Grilling grass-fed steak can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve struggled with dry, tough results in the past. Unlike grain-fed beef, grass-fed steak tends to be leaner, meaning it can dry out faster if not cooked properly. The good news is, with the right approach, you can achieve a juicy steak that’s packed with flavour and perfectly tender every time.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the best grilling grass-fed steak techniques, along with expert juicy steak tips to ensure your BBQ grass-fed beef turns out just right. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced griller, these tips will help you master the art of grilling grass-fed beef.
At Gingin Beef, we offer premium-quality grass-fed beef perfect for grilling. Let’s dive into how to cook your grass-fed steak without worrying about it drying out.
Understanding Grass-Fed Steak and Its Challenges
Grass-fed beef is leaner than its grain-fed counterpart, with less marbling, which can lead to tougher, drier meat if overcooked. Since grass-fed beef has a distinct, earthy flavour and a firmer texture, it requires careful grilling to preserve its natural qualities.
If you’ve tried grilling grass-fed steak before and ended up with something dry or overcooked, you’re not alone. The key to grilling grass-fed beef is understanding its unique properties and adjusting your technique to lock in moisture and flavour.
The Lean Nature of Grass-Fed Beef
The absence of fat marbling in grass-fed steak means there’s less natural fat to keep the meat moist. Therefore, the grilling process must involve controlled heat and proper timing to avoid drying out the steak.
Grilling Grass-Fed Steak: Key Tips to Keep It Juicy
Now that we understand the unique characteristics of grass-fed steak, let’s explore the best techniques to ensure it turns out juicy and tender on the grill.
1. Choose the Right Cut for Grilling
Not all cuts of grass-fed beef are created equal, and some are better suited to grilling than others. Certain cuts tend to be leaner and require different grilling techniques to achieve the best results.
Best Cuts for Grilling Grass-Fed Beef:
- Ribeye: This cut has a little more fat than others, making it a good choice for grilling. The fat helps keep the meat juicy while adding flavour.
- Sirloin: Sirloin steaks are lean but still tender enough for grilling. They cook quickly and retain moisture if handled properly.
- Flank or Skirt Steak: While these cuts are a bit tougher, they are full of flavour and work well when grilled quickly at high heat.
Avoid Overcooked Lean Cuts:
Cuts like tenderloin or round steaks are leaner and don’t retain moisture as well during grilling, so they require more attention to prevent dryness.
2. Marinate the Steak Before Grilling
One of the best ways to ensure your grass-fed beef stays juicy on the grill is by marinating it. Marinades not only add flavour but can also help tenderise the meat and keep it moist.
Why Marinades Work:
Marinades often contain acidic ingredients like vinegar or citrus, which break down the meat’s fibres, making it more tender. Additionally, the oil in the marinade helps to lock in moisture.
Simple Marinade Recipe:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar or lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried rosemary or thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, but for better flavour and tenderness, leave it in the marinade for 2-4 hours in the fridge.
3. Preheat the Grill to the Right Temperature
Preheating your grill is crucial when grilling grass-fed steak. A hot grill will sear the steak quickly, creating a crust that locks in juices while allowing the interior to cook evenly.
Optimal Grill Temperature for Grass-Fed Steak:
- High Heat for Searing: Set your grill to medium-high heat (about 230°C to 250°C) for searing the steak on both sides.
- Indirect Heat for Cooking Through: After searing, move the steak to a cooler part of the grill (indirect heat) to finish cooking, ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
4. Use the Right Cooking Time and Techniques
Because grass-fed beef cooks faster than grain-fed beef, it’s important to monitor the grilling time closely. Overcooking can quickly lead to dry, tough steak.
How Long to Grill Grass-Fed Steak:
- For a 1-inch thick steak: Grill for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- For thicker steaks (1.5-2 inches): Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, then move the steak to indirect heat for an additional 3-5 minutes, depending on desired doneness.
For juicy steak tips, avoid pressing down on the steak with a spatula while grilling, as this releases the juices and dries out the meat.
Checking Doneness:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak is cooked to your liking:
- Medium-rare: 57°C
- Medium: 63°C
- Well-done: 71°C
5. Rest the Meat After Grilling
Once you remove the grass-fed steak from the grill, it’s essential to let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that each bite is moist and flavourful.
Bonus BBQ Grass-Fed Beef Tips
If you’re grilling BBQ grass-fed beef, there are a few additional tips to make the process easier and more flavourful.
1. Keep the Lid Closed:
When grilling over indirect heat, keep the grill lid closed to maintain an even cooking temperature and prevent the steak from drying out.
2. Baste the Steak:
During grilling, you can baste the steak with the marinade or a homemade basting sauce (such as a mixture of butter, garlic, and herbs) to keep it moist and add flavour.
3. Use Wood Chips for Smoke:
For added flavour, try adding some wood chips (like hickory or mesquite) to your grill. The smoke can infuse the grass-fed beef with a rich, smoky flavour that pairs well with the natural earthiness of the meat.
Conclusion: Master Grilling Grass-Fed Beef for Tender, Juicy Steak
Grilling grass-fed steak doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right techniques, like marinating, proper grilling time, and using a meat thermometer, you can achieve juicy steak results every time. Whether you’re preparing a simple steak or experimenting with BBQ grass-fed beef, these tips will help ensure your steak remains tender and full of flavour.
Ready to grill your own perfect grass-fed beef? Visit Gingin Beef for high-quality, ethically raised grass-fed beef that’s perfect for grilling. For more information or to place an order, visit our contact page.
FAQs
1. How do I prevent grass-fed steak from drying out?
To prevent grass-fed steak from drying out, marinate it before grilling, use high heat for searing, and cook it to medium-rare or medium doneness.
2. What’s the best way to check if my grass-fed steak is done?
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium-rare, aim for 57°C, and for medium, aim for 63°C.
3. Can I cook grass-fed steak on a charcoal grill?
Yes, a charcoal grill can add excellent flavour to your BBQ grass-fed beef. Just ensure the grill is preheated and use indirect heat for cooking the steak through.
4. Should I rest my grass-fed steak after grilling?
Yes, resting the steak for 5-10 minutes after grilling ensures that the juices redistribute, making the steak tender and juicy.
5. Can I use any marinade for grass-fed steak?
Yes, but for the best results, use a marinade with oil and acidic ingredients like lemon or vinegar to help tenderise the lean meat.