Quick Introduction
Cooking a steak named after NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, also known as a “Shaq steak,” on the grill can be an intimidating task. Shaq steaks are enormous cuts of meat, usually weighing 40 ounces or more. That’s over 2.5 pounds of steak per person! While the size makes them perfect for serving a crowd or incredibly hungry eaters, it also means you need to take some special steps to ensure it cooks properly on the grill. In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to select, prepare, grill, and serve a mouthwatering Shaq steak. With the right techniques, you can make this giant steak cook evenly and become a delicious centerpiece of your next barbecue.
Selecting the Right Shaq Steak
When purchasing a Shaq steak, which is essentially an extra-large ribeye or strip steak, you’ll want to look for:
- Thickness of at least 2-3 inches – This thickness will allow you to get a nice sear on the outside while keeping the inside medium-rare.
- Marbling throughout – The generous marbling provides excellent flavor and moisture.
- Heavy weight – Typically 40 ounces or more to live up to the “Shaq” name.
- Fresh, bright red color – This indicates higher quality beef.
- Firm, not mushy texture – This means the steak has been handled properly.
- USDA Prime grade or Certified Angus Beef (CAB) – These designations ensure delicious, well-marbled beef.
Shopping at a full-service butcher shop is best to get the highest quality massive steak. Let the butcher know you are looking for the biggest, most marbled ribeye or strip steak they have to offer. While this grandeur comes at a price, it ensures you have the right cut of meat to grill up a mouthwatering Shaq steak.
Preparing a Shaq Steak for the Grill
Preparing a steak this enormous requires some special precautions. Be sure to:
- Take the steak out of the fridge and let it come closer to room temp before grilling. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Generously season with salt, pepper, and any other dry rubs. A thick steak needs bold seasoning.
- Do not trim off too much fat. The fat provides flavor and moisture for such a substantial cut of meat.
- Consider butterflying or pounding – Cutting the steak almost in half horizontally or pounding it thin before grilling can help ensure more even cooking.
- Plan for a long cook time. A giant 2-3 inch steak could take up to an hour to reach medium rare doneness.
Proper prep work helps you conquer the challenge of grilling such a wonderfully enormous steak.
Grilling Techniques for Shaq Steaks
The grill setup and techniques you use can make or break cooking a behemoth Shaq steak:
Two-Zone Fire
Use a two-zone fire setup on your charcoal or gas grill. This means having a hot side for searing (around 500F) and a cooler side for gentler, more indirect cooking (around 300F).
Sear the Shaq steak over the hot side to get a good crust, then move to the cooler side to cook through without burning. You may need to move the steak between the zones multiple times to evenly cook such a thick cut.
Rotate Often
Rotate the steak at least every 5 minutes to prevent any spots from overcooking. With such a large cut, you need to be extra diligent about checking all areas.
Monitor Temperature
Use an instant read thermometer to monitor the internal temperature often. Remove from the heat around 110-115F for medium rare doneness. The temperature will continue rising 5-10 degrees after removed from the grill.
Let It Rest
Never skip letting your Shaq steak rest after grilling! At least 15 minutes, tented loosely with foil, allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. Don’t forget this essential step.
Following these grilling tips will tame the beast that is cooking a massive Shaq steak and reward you with an incredibly delicious meal.
Serving Suggestions for Shaq Steaks
A grilled Shaq steak is a star attraction that doesn’t require much to be an amazing meal. Consider these serving suggestions:
- Carve the steak – Cut across the grain into slices so the enormous steak is easier to serve and eat.
- Serve with simple sides – Garlic herb butter, roasted vegetables, and a loaded baked potato complement without overshadowing.
- Make steak sandwiches – Pile slices on crusty bread for an incredible sandwich the next day.
- Use pan drippings – Make a sauce from the concentrated beefy drippings for an extra flavor boost.
- Share with a crowd – One 40+ ounce Shaq steak can easily feed 4-6 people for an unforgettable meal.
Focusing on the star status of the tremendous grilled steak keeps the meal wonderfully simple but still incredibly satisfying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Grilling up a Shaq steak brings up some common questions:
What is a Shaq steak?
A Shaq steak is any extra-large steak, usually a ribeye or strip steak weighing 40 ounces or more. The name comes from NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal’s enormous size.
What’s the best cut for a Shaq steak?
Thick ribeye or strip steaks are ideal cuts for achieving a Shaq steak weighing over 2.5 pounds. Other thick steaks like porterhouse can also work well.
How long does it take to grill a Shaq steak?
A 2-3 inch thick, 40+ ounce Shaq steak will take 45-60 minutes to grill to medium rare doneness, moving between hot and cooler zones. Use a meat thermometer to monitor.
How do you keep such a thick steak from drying out?
Grilling over direct heat only to sear, then moving to indirect heat prevents drying out. Also, don’t trim all the fat, as it bastes the meat and keeps it juicy.
What’s the best way to cook a Shaq steak indoors?
Pan searing then roasting in a hot oven, around 425F, mimics grilling. Use a meat thermometer and check often to prevent overcooking.
Conclusion
Grilling up an impressively sized Shaq steak may seem intimidating, but following a few simple tips makes it an achievable and mouthwatering meal. Find the right thick, well-marbled ribeye or strip steak weighing over 40 ounces. Prepare it with bold seasoning and high heat searing followed by gentler indirect cooking. Monitor the temperature and rotate frequently for even doneness. Letting the mammoth steak rest before slicing and serving ensures juicy, tender results that will wow any crowd. With the right techniques, you can conquer grilling a delicious Shaq steak.