Quick Answer
Yes, you can absolutely grill steaks on a George Foreman Grill. The sloped grilling surface and heating elements of a George Foreman Grill allow it to sear and cook steaks similarly to a flat outdoor grill. With some simple preparation and techniques, you can make juicy, flavorful steaks indoors on a George Foreman Grill.
How Does a George Foreman Grill Work?
A George Foreman Grill is an indoor electric grill with a sloped grilling surface and heating elements located on both the lower plate and the removable upper plate. The sloped grilling surface allows fat and grease to drain away from the food into a drip tray, giving a healthier, lower-fat option for grilled foods.
Some key features of how a George Foreman Grill works:
- Heating elements on both plates sear both sides of food simultaneously
- Sloped grilling surface drains away fat/grease
- Removable grill plates for easy cleaning
- Adjustable hinge to accommodate thicker foods
- Thermostat for adjustable temperature control
The grill’s design allows it to heat up quickly and cook foods fast and evenly using conduction heat. This makes it well-suited for searing steaks.
How to Grill Steaks on a George Foreman Grill
Grilling steaks on a George Foreman Grill takes just a few simple steps:
- Prepare the steaks: Pat steaks dry and brush lightly with oil or marinade. Let sit at room temperature for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- Preheat the grill: Close the lid and preheat grill for around 5 minutes until hot.
- Cook the steaks: Place steaks on the lower grill plate. Close lid and cook for 4-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
- Rest: Transfer steaks to a plate and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Some tips for grilling great steaks on a George Foreman Grill:
- Don’t overcrowd – cook steaks in a single layer with space between.
- Use tongs to flip steaks – piercing with a fork will cause juices to leak out.
- Adjust cooking times as needed based on thickness of steaks.
- Try lightly brushing steaks with oil or marinade for extra flavor.
Benefits of Using a George Foreman Grill
There are several advantages to using a George Foreman Grill for cooking steaks and other meats:
- Fast, even cooking from dual heating elements.
- Searing creates delicious caramelized flavors.
- Little smoke since there is no open flame.
- Fat and grease drainage for healthier cooking.
- Ability to cook indoors year-round.
- Electric – no need for grill fuel.
- Compact and convenient for small spaces.
- Nonstick plates make cleanup easy.
A George Foreman Grill provides an easy way to enjoy deliciously seared, juicy steaks from the convenience of your own kitchen.
Choosing the Right George Foreman Grill
When purchasing a George Foreman Grill, consider the following factors:
- Cooking surface size – Choose a surface large enough to cook desired amounts of food.
- Temperature controls – Variable heat settings provide more flexibility.
- Plate material – Nonstick coatings improve ease of use and cleanup.
- Grill height – Adjustable hinges accommodate thicker foods.
- Dishwasher-safe – Removable grill plates that are dishwasher-safe simplify cleanup.
Popular George Foreman Grill choices like the 4 Serving Removable Plate Grill or XL Grill offer the right balance of features for convenient indoor grilling.
Grilling Steak on a George Foreman Grill vs. Outdoor Grill
There are some differences when grilling steak on a George Foreman Grill compared to a traditional outdoor barbecue grill:
| George Foreman Grill | Outdoor Grill |
|---|---|
| Cooks from both top and bottom at once | Cooks from bottom, needs flipping |
| Little smoke produced | Infuses foods with smoky barbecue flavor |
| Drains away fat/grease | Allows fat drippings to burn and flavor food |
| Compact and convenient for indoor use | Large grilling surface, designed for outdoor cooking |
| Typically can’t sear as hot | Open flames can produce hotter, crisper sear |
While an outdoor grill can provide a nice smoky char on steaks, a George Foreman Grill offers a convenient way to cook steaks year-round with similar searing and juiciness. Proper preparation and cooking times are key for best results indoors.
George Foreman Grill Steak Cooking Times
Cooking times will vary based on the model and thickness of the steaks, but here are general George Foreman Grill cooking times for steaks:
| Steak Thickness | Grilling Time Per Side |
|---|---|
| 3/4 inch | 4-5 minutes |
| 1 inch | 5-7 minutes |
| 1 1/2 inches | 10-14 minutes |
Use a quick-read meat thermometer to test doneness after cooking. Take steaks off the grill when they reach the desired internal temperature:
- Rare: 125°F
- Medium Rare: 135°F
- Medium: 145°F
- Medium Well: 155°F
- Well Done: 165°F
Let steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow juices to redistribute.
Marinades and Rubs for Grilled Steak
Adding a marinade or dry rub can impart delicious flavor to steaks grilled on a George Foreman Grill. Recommended options include:
Marinades:
- Red wine marinade – red wine, garlic, rosemary, thyme
- Teriyaki marinade – soy sauce, honey, garlic, ginger
- Herb marinade – olive oil, garlic, basil, oregano, parsley
- Southwestern marinade – lime juice, cilantro, chili powder, cumin
Rubs:
- Spice rub – chili powder, cumin, brown sugar, salt, pepper
- Coffee rub – coffee grounds, brown sugar, chili powder, cumin
- Herb rub – dried thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic powder
- Peppercorn rub – cracked black pepper, sea salt
For food safety, marinate steaks in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before grilling. Rubs can be applied just before grilling.
Best Cuts of Steak for George Foreman Grills
The following steaks work exceptionally well for cooking on a George Foreman Grill:
- Ribeye – Well-marbled and flavorful with generous fat cap for tenderness.
- Strip Steak – Tender with good fat marbling but still leaner than ribeye.
- Sirloin – Budget-friendly lean cut that sears up nicely.
- Flat Iron – Tender, uniformly-shaped for even cooking.
- Flank Steak – Thin steak good for quick cooking and slicing across the grain.
Thicker cuts like ribeye and strip steak will have the most steakhouse-like texture and flavor when grilled on a George Foreman Grill. Quick-cooking thinner steaks can still develop a nice sear.
How to Clean a George Foreman Grill After Cooking Steaks
It’s important to properly clean your George Foreman Grill after cooking steaks to prevent bacteria growth and buildup:
- Allow grill to cool completely before disassembling and cleaning.
- Remove and discard grease from drip tray.
- If grill plates are removable, take them out of the grill.
- Wash plates and drip tray with hot soapy water or in the dishwasher.
- Use a non-abrasive sponge or brush to remove any stuck-on food debris.
- Dry all parts fully before reassembling grill.
Avoid submerging the base of the electric grill in water. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth and mild detergent instead.
For tough buildup, let the grill plates soak in warm soapy water to loosen debris before scrubbing clean.
Conclusion
A George Foreman Grill is an extremely convenient way to enjoy delicious, juicy grilled steaks anytime right from your own kitchen. With proper preparation and cooking technique, you can achieve steakhouse-quality results without ever going outside or firing up a barbecue. From quick weeknight meals to impressing dinner guests, grilling steaks on a George Foreman opens up lots of tasty possibilities for any steak lover.