The Surprising Reason You Don’t Want to Have Steak With Grill Marks
Updated: Apr. 23, 2019
For years, cross-hatch grill marks have long been considered a signal of a perfect steak...until now.
My first day in the kitchen at a steakhouse, my boss showed me how to make perfect grill marks: place the steak on the hot side of the grill, flip it 90-degrees after a few minutes, turn it over and repeat the process. (He also let me in on a few more restaurant secrets!) In most establishments, getting those perfect, diamond-patterned sear marks is considered a sign of a well-grilled steak, and many home cooks wear the ability to create them like a badge.
Recently, a lot of chefs are eschewing grill marks in lieu of something better. What could be better than a perfect-looking steak? One that’s covered in a golden-brown crust over the entire surface.
What’s the Deal with Grill Marks?
Those blackened marks on your grill happen because of something called the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction that occurs between amino acids and carbohydrates when food is exposed to heat. The food’s surface browns and caramelizes, resulting in a dish that not only tastes better but is also more visually appealing. It’s the reason that roasted vegetables taste so much better than boiled ones!
When your goal is grill marks, you inadvertently halt the Maillard reaction before it has a chance to spread over the surface of the steak. Instead, it creates a superficial reaction, and the only places that get perfectly browned correspond with the location of the grates. The squares in between the marks are under seared and, well, boring. The resulting diamond-patterned series of cross-hatches does look visually appealing, but it’s not necessarily a sign of a flavorful steak. Here are 9 restaurant secrets for cooking the perfect steak.
So, How Should You Grill a Steak?
The goal should be achieving a golden-brown color on as much surface area of the steak as possible. Grilling a steak this way results in more even cooking and a richer flavor. Not to mention that the resulting crust on the steak is completely life-changing!
To get there, you will have to change the way you cook a steak on a grill. Unlike cooking for hatch marks, you won’t want to cook these steaks directly over a blazing-hot grill. Grill grates are designed to hold a lot of heat, which gives you those grill marks but it doesn’t do much for overall browning. If the grill is too hot, the steak can blacken or char before it cooks all the way through–which would create a burnt taste–so you’ll need to watch the grill’s temperature carefully.
The very best way to cook a steak for a crusty, browned overall exterior is to use a preheated cast iron pan or griddle over high heat. Check out our complete guide. You’ll still get some great smoky flavor from the grill, but the flat surface lets you sear the steak all over instead of just the areas that are in contact with the grates. If you really want the grate-grilling experience, use medium-high heat and flip your steak often. When perfect grill marks are desired, you’ll only flip once or twice. But, for overall browning, flip as often as every minute. It feels unnatural, but it will promote even cooking, giving you a steak with a better crust and a perfectly cooked interior.
Have a really thick steak? Read our guide for cooking steaks thicker than an inch.
Steak with Chipotle-Lime Chimichurri
Steak gets a flavor kick from chimichurri. This piquant, all-purpose herb sauce is so versatile, it complements most any grilled meat, poultry or fish. —Laureen Pittman, Riverside, California
Beef Filets with Portobello Sauce
These tasty steaks seem special but they are fast enough for everyday dinners. We enjoy the mushroom-topped filets with crusty French bread, a mixed salad and a light lemon dessert. —Christel Stein, Tampa, Florida
Flank Steak with Cilantro & Blue Cheese Butter
I love the combination of the sweet citrus marinade and the strong tang of the blue cheese butter. And my kids just love flank steak. —Gwen Wedel, Augusta, Michigan
Grilled Onion & Skirt Steak Tacos
I grew up watching my grandmother and mother in the kitchen. My grandparents came from Mexico, and these skirt steak tacos marinated in beer and lime juice honor their passion for cooking. —Adan Franco, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Beef and Blue Cheese Penne with Pesto
Unique and simple to prepare, this delicious pasta dish is filled with fresh flavors, and it’s as healthy as it is hearty. Best of all, it takes just 30 minutes to set this meal on the table. —Frances Pietsch, Flower Mound, Texas
Garlic Grilled Steaks
Take steak to new flavor heights by basting your choice of cuts with an amazing garlicky blend that requires only a few minutes to fix. It will be a mouthwatering change of taste at your next outdoor gathering. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Flank Steak with Couscous
It takes just minutes to broil this nicely seasoned flank steak. Slice the meat on an angle across the grain for the most tender results. You can substitute a pound of sirloin steak for the flank steak if you prefer. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Stuffed Flank Steak
I like to make this on special occasions. The tender steak cuts easily into appetizing spirals for serving, and extra stuffing cooks conveniently in a foil packet on top of the steak. —Diane Hixon, Niceville, Florida
Tenderloin with Horseradish Cream Cheese
My husband and I both love the classic combination of beef and horseradish. He asks me to make this for dinner often, and I'm always happy to. Try serving with baked potatoes as a side.—Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon
Beef Tenderloin in Mushroom Sauce
Just a skillet, a couple juicy steaks, fresh mushrooms and a few simple ingredients prove it doesn't take much fuss to fix a special meal for two. —Denise McNab, Warminster, Pennsylvania
Teriyaki Steak Skewers
When these flavorful skewered steaks are sizzling on the grill, the aroma makes everyone around stop what they're doing and come see what's cooking. The tasty marinade is easy to make, and these little steaks are quick to cook and fun to eat. —Jeri Dobrowski, Beach, North Dakota
Southwest Steak & Potatoes
Bold seasonings give meat and potatoes a Southwest twist. Feel free to adjust the heat factor by using more or less chili powder. —Kenny Fisher, Lancaster, Ohio
Maple & Blue Cheese Steak
This is a wonderful, cheesy recipe that melts in your mouth. I love this traditional Canadian meal. It certainly has a special feel; the sauce is a fantastic complement to steak. —Susan Jerrott, Bedford, Nova Scotia
Grilled Steaks with Greek Relish
My ribeye steak showcases the flavors of Greece my husband and I were introduced to while on a cruise. We like it with pita bread and hummus. —Mary Lou Cook, Welches, Oregon
Flank Steak with Cilantro Salsa Verde
Even though steak is always a winner in our house, to make it even more special I add jarred salsa verde and top with freshly chopped tomato and avocado. —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Smoky Espresso Steak
This juicy steak rubbed with espresso, cocoa and pumpkin pie spice is one of my husband’s favorites. Broiling is a good year-round method, but we love making it on the grill, too. —Deborah Biggs, Omaha, Nebraska
Grilled Steaks with Marinated Tomatoes
The flavor of the tomatoes improves after they marinate overnight. I could eat them all by themselves! Our family likes these steaks best served with cheesy potatoes or glazed green beans.—Anna Davis, Half Way, Missouri
Balsamic-Seasoned Steak
This simple recipe ensures a tender steak without a long marinating time. Steak sauce and balsamic vinegar are a great team, and you can’t go wrong with melty Swiss on top.
