How to Smoke a Steak on A Pellet Grill
Steaks are a classic American dish that has been grilled to perfection for generations. With the rise of pellet grills, cooking a steak has become even easier and more delicious! Pellet grills use compressed wood pellets to fuel the fire and impart a unique flavor to the meat. They also allow for precise temperature control, making it easier to cook your steak exactly how you like it. In this blog post, we’ll be sharing the steps on how to smoke a steak on a pellet grill for the juiciest and most flavorful results!
Table of Contents
1. Prepare Your Pellet Grill
Welcome to the first step of smoking a delicious steak on your pellet grill! Before you get started, make sure your pellet grill is in good condition and has been cleaned properly. Once you’ve ensured your grill is clean, preheat it to a high temperature, ideally at least 450ºF. This high heat will help you get a good sear on your steak and lock in those delicious juices. Preheating also ensures that your steak cooks evenly and perfectly. Once your grill is hot enough, it’s time to move on to the next step, seasoning your steak with salt and pepper. Keep reading to learn more!
2. Season Your Steak with Salt and Pepper
Now that you’ve got your pellet grill prepped and ready, it’s time to season your steak with salt and pepper. As we mentioned earlier, the best time to season your steak is between 1 and 24 hours before cooking. Use 1 teaspoon of kosher salt per pound of meat, and make sure to distribute it evenly on both sides. Once it’s seasoned, let it sit for a bit so it can absorb all the delicious flavors.
When you’re ready to start cooking, pat your steak dry and sprinkle some fresh cracked black pepper on both sides. If you prefer, you can also add other spices or a bbq rub of your choice. Whatever you do, make sure to season it well so that every bite is packed with flavor.
Now it’s time to put your steak on the pellet grill. Make sure the grill is preheated to a high temperature, and place the steak on the grill grates. This is where you’ll start to see the magic happen. The heat from the grill will sear the outside of the steak, creating a crispy crust, while the smoke from the wood pellets will infuse it with a delicious aroma and flavor.
Throughout the cooking process, make sure to monitor the temperature of your grill using a thermometer. This will help you ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection. When it’s time to flip your steak, use tongs or a spatula to avoid piercing it with a fork, which can cause the juices to escape.
Once your steak is cooked to your liking, it’s time to add some final touches for flavor. Melt some butter and minced garlic in a pan and brush it onto the steak, or drizzle it on top. This will add a delicious richness and depth of flavor to your already delicious steak.
Finally, let your steak rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices. If you slice it immediately, the juices will escape and the steak will become dry. Give it a little patience, and you’ll be rewarded with a juicy, perfectly cooked steak that’s bursting with flavor. Serve it up and enjoy every bite.
3. Preheat Your Pellet Grill to High Temperature
Now that you’ve seasoned your steak, it’s time to preheat your pellet grill to a high temperature. Preheating is an important step that ensures your grill is hot enough to quickly sear the steak on the outside, while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
To preheat your pellet grill, turn it on and set the temperature to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Let it heat up for at least 10 minutes with the lid closed, allowing the grill grates to get hot. Once the grill is hot enough, you’re ready to start cooking your steak.
Remember, preheating is crucial to getting that perfect sear on your steak, so make sure you give your grill enough time to heat up. With your grill preheated, you’re one step closer to enjoying a perfectly cooked, smoked steak!
4. Place Your Steak on the Pellet Grill
Now that you’ve prepared and seasoned your steak, it’s time to place it on the pellet grill. Carefully set the steak on the hot grates, making sure to place it directly over the smoking pellets. Remember to close the lid to ensure that the smoke and heat stay trapped in the grill.
As you wait for your steak to cook, resist the urge to constantly check on it. Opening the grill lid frequently can cause the temperature to fluctuate, which can affect the cooking process. Instead, use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the steak.
Timing is everything when it comes to flipping your steak. Typically, you’ll want to flip it about halfway through the cooking process to ensure that both sides cook evenly. When you do flip your steak, use tongs or a spatula to avoid piercing it with a fork, which can cause the juices to escape.
If you want to add an extra burst of flavor to your steak, consider adding butter and garlic during the last few minutes of cooking. Simply melt the butter and garlic in a small saucepan and brush it onto your steak before serving.
Once your steak has reached your desired level of doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This will give the juices time to settle and redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy steak.
Now that you’ve successfully smoked a steak on your pellet grill, it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor!
5. Add Wood Pellets to Create Smoke
Now that you’ve preheated your pellet grill, it’s time to add some wood pellets to create that delicious smoky flavor. Simply fill up your hopper with all-natural BBQ pellets, making sure not to overfill it.
Next, turn the temperature dial to “smoke” mode. This is a very important step, as it allows your grill to feed the pellets for the next 3 ½ hours. Keep the lid closed so that the smoke stays inside the grill, and always remember – “when you’re lookin’, it’s not cookin’!”
