Hey there, fellow pitmasters! Are you ready to take your steak game to the next level? I sure am, and I’ve got the perfect type of meat to help you do it. Beef steaks!
Today, I’m sharing my tips and tricks for cooking the perfect steak on a Traeger grill. Trust me, once you’ve tried this method, you’ll never go back to your old way of grilling again.
So, fire up your Traeger, grab your favorite cut of steak, and let’s get cooking!
Table of Contents
- Choosing The Right Steak For Your Traeger Grill
- How To Prepare Your Steak For Your Traeger
- Getting Your Traeger Grill Ready For Your Steak
- How To Cook Steak On A Traeger Grill
- Resting and Serving Your Steak
- Frequently Asked Questions
- My Final Thoughts
Choosing The Right Steak For Your Traeger Grill
Choosing the right steak is crucial when it comes to grilling. The Traeger grill is versatile, and you can cook different types of steak on it, but not all steaks are created equal. Some cuts of steaks are just better suited for Traeger grilling than others.
Best Types of Steak for Traeger Grilling
The best types of steak for grilling on a Traeger are those that are thicker and have more marbling. The thickness of the steak ensures that it cooks evenly, while the marbling helps keep the steak juicy and flavorful.
Some of the best types of steak for Traeger grilling are:
Ribeye
This is a flavorful and juicy cut that has a lot of marbling.
New York Strip
This leaner cut still has a good amount of marbling and a beefy flavor.
Filet Mignon
This is a very tender cut that doesn’t have as much fat as some other cuts, so it’s important to be careful not to overcook it.
Porterhouse and T-bone
These cuts have a bone running through them, which adds flavor and helps the steak cook more evenly.
What to Consider when Selecting a Steak
When selecting a steak to cook on your Traeger grill, several factors must be considered.
Thickness
As mentioned above, a thicker steak will cook more evenly on the Traeger grill.
Grade
The grade of the steak is an indication of its quality. Higher grades like Prime or Choice will generally be more tender and flavorful.
Marbling
Look for steaks with plenty of marbling, as this will help keep them juicy and flavorful.
Age
Aged steaks are typically more tender and flavorful but can also be more expensive.
Cost
Steaks can be expensive, so consider your budget when selecting a cut.
Considering these factors, you can choose the perfect steak for your Traeger grill and ensure that it turns out delicious every time.
How To Prepare Your Steak For Your Traeger
Thawing the Steak
Before cooking, the steak must be properly thawed.
The best way to thaw a steak is to place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This slow thawing method allows the steak to thaw evenly and maintain its texture.
If you’re in a rush, you can use the cold-water method. Place the steak in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for 30 minutes.
It’s important to never thaw the steak at room temperature, as it increases the risk of bacteria growth and can cause the steak to lose its natural juices.
Seasoning the Steak
Once the steak is thawed, it’s time to season it.
For a simple and delicious seasoning, sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of the steak. However, you can also get creative with seasonings.
These are my personal favorites: garlic powder, paprika, or rosemary.
But there are also hundreds of different steak rubs you can get, all with their own unique flavors. The only way to know if they’re any good is to give them a shot.
Make sure to rub the seasoning into the steak to ensure even coverage. Let the steak sit for 30 minutes at room temperature to allow the seasoning to absorb into the meat.
Letting the Steak Rest
Before cooking your steak, it’s important to let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes.
This helps the steak cook more evenly and ensures that the juices are distributed throughout the meat.
Additionally, letting the steak rest after cooking will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak. But more on this below!
Getting Your Traeger Grill Ready For Your Steak
Clean the Grill Grates
Before cooking, it is essential to clean the grill grates thoroughly.
You can use a grill brush or scraper to remove any debris, rust, or previous food particles that may have stuck to the grates.
Once you’ve scraped off any loose debris, heat up the grill for about 15 minutes, then brush the grates again to remove any remaining debris.
I wrote an entire guide to cleaning your Traeger grill, which you can find here.
Add Pellets to The Hopper
The hopper is where you put the wood pellets that will provide the fuel for your Traeger grill.
The pellets come in different flavors, such as hickory, apple, or mesquite. Choose the flavor that best complements the type of steak you’re cooking.
For example, hickory pellets pair well with a ribeye steak, while apple pellets are better suited for a sirloin steak. Fill the hopper with the appropriate pellets and close the lid.
Preheat the Traeger
You need to preheat it to 450F. Preheating can take about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the temperature you want to achieve.
