Expert: John Langenfelder - 3/6/2008

Question
What is the best way to cook a thick steak I have my local butcher cut for me approx. 3/4" - 1" thick. I have tried soaking steaks in BEER and it comes out delicious and very tender, im looking for some other pro ways of cooking the steak on the grill. thanks

Answer
Size is no problem here.  That's a good size steak.  For me, the best way to grill a steak is just using good old salt and pepper.  Fresh ground pepper and kosher salt brings the flavor out in a steak.  I like to salt and pepper my steak, being fairly liberal with the seasoning as some of it will fall off during cooking. I usually try to salt and pepper the steaks about 3/4 to 1 hour before cooking as it comes to room temperature. This allows the salt to draw out some moisture from the meat and then it will soak back in with some of the seasoning. I then heat my grill high and sear both sides to seal in the juices. Then reduce the heat and cook till you reach the way you like your steaks.  I like mine rare to medium rare so for a steak about 1 inch I generally cook it about 5-7 minutes a side.  If you are using a charcoal grill, try setting it up for indirect cooking and cook it direct to sear and then off heat till done the way you like it.  
Sometimes I do dribble a little Worcestershire sauce to the steak while it is sitting with the salt and pepper on it.

Another way to try is to sear the steak in a saute pan before putting it on the grill.

Good luck