Tenderloin Steak Diane
Sometimes, I add more mushrooms to this recipe when my son's eating dinner—he loves them, and they are just fantastic with the steak. — Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada
Blue Cheese Flat Iron Steak
This is one of my favorite flat iron steak recipes. If you haven't already enjoyed the rich, creamy pairing of blue cheese with your favorite steak, stop reading and get cooking! I take it a step further by folding in a little butter to make the dish even more drool-worthy. —Amanda Martin, Monson, Massachusetts
Chili-Rubbed Steak & Bread Salad
We love skirt steak in our house. To make it a meal, I created a ranch-inspired bread salad with the best flavor combinations - creamy, tangy, sweet and fresh. — Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut
Grilled Ribeyes with Herb Butter
I make this recipe for special occasions. The tantalizing fragrance of the herbs de Provence is unforgettable. The seasoning and herb butter goes well with filet mignon, T-bone and steak strips, too. —John Baranski, Baldwin City, Kansas
Tenderloin Steaks with Cherry Sauce
This recipe stars a delectable sauce made with wine, plump cherries, and steak portioned just right. —Jacob Kitzman, Seattle, Washington
Blue Cheese-Crusted Sirloin Steaks
My wife adores this steak—and me when I fix it for her. She thinks it’s the ideal dish for Friday night after a long workweek. —Michael Rouse, Minot, North Dakota
Chipotle-Honey Grilled T-Bones
If you like to kick things up on the grill, this is the steak for you. My husband even makes this in a Dutch oven, and the meat just sizzles. —Donna Goutermont, Sequim, Washington
Glazed Beef Tournedos
I found this wonderful, quick recipe in a book years ago. It’s been a favorite for special occasions ever since! I like to serve it with twice-baked potatoes and a spinach salad. —Janet Singleton, Bellevue, Ohio
Peppered Filets with Horseradish Cream Sauce
This beef tenderloin recipe is a family favorite that's quick and always satisfying. The creamy sauce has the perfect blend of horseradish and mustard. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Steak au Poivre for 2
With the punch of peppercorns and a smooth, beefy sauce, this steak is delicious. You'll love the hint of sweetness the bittersweet chocolate adds to the savory meat. —Crystal Bruns, Iliff, Colorado
Steak Diane
When I want to provide a memorable dinner but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen, this is the recipe I rely on. I've used it many times on holidays or other occasions for a quick, impressive main dish. We relish the savory steak Diane sauce. —Pheobe Carre, Mullica Hill, New Jersey
Easy Marinated Flank Steak
I got this recipe from a friend's collection many years ago. It's how my family makes steak on the grill and a must when we're having company. —Debbie Bonczek, Tariffville, Connecticut
Surf & Turf
For an intimate dinner with close friends, serve this stunning dinner of tenderloin steaks and lobster tail. Your guests will think they are dining at a fine restaurant when you serve them this surf and turf dish. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Saucy Skillet Steaks
These juicy ribeye steaks couldn't be easier. I prefer steak, but I’ve also used the seasonings on chicken breasts, fish, veal and hamburgers, so use whatever meat or fish you have. —Karen Haen, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin
Bacon-Wrapped Filets with Scotched Mushrooms
I got the idea for bacon-wrapped filet mignon when I saw some on sale in the grocery store. The rest was inspired by my husband, because he once made a Scotch and ginger ale sauce. This elegant recipe is for two, but it can easily be doubled. —Mary Kay LaBrie, Clermont, Florida
Merlot Filet Mignon
Although this is a simple recipe, the filet is rich and elegant enough for a special occasion. Add a salad and rolls, and dinner is done! —Jauneen Hosking, Waterford, Wisconsin
Chocolate-Chipotle Sirloin Steak
Looking to do something a little different with grilled sirloin? Add smoky heat and chocolaty rich color with this easy 5-ingredient rub. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Steak with Citrus Salsa
A lime juice marinade really perks up these grilled steaks, and the snappy, light citrus salsa is a super change from the usual heavy steak sauce. I brighten up winter meals by broiling the meat and serving it this way. —Kathleen Smith, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Skillet Steak Supper
With all the ingredients cooked in one skillet, this steak dish couldn't be quicker to prepare—or to clean up! But the wine and mushroom sauce makes it seem special. —Sandra Fisher, Missoula, Montana
