Quick Answer
The optimal temperature to set a George Foreman Grill to cook steak is 350-400°F. This high heat will allow the grill to quickly sear the outside of the steak while keeping the inside nice and juicy. Using a meat thermometer, you’ll want to cook the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 125-135°F for medium-rare doneness.
Factors That Affect Grilling Temperature for Steak
There are a few key factors that impact the ideal grilling temperature for steak on a George Foreman Grill:
Thickness of the Steak
– Thicker steaks over 1 inch require a higher grilling temperature (400°F) to ensure the outside gets nicely seared before the inside overcooks.
– Thinner steaks under 1 inch can be grilled at a slightly lower temp (350°F) since they cook faster.
Doneness Preference
– For rare steak, cook to an internal temp of 115-125°F.
– For medium-rare steak, cook to an internal temp of 125-135°F.
– For medium steak, cook to an internal temp of 135-145°F.
– For well-done steak, cook to an internal temp of 155-165°F.
Fat Content
– Lean cuts like filet mignon do well with higher heat since they have less fat to render and risk overcooking.
– Fattier cuts like ribeye can be grilled at a slightly lower temp (350°F) to render fat slowly without overcooking.
Bone-In vs Boneless
– Bone-in steaks take longer to cook since the bone insulates the meat. Use higher heat (400°F).
– Boneless steaks cook faster so can be grilled at a lower temp (350°F).
George Foreman Grill Temperature Settings
Most George Foreman Grills have adjustable temperature controls with a range of temperatures:
| Temperature Setting | Approx. Temperature |
|---|---|
| Low | 250-300°F |
| Medium | 300-350°F |
| High | 350-400°F |
For searing steaks, the high (350-400°F) setting is best. If your grill only has low/high settings, use high.
Pre-Heating the George Foreman Grill
It’s important to preheat your George Foreman Grill before cooking steaks. Follow these steps:
– 1. Turn on the grill and close the lid.
– 2. Set the temperature dial to the “High” setting.
– 3. Allow the grill to preheat for 5-10 minutes until it reaches the target cooking temperature. The grill light will turn off when preheated.
Preheating ensures the grates get piping hot, allowing the steak to sear quickly for better browning and flavor development.
Grilling Times for Steak on a George Foreman Grill
Refer to the grilling times in the table below as a guide when cooking steak on a preheated George Foreman Grill:
| Steak Thickness | Grilling Time Per Side |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 4-6 minutes |
| 1.5 inches | 6-8 minutes |
| 2 inches | 8-10 minutes |
– Grill the first side until nicely browned before flipping.
– Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, not just time.
– Let steak rest 5 minutes before slicing into it.
The exact time will vary based on your preferred doneness. Grill thicker steaks at the higher end of the time range. Bone-in steaks will also need more time.
Tips for Grilling Steak on a George Foreman Grill
Follow these top tips for grilling juicy, flavorful steak on your George Foreman Grill:
Let Steak Sit at Room Temp
– Take steaks out of the fridge 30 mins before grilling to take off the chill. This allows them to cook more evenly.
Pat Steaks Dry
– Blot steaks with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This will help get a better sear.
Use a Meat Thermometer
– Insert an instant-read thermometer sideways into the thickest part of the steak to check for doneness. Remove from heat when internal temp is 5°F below target.
Avoid Moving the Steak
– Once steak hits the grill, resist moving or flipping it too soon. Let it sear undisturbed to get a crust.
Allow Steak to Rest
– After grilling, transfer steak to a plate and let sit 5-10 minutes. This allows juices to redistribute evenly.
Common Questions about George Foreman Grills
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about cooking steak on a George Foreman Grill:
Should I Use the Ridged or Flat Grill Plate?
Either grill plate will work well, just comes down to preference. The ridged plate will give steak nice char lines.
Can I Grill Marinated Steak?
Yes, marinating adds great flavor to grilled steak. Just be sure to pat steak dry before grilling to encourage browning.
What About Frozen Steak?
Thaw frozen steak completely in the fridge before grilling. Do not put frozen steak directly on the hot grill.
Should I Oil or Spray the Grill?
You don’t need to oil a George Foreman Grill since it has nonstick plates. For lean cuts like filet mignon, very lightly oiling the grill can help prevent sticking.
In Summary
For flavorful, juicy grilled steak at home, a George Foreman Grill set to a high temperature of 350-400°F is ideal. Allow the grill to fully preheat, then cook the steak for 4-10 minutes per side based on thickness. Use a meat thermometer for doneness, and let steak rest before serving. With the right timing and temperature, you’ll achieve perfection.