Cooking Steak on Indoor Electric Grills: What to Do
Sometimes it is impossible to go outside and cook that amazing steak which has been on your mind.
It could be because the snow has piled up because it's wintertime.
It may also be because another thunderstorm has rolled in.
Both situations can soak your grill outside, making it impossible to grill steaks.
Whatever the case may be, you can always turn to your trusty indoor electric grill to get the job done even if you have never cooked steak on it before.
While many people claim that cooking steak on indoor electric grills will result in a loss of flavor or poor charring, that is not 100% true.
You just need to know how to do it properly and safely.
Don't worry because this guide is here to help.
Just follow the simple instructions we will provide for you to get the best steak you have ever tasted even while working indoors and using electricity instead of charcoal or open flames.
The Things You Need to Prepare
The most important step to making a great steak is ensuring you have all of the right ingredients and equipment. With that in mind, here is a checklist for you:
1. The Right Indoor Electric Grill
When you plan on using an indoor electric grill, you need to check and make sure the machine can reach a hot enough temperature to get a good sear on the exterior of the meat.
In general, you can cook an ideal steak at a temperature of 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your electric grill does not reach this temperature, you will need to adjust your cooking time and make sure the exterior has some seasoning and marinade to get the proper sear and char.
Additionally, if you want to develop those tantalizing grill lines you see on flame-broiled meat or steaks prepared outdoors on a traditional grill, then choose an electric model that includes raised segments.
Those raised portions are what will primarily touch the meat and result in delicious crispy lines in between the tender mouthfuls of the steak.
Still, if you are concerned the lines will not develop naturally, you can apply a small amount of olive oil to the grill surface to get some frying or sautéing action.
Using a substance on the grill can also add some extra flavor, which is important to consider when choosing your marinade and seasonings.
2. Your Choice of Seasonings and Marinades
Before even touching your indoor electric grill, prepare your seasonings and marinade.
Seasonings
You want to ensure you have the seasonings you desire.
Depending on your preferences, you can use a broad range of ingredients.
Some of the most popular for a basic steak include salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
Just like when you cook outdoors, you want to season and marinate your steak thoroughly to get maximum flavor.
Marinades
Marinating a steak when cooking it on an indoor electric grill is essential not just because the liquid adds flavor, but it also provides additional material that will help heat and cook the meat thoroughly.
There are numerous options when it comes to marinades, but some of the best ones include olive oil or lemon juice.
These substances will either fry when exposed to the heat of the grill or help reduce bad odors while locking in flavor, so they are great choices.
Cooking Steak on Indoor Electric Grills
Now that you have all the items ready, you can start cooking your steak!
1. Marinate the Meat
Marinate the steak for two to four hours to ensure maximum flavor seeps into the meat.
For the best results, have this process completed in the fridge so that the meat does not sour or develop bacteria from being left out in the open.
Once the marinade is complete, thoroughly rub your seasoning into both sides of the steak.
The seasonings can help develop a char on the outside of the meat and compose a significant part of the flavor, so it is important not to forget them.
2. Preheat and Season Your Grill
Next, preheat and season your indoor electric grill.
As mentioned, the ideal temperature for cooking steak on electric grills is 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are unable to reach this temperature, set the device to the highest one it can reach and adjust your cooking time.
Most steaks require six to seven minutes of cooking time per inch of raw meat.
With that said, depending on how well done you like your meat, your cooking time can range anywhere from three to 12 minutes for the average cut of steak.
In general, your indoor grill will need between 10 and 15 minutes to reach its maximum temperature.
During this time, remove your steak from the fridge and allow it to warm up on the counter.
The steak can warm up for a maximum of two hours, but at that point, you need to cook it, or too much bacteria will start to form on the surface.
You don’t want food poisoning when you could be enjoying a delectable meal, and you definitely don’t want parasites.
3. Cook the Meat
Now you need to focus on cooking the steak itself.
It is important to get the same amount of sear or char on both sides, so time yourself if you are not able to keep track in your head.
To be thoroughly cooked, a New York style strip steak takes between eight and 10 minutes on an electric grill.
With this guideline and the fact that a single inch needs between six and seven minutes, you should be able to determine the ideal cooking time for your cut of meat.
While cooking, avoid leaving the grill unattended; this is a recipe for disaster and can result in burnt food or accidents concerning heat and fire.
4. Check the Meat and Get It off the Heat
Once you think the meat has been cooking for a long time, get it off the heat.
Before serving, though, you first need to check the temperature of the meat.
Although people joke about enjoying raw steak, it is not healthy to eat improperly prepared beef.
According to the USDA, beef needs to have an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit for it to be safe to eat.
The simplest way to check on your electrically grilled steak is to use a meat thermometer.
Stick the metal rod into the center of the meat and check the readout on the other end.
If the internal temperature does not reach 160 degrees, you need to put your steak back on the grill and cook it longer.
If you do not, you are putting yourself at risk of developing foodborne diseases or gaining parasites.
Conclusion
You might think it is impossible to create a delicious meal while cooking steak on indoor electric grills, but nothing could be further from the truth.
If you incorporate delicious ingredients and remember to preheat your grill to the proper temperature before cooking, then you will create a delectable meal that will be the talk of your family and friends.
So, instead of trying to grill out in the wind, rain, and snow, pull that electric grill out of the cabinet.
You have some delicious steaks to make that simply can’t wait for a sunny day!