Michael Symon smiling in vest

How Michael Symon Grills The Perfect Steak

NEWS

BY STEPHANIE MEE

Steak cooking on charcoal grill

Charcoal Grill

Symon considers a charcoal grill superior for cooking steaks, as he says, "There is a flavor you get cooking over live fire that just can't be matched."
Skirt steak in pan

Cut

In "Symon's Dinners Cooking Out," he revealed that the cuts he uses most are flank steaks and skirt steaks. He said, "They're more affordable cuts that still pack big flavor."
Cooked steak with veggies in pan
Flank steak and skirt steak are rich and meaty but prone to coming out tough. A marinade can help tenderize the meat, and both turn out best when grilled quickly over high heat.
Person sprinkling salt on steak

Salt

According to Symon, not using salt liberally is one of the biggest mistakes people make with steaks. "Salt them a couple hours before cooking if you have time," he advised.
Two steaks on firey grill

Direct/Indirect Heat

Symon cooks steak with both direct and indirect heat. He says, "Use direct to get your hard sear and crust and then move to indirect when you close the lid."
Meat thermometer inside steak

Temperature

Symon says that a meat thermometer is essential for charcoal grilling since you don't have a built-in dial on the grill. Plus, different cuts cook at different rates.