There’s something primal and exciting about cooking a steak over an open flame. The sizzle, the smoke, and that first charred bite are difficult to forget. Even if you’re a seasoned grill master, nailing the perfect BBQ steak takes more than luck. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps and share pro tips to help you master the fire. Then, follow our BBQ steak recipe to try it for yourself.
What Kind of Steak to Use
Choosing the right cut of steak can make or break your BBQ experience. You want something that holds up well to high heat, delivers big flavor, and stays juicy on the grill. Fat content, marbling, and thickness all play a role in how your steak turns out. Here are some top picks that consistently deliver:
- Ribeye: Ribeye is rich in marbling, which allows it to melt in your mouth. It also packs bold, beefy flavor.
- Strip Steak: Leaner than ribeye but still flavorful, strip steak has a satisfying chew and beautiful grill marks.
- T-Bone or Porterhouse: These steaks have two cuts in one: tenderloin and strip, divided by bone. They’re ideal for hearty appetites and impressive presentations.
- Sirloin: This cut is affordable, meaty, and versatile. Just be careful not to overcook it, as it’s leaner than the others.
BBQ Flavor Variations
One of our favorite things about BBQ steak is that there are so many ways to make your steak taste different than it did the last time. Grilled steak pairs well with tons of flavor profiles, from sweet to savory to spicy and everything in between, so you should never have a shortage of ways to tweak the taste each time you cook it.
For BBQ steak, you can use steak rubs, sauces, or marinades. They all add flavor, but they work a little differently with the meat. Steak rubs are great if you want to add a crispier crust to your steak, while sauces are better for adding some extra flavor after cooking the meat. If you have a less tender cut that you want to tenderize and keep juicy on the grill, a marinade is the best option.
Here are a few examples of flavor profiles you can achieve with rubs, sauces, or marinades:
How to Use BBQ Steak Rubs and Sauces
BBQ steak rubs and sauces both flavor the meat, but you’ll use them at different parts of the process. A good rule of thumb: Rubs go on during prep, while sauces go on during and after cooking.
To use a rub, mix all seasonings and spices completely before rubbing them into the meat. This helps the ingredients blend for a more even flavor. Pat the steak dry, then add a light layer of olive oil on the steak before rubbing the spice rub into the meat. Cover the meat completely with the rub on both sides.
If you’re using a sauce, season the steak with salt and pepper after patting the steak dry and before cooking. About midway through the cooking process, brush a light layer of sauce on both sides of the steak. Every minute or so until the steak is done cooking, reapply another layer of sauce, stopping 1-2 minutes before the steak is done. The sauce will caramelize near the end of the process.
How Long to Marinate a Steak
Steaks generally need at least one hour to marinate, but if you have more time, a longer marination usually leads to more flavorful and tender results. If possible, marinate your steak for 8-24 hours in the refrigerator before cooking it. This is especially helpful for tougher cuts that need extra time for their tough fibers to break down.
Easy Grilled BBQ Steak Recipe
There are lots of ways to make BBQ steak, but we’ve created this basic recipe so you can get familiar with the process. Once you master and feel comfortable with it, you can move on to experiment with other sauces, rubs, and marinades.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless ribeye steaks, 1 to 1¼ inches thick
- 1½ tsps salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the barbecue glaze:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsps brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and rub them with olive oil. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes while you prepare the grill and glaze.
- In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the steaks on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side to sear. After the first flip, brush the tops with the barbecue glaze. Continue flipping every minute or so, brushing with more glaze each time, until the steaks reach your desired doneness (125-130°F for medium-rare).
- Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing or serving.
Notes
This glaze contains sugar, so it can burn quickly over high heat. This is why it’s important to flip the steaks often.
More Resources for BBQ Steak
You now know the basics of cooking BBQ steak, but there’s a lot more to learn and try. Here are some of our favorite guides and recipes to add to your grilling routine:
- Hawaiian BBQ Grilled Steak
- Grilled Thai Coconut Lime Skirt Steak
- 8 Best Cuts of Steak for Grilling
- Grilling Accessories: Must-Haves for Barbecue Enthusiasts
- How to BBQ a Prime Rib Roast
Easy Grilled BBQ Steak
Ingredients
- 2 boneless ribeye steaks 1 to 1¼ inches thick
- 1½ tsps salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the barbecue glaze:
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsps brown sugar
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels and rub them with olive oil. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let them rest at room temperature for 30 minutes while you prepare the grill and glaze.
- In a small saucepan, combine the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Bring to a low simmer over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Make sure your grill grates are clean and lightly oiled. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Place the steaks on the hot grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side to sear. After the first flip, brush the tops with the barbecue glaze. Continue flipping every minute or so, brushing with more glaze each time, until the steaks reach your desired doneness (125-130°F for medium-rare).
- Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing or serving.
