How To: Grill the perfect tender & juicy steak

Before you throw your next steak on the barbecue, see what grilling experts do to ensure that it turns out tender and juicy. Watch this video to learn how to grill the perfect steak.

Step 1. Start with a clean grill

Clean the inside of your grill and the grate with soap, a brush, and a sponge, and then wipe or spray it with cooking oil. This prevents the steak from sticking to the grate and tearing, which will cause it to lose juices.

Step 2. Use good beef

Start with good, grain-fed beef. No matter the cattle breed, USDA prime, grain-fed beef is the highest rating, followed by choice. Rib eye, New York strip, tenderloin, top sirloin, porterhouse, and T-bone are all good cuts for grilling.

Step 3. Let them sit

Take steaks out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature.

Step 4. Prepare gas or electric grill

If you're using a gas or electric grill, turn it to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, or set it on medium, and let it heat up for at least 15 minutes with the hood closed.

Step 5. Prepare charcoal grill

If you're using charcoal, set the briquettes over three-quarters of the bowl so they are about three times higher on one side than on the other.

Step 6. Season the steaks

Pat the steaks with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Then brush both sides with olive oil and liberally sprinkle them with fresh pepper and kosher salt.

Step 7. Cook them

Cook the steaks evenly, flipping them four to six minutes after placing them on the grill.

Step 8. Check the temp

Check each steak's temperature by picking it up with tongs and inserting the meat thermometer into the steak's side until it reaches the center.

Step 9. Let them rest

Remove the steaks and let them rest, loosely covered with foil.

FACT: World-famous Wagyu Kobe beef steaks are lower in saturated fat and higher in monounsaturated fat – the kind that's good for you – than some other types of steaks.