everything

Grill a boneless steak that is 1- to 1 1/2-inches thick for about 3 minutes per side for rare. For bone-in steak, cook about 4 minutes per side for rare. Add 1 minute per side for medium-rare and 6 minutes per side for medium-well.

7. Do not fork the steak

When moving steak, never use a fork to stab it. Always use soft-tipped tongs so you do not puncture the skin and lose the steak's vital juices.

8. Watch the temperature

If using a meat thermometer, stick it in the thickest part of the steak (use only one place to avoid losing juices). It should read 145 degrees F. for rare, 160 degrees F. for medium rare, and 165 degrees F. for medium-well.

Grilled Steak Recipe

Mexican-Style Steak

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:
2 cups water
1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
1 (16-ounce) can refried beans
Salt to taste
Garlic powder to taste
2 small onions, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 beef steaks, trimmed
2 avocados, peeled, pitted, sliced


Directions:
1. Lightly oil grill grate and preheat grill to medium-high heat.

2. In a medium-sized pot over high heat, bring water to a boil. Add rice, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer with lid on for 20 minutes or until water is absorbed.

3. In a second pot over medium heat, stir together beans, salt, and garlic powder. Cook, stirring often, until heated through.

4. In a medium-sized nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, saute onions in oil until golden.

5. Grill steaks as directed above (follow the tips). When ready to serve, spread beans on top of steaks and top with onions and avocados. Serve over rice.

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