Summer Grilling Steak Cuts You Can Afford | Lifestyle

Summer Grilling Steak Cuts You Can Afford

by K.C.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 little tougher in texture because they come from muscles that are actually used by the cattle. This increases chewiness, but also makes them more flavorful than many cuts that are more tender. These cuts have high flavor and low gristle. Choose an intense marinade, do a little careful salting, and keep an eye on the cooking process to keep the meat from overcooking for the best results.

The first thing you should do is take a look at your marinades. These liquid mixtures have a reputation for flavoring and tenderizing meat, but they may not do that as well as you might think. Often, they only soak into the meat a little, and if they are really acidic, they might even tighten up muscle tissues, making your meat tougher. Of course, that does not mean you cannot find a great steak marinade recipe - you just have to know what you are looking for and what to expect.

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'll want two zones of heat - one that's hotter and allows for searing the meat, and the other that's lower in heat and will cook evenly with no burnt outside. A gas grill makes this a matter of adjusting knobs, while charcoal requires you to bank about two thirds of the coals and scatter the rest.

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.

DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice.

That ribeye steak is calling your name... all you need is a terrific ribeye steak marinade recipe to turn it into something great. Marinades add flavor, tenderize, and keep the meat juicy. To learn more about marinades and to find a few to call your own, visit EasySteakMarinades.net for advice, recipes and cooking tips.