by KC Kudra
If you love grilling, but your budget is a little tight this year, you may be wondering if you can have steak on the grill this year. The answer is definitely yes. You just need to know your meat. There are all kinds of beef cuts that can be grilled up nicely without breaking the budget. They will take a little more care in preparation than a Porterhouse, but they can be entirely worthwhile. So if steak is a priority, but it does not seem too affordable, do not give up hope.
There are bargains in your meat case, and good steak can be had for five to seven dollars a pound. Hanger and flatiron steaks, tri tip, skirt, flap and flank steaks, and chuck, top sirloin and other types of meat are all inexpensive and delicious, provided you know what to do with them.
Remember that these steaks are cheaper for a reason, which means it will take a little more work to make them taste as good as the really expensive cuts. However, it is not all that hard if you take the time to suit the cooking method to the steak. Being a good cook can save you money in the long run.
These steaks are a lot tougher because they come from the muscles that are used on a day-to-day basis. That makes them a lot less tender, but also a lot more flavorful. These steaks are low in gristle and high in flavor. Choose an intense marinade, salt the steak with care, and cook with a close eye on the timing to create a bargain cut that does not taste like it was cheap.
You will also want to take a look at marinades. These liquid mixtures are able to tenderize and add a lot of flavor when you use them right, but they may do the opposite if used in correctly. Most marinades just soak in a little, and really acidic ones actually tighten the meat up, making it tougher, not less tough. That does not mean you need to skip the marinade, of course. Choosing the best steak marinade and using it correctly are important parts of the cooking process.
Even if the effect you're getting is only skin deep, marinades result in a lovely surface that is crisp, crusty, and rich in color, and they add some nice flavor to the outside of your steak. Use a really hot grill to create the best steak you can. Remove budget steaks from the fridge while the grill is still heating up. That will ensure that your meat is not cold when it goes on the grill, and it will cook more thoroughly.
You will want to create two zones in the fire - a hot one that lets you sear the outside of the meat, and a medium hot one that will cook your meat evenly without burning the outside. If you are using a gas grill, just adjust the knobs appropriately. If you are using charcoal, bank two thirds of the coals for the hot area, and scatter the remaining third.
Make sure the grill is clean and you are capable of being patient. You need to cook these cuts of meat undisturbed for two to three minutes if you want them to taste their best. An instant read thermometer will help you know when your meat is ready. Rest the meat when you are finished, to let it keep its juices.
About The Author:
For a great marinade that will make your affordable steak taste its best, you need to do a little looking around. Every steak lover should be able to cook their steak the right way. Need quality steak recipes and tips that will improve any great steak? When you need to know the
best steak marinade all the marinades and grilling tips you need can be found at: http://www.EasySteakMarinades.net
