Steak is a delicious and popular meal for many people. Cooking steak on a George Foreman grill is a quick and convenient cooking method that can produce juicy and flavorful results when done properly. In this article, we’ll look at the pros and cons of using a George Foreman grill to cook steak and provide tips for getting the best results.
The advantages of cooking steak on a George Foreman grill
There are several potential benefits to cooking steak on a George Foreman grill:
- Quick cooking times – The grill’s design allows it to heat up rapidly and cook food quickly. Steaks can be cooked in just 4-7 minutes per side on a George Foreman grill.
- Reduced fat content – The grill’s sloped design allows fat and grease to drip away from the food as it cooks. This can result in a leaner, lower fat steak.
- Good sear – The direct contact between the meat and the grill grates allows steaks to develop a nice sear, enhancing flavor and texture.
- Convenient – George Foreman grills are small appliances that can sit right on your kitchen counter for easy access.
- Easy cleanup – With most of the fat drained away during cooking, there is less mess to clean up afterward. The removable grill plates can simply be wiped down or washed.
The ability to cook steaks quickly and conveniently while reducing fat content makes the George Foreman grill appealing for many steak lovers. The grills are inexpensive and easy to use as well.
Potential drawbacks of George Foreman grills for steak
However, there are a few potential downsides to keep in mind when using a George Foreman grill for steaks:
- Inconsistent results – The grills can sometimes produce steaks that are overcooked or unevenly cooked.
- Lower temperature – George Foreman grills do not get as hot as outdoor grills or broilers. This can make it difficult to get a really good sear.
- Small cooking surface – The grilling surfaces are not very large, which limits how many steaks you can cook at once.
- Unable to add smoking flavor – You cannot use wood chips or other smoking methods to add extra flavor like you can with an outdoor grill.
- Less control – There are few adjustable settings beyond a basic temperature dial on most George Foreman grills.
These limitations mean the grill may not be the best option for cooking steaks if you want a thick, restaurant-quality sear and char or if you are cooking for a crowd. But for quick weeknight meals, the advantages often outweigh the disadvantages for many home cooks.
Tips for cooking great steak on a George Foreman grill
If you want to get the most out of using your George Foreman grill for steaks, keep these tips in mind:
- Use thick steaks – Steaks should be at least 1 inch thick, preferably boneless ribeye, T-bone, porterhouse or filet mignon cuts. Thin steaks will overcook too quickly.
- Pat steaks dry – Make sure steaks are patted very dry before cooking. Moisture can prevent browning.
- Preheat adequately – Preheat the grill for at least 5 minutes on high heat before adding steaks.
- Brush with oil – Lightly coat steaks with oil or cooking spray to help promote browning.
- Don’t overcrowd – Cook just 1 or 2 steaks at a time to allow proper heat circulation.
- Use tongs to flip – Only flip the steaks once during cooking using tongs instead of a fork which punctures the meat.
- Cook to temperature – Use an instant-read meat thermometer to test doneness. Take steaks off at 125°F for medium-rare.
- Let rest before cutting – Allow steaks to rest 5 minutes after cooking so juices don’t leak out when sliced.
Following these simple guidelines will help ensure you get flavorful, juicy steaks off your George Foreman grill. Be careful not to overcook them – it only takes 4-7 minutes per side for 1-inch steaks.
Choosing the best George Foreman grill for steaks
George Foreman makes electric grilling appliances in a wide range of sizes and models. When choosing one that will work well for steak, keep these features in mind:
- Large cooking surface – Look for a model that provides at least 60-80 square inches of usable grilling space to accommodate 1-2 large steaks.
- Adjustable temperature settings – The ability to adjust heat settings gives you more control over steak doneness.
- Thick, ribbed grill plates – Thicker plates hold heat better. Ribbed plates create grill marks.
- Removable plates – For convenient cleaning, look for plates that can be taken out and washed separately.
- Drip tray – A tray or trough catches grease drippings for easy cleanup.
Higher-end George Foreman models like the 5-serving Champ Grill or the 7-serving Grilleration offer these useful features. Avoid very small 1-2 serving models for steak cooking.
Steak recipes for George Foreman grills
Here are a few tasty steak recipes specifically developed for George Foreman grills:
Simple Garlic Herb Steaks
- 2 boneless ribeye or NY strip steaks, 1-inch thick
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Combine garlic, olive oil and herbs. Rub mixture evenly over both sides of steaks. Season with salt and pepper. Let sit 15 minutes.
- Preheat George Foreman grill on high 5 minutes. Place steaks on grill, close lid, cook 4-7 minutes until done to your liking, turning halfway through. Serve immediately.
Teriyaki Flank Steaks
- 2 flank steaks, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Pinch red pepper flakes
- Mix all ingredients except steaks to make teriyaki marinade. Place steaks in a shallow dish and coat both sides with marinade. Marinate 30 mins – 1 hour.
- Preheat George Foreman grill on high. Add steaks and cook about 5-7 minutes per side, basting with extra marinade halfway through. Slice steak across the grain before serving.
Coffee-crusted Steak
- 2 ribeye or NY strip steaks (1-inch thick)
- 1 Tbsp ground coffee
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
- Mix coffee, brown sugar, chili powder, salt and pepper. Rub mixture evenly over both sides of steaks.
- Preheat George Foreman grill on high for 5 minutes. Add steaks and grill about 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness.
Get creative with marinades, spice rubs andsauces to give your grilled steak extra flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you really get a good sear on a George Foreman grill?
While you may not get quite the same level of sear as on an outdoor grill, George Foreman grills can produce a reasonably good sear thanks to the direct contact between the meat and the grill plates. Make sure to pat steaks very dry before cooking and preheat the grill fully to maximize browning.
What temperature should I cook steaks at on my George Foreman grill?
Always preheat the grill on the highest temperature setting first. Most George Foreman grills reach temperatures between 350-450°F when fully preheated which is hot enough to sear steaks nicely. Cook steaks for 4-7 minutes per side depending on thickness.
Should I flip steak more than once on a George Foreman grill?
Flipping steak more often can help prevent overcooking on quick-cooking indoor grills. But for the best sear, only flip the steaks once halfway through cooking. Use tongs instead of a fork to avoid losing juices when flipping.
What is the best cut of steak to cook on a George Foreman grill?
Thicker cuts of ribeye, porterhouse, T-bone, NY strip, or filet mignon work best. Well-marbled cuts will be juicier. Avoid thin cuts like skirt or flank steak which overcook too quickly. Boneless cuts cook most evenly.
How long does it take to cook a steak on a George Foreman grill?
Cook times can vary based on thickness, but plan on about 4-7 minutes per side for a 1-inch thick steak cooked to medium rare doneness. Use a meat thermometer to judge doneness and pull steaks off at 125°F for medium rare.
Conclusion
While the George Foreman grill may not rival an outdoor barbecue, it can produce tasty, juicy steaks conveniently right in your kitchen. The key is using properly thick cuts, preheating adequately, flipping only once, and removing steaks right when they reach the desired doneness. With a little trial and error, you can enjoy restaurant-quality grilled steak without ever lighting a charcoal grill or dealing with smoke. Just be sure to choose a larger George Foreman model designed to accommodate steaks, and stick to the recommended tips for best results.