How to cook frozen steak on the grill without thawing it first? It’s very similar to cooking a fresh steak on a grill. Prepare a grill for two-zone cooking. Once the grill is up to temperature, prepare the steak. Season it generously with kosher salt and pepper. Sear the steak for 2 minutes on each side. When a caramelized crust is formed, move it to the indirect heat area of the grill and continue cooking.
However, before cooking frozen steak, it’s highly recommended to read the frozen steak grilling tips below in the article. You’ll find all the necessary information about freezing the steak properly and which steak cut to choose.
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How To Cook Frozen Steak On The Grill: Step-By-Step
Step 1: Prepare The Grill for Cooking
Prepare grill for two-zone cooking. It doesn’t matter if it’s a charcoal grill or a gas grill; both can be prepared for two-zone cooking. It’s essential to have an indirect heat side of the grill because it will allow bringing steak to the desired doneness without drying it out. While the direct heat side of the grill is essential for searing the steak.
Step 2: Pat Steak Dry
Remove steak from the freezer and pat it dry to remove excess moisture. Removing as much moisture as possible from the steak’s exterior will allow the steak to form a nice caramelized crust.
Step 3: Season The Steak
Before grilling frozen steaks, season them generously with kosher salt and pepper. It’s essential to add some flavor to the steaks.
Step 4: Sear Frozen Steak On The Grill
Place frozen steaks on the direct heat side of the grill and sear for about two minutes on each side. A caramelized crust should form before moving steaks on the indirect heat side.
Step 5: Cooking Frozen Steak On Indirect Heat
When steaks are seared properly move them to the indirect heat side of the grill. Flip them every 3-4 minutes. Check on the steak’s internal temperature using a meat thermometer. It’s essential to monitor meat’s temperature; otherwise, it can overcook and become dry and chewy. Cook to the desired temperature and remove from the grill when the internal temperature is 5 degrees Fahrenheit below the level of doneness you want to achieve. It’s called carryover cooking. For meat to become tender and juicy, it’s recommended not to cook beyond medium. Steak cooked medium-rare is exceptionally juicy and flavorful. Keep in mind that cooking frozen steak takes a longer time. For a 2-inch thick steak to reach medium-rare (135° Fahrenheit) can take about 22-25 minutes.
Step 6: Rest The Steak
Rest the steak for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing it. Resting will allow fibers to loosen up and steak juices to redistribute throughout the steak’s interior.
Related articles:
- How to cook frozen steak;
- How to cook frozen steak in an air fryer;
- How to cook frozen steak in the oven without searing.
Why Should You Grill A Frozen Steak
It’s a time saver – Thawing steak can take overnight or at least half an hour if alternative steak defrosting methods are used. Cooking frozen steak saves a lot of time.
It cooks perfectly – Cooking frozen steak is slightly better because it retains more juice. In simple terms, the more juicy steak is the more tender and flavorful it is. American test kitchen experimented with frozen steak. It showed that cooking frozen steak results in 9% less moisture loss than a fresh or thawed steak. An experiment also showed that when you grill frozen steaks, it’s very unlikely they will develop a gray band, unlike cooking fresh or thawed steak. It’s a thin layer of overcooked gray meat underneath the charred, caramelized crust. One downside of grilling frozen steak is that it takes much longer to reach the desired temperature.
How To Choose A Steak Cut For Cooking Frozen On The Grill
Use thick-cut steaks – It’s best to use thick steaks for grilling. Thicker cuts will get up to a temperature gradually without overcooking fast. Cooking a frozen thick cut is more forgiving in terms of overcooking. If you leave it on a grill for too long, there’s less chance it’s going to overcook, unlike the thinner steaks.
Choose a proper beef cut – When cooking frozen steaks, the more marbling the steak has, the more tender and juicy it’ll be. Therefore when grilling a frozen steak, pick a well-marbled steak cut. It’ll be a juicer steak, unlike a lean cut that tends to be slightly chewy. Rib-eye steak, New York strip, and t-bone steak are excellent for grilling frozen.
How To Freeze And Store The Steak
Before cooking frozen steaks, you must store them properly in the freezer. Take a baking sheet or a pan and line it with parchment paper. Remove as much moisture from the steak’s surface as possible to prevent moisture build-up. Place the steak onto a baking sheet and in a freezer overnight. The following morning take the steak out of a freezer and wrap it tightly in a plastic wrap. Squeeze out as much air as possible. It’ll prevent freezer burn and excess moisture build-up. Once the steak is wrapped correctly, put it in a ziplock bag and back in the freezer. Steak can last in a freezer for up to a year. However, according to USDA, it’s better to use frozen meat as soon as possible.
FAQ
Can I put a frozen steak on the grill?
Yes, you can put the frozen steak on the grill. However, make sure to set up the grill for two-zone cooking. First, sear the steak on the direct heat side for 2 minutes, then move it to the indirect heat area and continue cooking steak to your liking.
How long do you cook a frozen steak on the grill?
Depending on the steak size and the desired doneness, cooking frozen steak on a grill can take between 20-40 minutes.