To do this, turn on the Traeger grill, set the temperature to the desired level, and let it preheat with the lid closed.
Once your grill is hot, move on to the next phase of the operation!
How To Cook Steak On A Traeger Grill
Once the grill is preheated, it’s time to get cooking baby!
Place Your Steak on The Grill
When placing the steak on the grill, position it diagonally on the grill grates to create diamond grill marks.
Make sure to leave some space between the steaks so they can cook evenly.
Close the lid of the Traeger grill and let the steak cook for a few minutes.
Flip Your Steak
Once you’ve achieved grill marks on one side, flip the steak using tongs or a spatula. Remember to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature after flipping the steak. Continue to cook until the desired temperature is achieved.
Check the Internal Temperature of Your Steak
Check the internal temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer (or use Traeger’s meat probe if your grill model is equipped with one).
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, making sure not to touch any bone or fat. For an accurate reading, removing the steak from the grill is essential.
- For a medium-rare steak, look for 130-135°F or 54-57°C.
- For medium, aim for 140-145°F or 60-63°C.
- For medium-well, aim for 150-155°F or 66-68°C.
Remove Your Steak from The Grill
Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and place it on a cutting board.
Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute within the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.
Resting and Serving Your Steak
Let Your Steak Rest
After you take the steak off the grill, it’s important to let it rest before slicing and serving.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute, which results in a more tender and flavorful steak. As a general rule of thumb, you should let the steak rest for about 5-10 minutes.
During this time, you can tent the steak with aluminum foil to keep it warm.
Slice and Serve Your Steak
Once the steak has rested, it’s time to slice and serve it.
To slice the steak, cut against the grain with a sharp knife. This will make the steak more tender and easier to chew. You can serve the steak as is or with your favorite side dishes.
Recommendations for Serving
When it comes to serving steak, you have many options.
I like to keep it simple and serve the steak with a baked potato or salad.
Others may want to get a little more creative and try different sauces or toppings. Here are a few recommendations for serving your Traeger-grilled steak:
- Top the steak with garlic butter or herb butter for added flavor.
- Serve the steak with a side of grilled vegetables, such as asparagus or zucchini.
- Drizzle the steak with a red wine reduction or mushroom sauce for a gourmet touch.
- Pair the steak with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for the ultimate dining experience.
There’s no right or wrong here, it’s whatever tickles your fancy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can A Steak Be Smoked On A Traeger?
Yes, a steak can be smoked on a Traeger grill. Smoking a steak on a Traeger grill is a great way to infuse it with a rich smoky flavor while also achieving a perfectly cooked steak. The smoking process can take longer than grilling, but the results are well worth the wait.
What Are the Best Types of Steak for Traeger Grilling?
The best types of steak for Traeger grilling are those with a lot of fat marbling, such as ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon. These cuts will benefit from the slow, low-heat cooking method and absorb the flavors of the wood pellets.
How Do I Select the Right Steak for Traeger Grilling?
When selecting a steak for Traeger grilling, consider factors such as the cut, thickness, and marbling. Look for a cut with a thickness of at least 1 inch and plenty of fat marbling throughout the meat.
How Do I Season a Steak for Traeger Grilling?
To season a steak for Traeger grilling, mix salt and pepper or a pre-made steak seasoning blend. Rub the seasoning onto the steak generously and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before grilling.
How Do I Check the Temperature of A Steak on A Traeger Grill?
To check the temperature of a steak on a Traeger grill, use an instant-read meat thermometer or Traeger’s built-in meat probes if your model is equipped with one (or several). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, making sure not to touch the bone or grill grates, and check the temperature.
How Do I Know When My Steak Is Done on A Traeger Grill?
The internal temperature of a steak is the best indicator of its doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, aim for 55-57°C. For medium, aim for 60-63°C. For medium-well, aim for 65-68°C.
How Do I Rest and Serve a Steak Cooked on A Traeger Grill?
To rest and serve a steak cooked on a Traeger grill, remove it from the grill and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. Slice the steak against the grain and serve it with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables or mashed potatoes.
My Final Thoughts
Cooking steak on a Traeger grill is a great way to achieve a perfectly cooked and flavorful meal.
Choosing the right steak, preparing it properly, and following the correct steps for grilling on a Traeger are all key factors to success. Remember to let the steak rest before slicing, and consider serving it with a delicious side dish.
If you haven’t tried cooking on a Traeger grill before, I encourage you to give it a try. Experiment with different pellet flavors to find your favorite, and enjoy the delicious results.