While the grill is smoking, you can sit back and relax, or even prepare some sides to go with your steak. Make sure to monitor the temperature of your grill, using a thermometer to ensure that it stays at the desired heat level.
Once your steak has been smoked to your desired internal temperature (115-120°F for rare, 120-130°F for medium-rare, and 130-140°F for medium), it’s time to add some extra flavor. Try adding some butter and garlic to enhance the taste of your steak.
When your steak is done, don’t forget to let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This will help to seal in the juices and make your steak even more tender and delicious. Now, all that’s left to do is serve up your perfectly smoked steak and enjoy!
6. Monitor the Temperature of Your Grill
Now that your steak is sizzling away on your pellet grill, it’s crucial to keep a keen eye on the temperature. You want to ensure that it stays at a consistent temperature throughout the smoking process to avoid overcooking or undercooking your steak. To do this, use a digital thermometer to monitor the temperature of the grill regularly.
A dual-channel thermometer like Smoke X2™ can be incredibly beneficial at this stage. It allows you to keep tabs on both the internal temperature of your steak and the cooking chamber’s temperature simultaneously. This way, you can make sure that both are cooking to perfection.
Another thing to keep in mind is that 250°F is the baseline external temperature for most pellet grill recipes. However, if you want your steak to cook a little faster, you can increase the temperature slightly. Just keep a close eye on it to avoid burning your steak.
Once your steak has had enough time on one side, it’s time to flip it. Use tongs or a spatula to turn it over carefully. Also, if you’re adding any butter and garlic for extra flavor, now is the time to do so. After flipping your steak, continue to monitor the temperature until it reaches your desired internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, you’re looking at around 135°F.
Once your steak has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to seal in, leaving your steak tender and juicy. Take a deep breath and pat yourself on the back. You’ve successfully smoked a steak on a pellet grill! Now, it’s time to enjoy your masterpiece – slice and serve your perfectly cooked, mouth-watering steak to your hungry guests.
7. Flip Your Steak at the Right Time
Now comes the exciting part of cooking your steak on a pellet grill – flipping it at the right time! You don’t want to flip it too soon or too late, or else you risk losing those delicious grill marks and overcooking your steak.
Here’s how you can flip your steak like a pro: use tongs to gently lift and turn it over – never use a fork as it can puncture the meat and release precious juices. Aim for a quarter turn on each side, which will create those tantalizing crosshatch grill marks.
Remember to keep an eye on the temperature of your pellet grill, and flip the steak once it has reached the halfway point towards your desired internal temperature (use a meat thermometer to check). This timing will vary depending on the thickness of your steak and your preferred level of doneness, so always use a thermometer for accuracy.
Once you’ve flipped your steak, you can add a pat of butter and minced garlic on top to infuse the steak with savory flavor. Then, close the lid and let it finish cooking until it reaches your desired internal temperature.
With these simple tips, you can achieve a perfectly cooked, smoky steak on your pellet grill. So go ahead, flip that steak with confidence and enjoy the delicious outcome!
8. Add Butter and Garlic for Flavor
Now that your steak has been smoking on the pellet grill for a while, it’s time to add some delicious butter and garlic flavor. In a small bowl, mix together some softened butter, minced garlic, and any other seasonings you prefer.
Carefully remove the steak from the grill and place it on a clean surface. Spread the butter mixture over the top of the steak, making sure to cover it evenly. Return the steak to the grill and continue to cook until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
The garlic butter will add an extra layer of flavor to your steak, and it will also help to keep it moist and tender. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor profile.
As always, make sure to let your steak rest for a few minutes before slicing into it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and will help to ensure that every bite is as delicious as the last.
Now that your steak is perfectly smoked and seasoned, it’s time to savor every mouthwatering bite. Congratulations on mastering the art of smoking a steak on a pellet grill!
9. Rest Your Steak to Seal in Juices
Now that your perfectly smoked steak is ready, it’s important to let it rest before cutting into it. Resting meat after cooking allows the internal juices to redistribute and helps to seal in its natural flavors. Simply remove your steak from the pellet grill and place it on a cutting board, tenting it with foil. Let rest for 5-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the steak. This will give you time to prepare any sides or sauces you want to serve with your meal. After resting, slice your steak against the grain and savor the delicious flavors and tenderness of your perfectly smoked meat. Remember, patience is key when it comes to resting your steak, but the payoff is definitely worth it!
10. Serve and Enjoy Your Perfectly Smoked Steak!
Now comes the best part – enjoying your perfectly smoked steak! After removing it from the grill, let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
When you’re ready to serve, cut into the steak and take a moment to appreciate the beautiful smoke ring that has formed around the edges. The smoky flavor pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings and toppings – a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles can take your steak to the next level. And with the convenience of a pellet grill, you can enjoy delicious, perfectly smoked steaks anytime you want. So fire up that grill and get ready to impress your guests with your newfound smoking skills!