If you’re a fan of grilling and love the smoky flavor that pellet grills offer, then you’re in for a treat. Let us discover the answer to cooking steak on pellet grill temperature.
Cooking a juicy, flavorful, and tender steak on a pellet grill requires a little knowledge and understanding of the optimal temperature for each level of doneness. So, what is the best temperature for cooking steak on a pellet grill?
It depends on your personal preference. If you like your steak medium-rare, aim for a grill temperature of around 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. And for well done, aim for a temperature of 500-550 degrees Fahrenheit.
But temperature isn’t the only factor to consider in pellet grill cooking. The type of wood pellets you use can also greatly impact the flavor of your steak. Different types of wood offer different flavor profiles, so be sure to experiment and find the one that best suits your taste.
This blog will dive deeper into cooking the perfect steak on a pellet grill. We’ll also provide some helpful tips and techniques to ensure that your steak turns out perfectly every time. So if you’re ready to up your grilling game, keep reading!
What is The Ideal Temperature To Cook Steaks On The Pellet Grill?
Cooking steak on a pellet grill is a delicious and convenient way to prepare this popular dish. The ideal temperature for cooking steaks on a pellet grill will depend on your preferred level of doneness.
For medium-rare steaks, a temperature of around 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended. A temperature of around 145-155 degrees Fahrenheit for medium steaks is recommended.
A temperature of around 160-165 degrees Fahrenheit for well-done steaks is recommended.
Remember to let your steaks rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender final meal. Enjoy your steaks!
Cooking steaks on a pellet grill is a great way to get that perfect sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill the pellet hopper with your preferred wood pellets.
- Preheat the grill to the desired temperature. Press the ‘start’ button on the control panel and select your desired temperature.
- Once the grill has reached the desired temperature, place your steaks on the grill grates and close the lid.
- Allow the steaks to cook for the recommended amount of time, checking it occasionally to ensure it is cooking to your desired level of doneness.
- Once the steak is cooked, please remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Steak Doneness Range Chart
Here is a perfect chart to show steak doneness based on its internal temperature. Have a look:
| Doneness | Internal Temperature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120-125 | Cool at the center and seared on the outside. It will have a bright red color and a soft texture. |
| Medium Rare | 130-135 | Warm and pink at the center, with a seared exterior. It will be tender and juicy. |
| Medium | 140-145 | Warm and pink at the center, with a well-done exterior. It will be slightly firmer in texture. |
| Medium Well | 150-155 | Warm at the center and mostly well done on the exterior. It will be firmer in texture. |
| Well Done | 160 and above | Hot and brown throughout. It will be the most firm in texture and may be dry. |
What Are The Factors To Consider While Cooking Steaks On The Pellet Grill?
You want the perfect steaks for your dinner, but before you start cooking on the pallet grill, you must consider three factors. So, let’s check them out:
1. Type Of Steak
Different cuts of steak will require different cooking techniques. For example, a thicker-cut ribeye will need a longer cooking time than a thinner-cut sirloin. Choose a steak that is appropriate for the cooking time you have available.
2. Temperature
The temperature of the pellet grill is important for cooking steaks. For a medium-rare steak, aim for a cooking temperature of around 135-140 degrees Fahrenheit. Aim for a medium temperature of around 145-150 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. Grill Time
The grilling time will depend on the thickness of the steaks and your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, or use the finger test by pressing on the steak with a tong.
A medium-rare steak will be firm but springy, while a medium steak will be firmer with less give.
Why Should You Cook Steaks At 400 degrees On Pellet Grill?
Cooking steaks at 400 degrees on a pellet grill is a great way to get a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside nice and juicy.
Of course, you can always adjust the cooking temperature based on your personal preferences and the thickness of the steaks. Just be sure to keep an eye on the steaks’ internal temperature to ensure they are being cooked properly.
There are varying opinions on the ideal temperature for cooking steaks. Some people prefer lower temperatures, while others prefer higher temperatures for quicker cooking.
On a pellet grill, cooking steaks at lower temperatures may result in a longer cooking time and potentially sacrifice the desired juicy texture of the meat. Therefore, cooking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit is the ideal temperature for steaks.
What Are The Tips To Follow When Cooking Steaks On The Pellet Grill?
Let’s look at these tips when cooking steaks on the pellet grill:
- Preheat The Grill To The Desired Cooking Temperature: Before you start grilling your steaks, it’s important to preheat the grill to the right temperature. Preheating the grill ensures that the steaks cook evenly and helps to create a nice sear on the outside.
- Season The Steaks: Seasoning the steaks is an important step that helps to enhance their flavor. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as salt, pepper, garlic, and herbs. Be sure to season the steaks on both sides, as this will help to evenly distribute the flavors throughout the steak.
- Cook The Steaks For Five Minutes On Each Side: The cooking time for steaks will depend on the thickness of the steaks and your desired level of doneness. For a medium-rare steak, aim for five minutes on each side. If you prefer your steak to be more well-done, you may need to cook it longer.
- Use A Meat Thermometer To Check The Internal Temperature: To ensure that your steaks are cooked to the right level of doneness, it’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare steaks.
- Use Reverse Searing Method: Reverse searing is a cooking method where you cook the steak at a lower temperature and then finish it off with a high-heat sear. This method is great for cooking steaks on a pellet grill because it allows you to achieve a perfectly cooked, evenly-done steak with a beautiful crust on the outside.
- Let The Steaks Rest Before Serving: Once the steaks have reached the desired internal temperature, remove them from the grill and rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak.
How To Use Pellet Grill For Cooking Steaks?
Cooking steaks on a pellet grill is a great way to get that perfect sear on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Here’s how to do it:
- Fill the pellet hopper with your preferred wood pellets.
- Preheat the grill to the desired temperature. Press the ‘start’ button on the control panel and select your desired temperature.
- Once the grill has reached the desired temperature, place your steaks on the grill grates and close the lid.
- Allow the steaks to cook for the recommended amount of time, checking it occasionally to ensure it is cooking to your desired level of doneness.
- Once the steak is cooked, please remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best temperature to cook steak on a pellet grill?
The best temperature for cooking steak on a pellet grill is 400-450 degrees Fahrenheit. By cooking at high temperatures, the outside of the steak develops a nice crust while the inside remains juicy and tender.
How long do I cook steak on a pellet grill?
It depends on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness when cooking steak on a pellet grill. A good rule of thumb is to allow ten minutes of cooking time per inch of thickness for medium-rare steak.
Can I use wood pellets with any steak?
You can use any wood pellet with any type of steak. Some popular options include oak, hickory, mesquite, and cherry. Find out what flavor you like by experimenting with different wood pellets.
Do I need to flip the steak while it is cooking on the pellet grill?
Flipping the steak while it is cooking on the pellet grill is unnecessary. Flipping the steak too often can cause it to lose its juices and become dry. Instead, allow the steak to cook for the recommended amount of time on one side before flipping it once and finishing the cooking process.
Can I cook frozen steak on a pellet grill?
It is not recommended to cook frozen steak on a pellet grill. The best results will be achieved if the steak is thawed to room temperature before cooking. It allows the steak to cook more evenly and prevents the exterior from becoming overcooked while the interior is frozen.
Conclusion
Cooking the perfect steak on a pellet grill is all about temperature control. You can achieve delectable results every time by following a few simple tips. Try different cooking techniques, such as the reverse sear method, to elevate your grilling game.
So if you’re ready to up your steak-cooking game, give these tips a try the next time you fire up your pellet grill. And if you’re looking for more grilling inspiration, check out the rest of our blog for more delicious recipes and expert grilling advice. Happy grilling!
