Special thanks to our Barbecues Galore Edmonton team for providing the bones of this article!
You’re not truly a backyard hero until you’ve mastered the art of steak. Grilling the perfect steak isn’t just about luck – it’s about preparation, timing, and a few pro tricks up your sleeve. With these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to legendary grill status, serving up steak exactly the way you (and your guests) like it – every single time.
Tip #1: Let Your Steaks Thaw
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Before you fire up the grill, give your steaks time to properly thaw. Grilling cold meat straight from the fridge is a classic rookie mistake – it’ll cook unevenly, leaving you with a burnt outside and a cold centre. Take your steaks out about 30–45 minutes before grilling. Bringing the meat up to room temperature helps it cook more evenly and gives you that perfect, juicy finish.
Tip #2: Salt Early & Season Generously
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When it comes to seasoning steak, more is more. Salt your steak as soon as it comes out of the fridge – and don’t be shy about it! Much of the seasoning burns off during grilling, so be generous at the start. Use a coarse salt like kosher or sea salt, and sprinkle it until you can see it coating the meat.
Right before you grill, hit your steak with a little extra salt, cracked pepper, or one of our favourite rubs like Back Eddy's Seasoning Salt, Killer Hogs Steak Rub, or Broil King Perfect Steak Spice for a serious flavour boost.
Tip #3: Know Your Steak Temps
The secret to steakhouse-quality results? Precision. Investing in a reliable digital thermometer, like the Brander Sidekick Digital Thermometer, is a total game-changer.
Here's your quick cheat sheet:
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Pro Tip: Your steak will keep cooking slightly after you pull it off the grill. Aim for 3–5°F below your target temperature.
Tip #4: Cook Each Side Differently
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Here’s where the real magic happens. Instead of flipping your steak halfway through, cook the first side for about two-thirds of the total time. Then flip and finish it off. This method helps you create a gorgeous crust on the outside without overcooking the inside. Looking for inspiration? Broil King’s "Perfect Steak" method is a fan favourite – check out their grill lineup here.
Tip #5: Use Two-Zone Grilling
Two zones, one steak masterpiece. Start your steak over high direct heat to sear and build that crave-worthy crust. Then move it to a cooler, indirect heat zone to finish cooking slowly and evenly. Grills like the Broil King Regal S490 Pro are perfect for mastering this technique.
Tip #6: Don’t Mess With It
Seriously – let it be. Flip your steak once (maybe twice) and resist the urge to poke, prod, or press it with your spatula. Smashing your steak squeezes out all those delicious juices we worked so hard to lock in! Use a good pair of tongs to handle your steak, not a fork.
Tip #7: Let It Rest
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It’s not finished yet! Once your steak is grilled to perfection, let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly through the meat, meaning every bite will be tender and packed with flavour. Loosely tent it with foil to keep it warm if needed.
Tip #8: Slice Against the Grain
Don’t undo all your hard work at the cutting board. Always slice your steak against the grain – this shortens the muscle fibres and makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth tender, especially for cuts like flank, skirt, or tri-tip. Need a quality slicing tool? Check out the Brander Stainless Steel Steak Knife.
Tip #9: Finish with a Final Seasoning
Even if you've seasoned before grilling, a little finishing touch makes all the difference. After slicing, sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt or add a dab of compound butter (like garlic herb) to kick the flavour up to full throttle. You can also set out salts, rubs, and hot sauces at the table so guests can customize their steak exactly the way they want.
Check out our collection of sauces, spices, and rubs to find your favourites.
Claim Your Title as Steak Master
With these expert tips in your grilling arsenal, you’re more than ready to claim your title as the backyard steak master. Remember – great steak isn’t just cooked, it’s crafted. From perfect seasoning to mastering your grill zones, every little detail adds up to an unforgettable bite. So fire up your grill, grab your tongs (not a fork!), and show your guests what true steak perfection looks – and tastes – like.
Ready to become the steak master of your neighbourhood? Explore our full lineup of premium grills and accessories and make every steak night legendary.
