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I don't know about you, but nothing says satisfaction to me like a perfectly grilled steak. Make that a bunch of T-bone steaks on the grill, and honestly, it's heaven. However, if you're a first timer and a little nervous about how to go about this, don't worry, we're going to get you through it. This method also works well for grilling just about any kind of steak, so keep this guide handy as we head into grilling season!
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Why Grilling T-bone Steaks is a Great Idea
The T-bone is ideally suited to grilling, because it cooks well under high heat, and fast conditions. Because the meat itself doesn't contain a lot of collagen, you don't need to cook it for long to make it tender.
The T-bone itself is basically two steaks in one. You're getting the filet mignon (the smaller part of the "T"), and the NY Strip (the larger side of the "T"). The are both incredibly delicious and desirable cuts, thus leading to the higher price tag you see on T-bone steaks.
Finally, the bone. The bone being right in the middle of the steak gives us something really awesome: juiciness and flavor. However, that also makes them slightly more complicated to cook, as the meat closer to the bone cooks more slowly than the meat far away from it. Highly, highly recommend a meat thermometer here people. Unless you are some sort of steak Jedi, you can't get away without it.
Picking Your Steak
You can find T-bone steaks almost anywhere these days, so feel free to pick on up from your local grocery store. However, if you spring for your butcher's, they will be able to help you pick the best steak, and even cut them to the thickness you want. I would recommend going about 1 ½" thick, just because that's likely going to be the easiest to cook. Anything bigger than that you're looking at much longer cook times (although, go for it if you're feeling adventurous.
T-bone Vs. Porterhouse
These are essentially the same thing, but the filet mignon portion on a porterhouse will be bigger than it would be on a T-bone. Each cow will produce 6-7 T-bones, but only 2-3 porterhouses. They are bigger, and the are definitely more expensive, but they are also delicious. So if you're thinking fancy, gourmet meal, spring for the porterhouse.
Prepping the T-bone for the Grill
One of the most important rules for grilling any type of steak is to make sure the steak is at room temperature before you cook it. This means taking it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you're ready for it to hit the grill.
Once it's out of the fridge, take it out of the packaging and let it rest on a plate. Pat away the moisture with a paper towel and season liberally. Again, let it come to room temperature.
Once that's done, go turn on your grill to high heat. Make sure you brush off any debris from last time (we want those clean grill marks!)
Ingredients
Ok, admittedly, I'm a bit of a steak purist, so I contend that the only seasoning you need for grilling a good T-bone or Porterhouse is salt, pepper, and a bit of oil. If you have a favourite steak seasoning though, by all means go ahead and use it.
Grilling the Steak
Grilling the steak itself is actually pretty easy. Now that our grill is screaming hot, we're going to cook our steaks.
Place the steaks on the grill (for those diamond marks - more on those below).Have your instant meat thermometer ready and with you at all times.
Let the steaks cook for 2-3 minutes, then rotate them a full 90 degrees for the diamond pattern. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then flip over, cook for another 2-3 minutes, rotate 90 degrees again, and leave for another 2-3 minutes with the lid closed. Check the temperature though, to make sure you're not overcooking them!
Pro tip: do not fiddle around with the steak. Once you set it on the grill, you can't move it if you want those grill marks to be perfect!
How to Get those Diamond Grill Marks
Ok, this was definitely a hard concept to explain using my words, so I've also got a step-by-step picture gallery for you so we can make sure that we do this right.
Make the Compound Herb Butter
Making compound butter is so easy, and such a great way to add flavour to your steak. This one is pretty simple - we're going with cilantro, parsley, and garlic.
Start with softened butter (definitely NOT melted, you just need to be able to mix everything together!) Add 2 tablespoon of fresh, chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoon fresh, chopped parsley, and 2 diced cloves of garlic. Mix well in a small bowl.
Prepare a piece of plastic wrap on a smooth, clean surface. Place your butter on the wrap, and using the wrap, form it into a log shape. Roll until smooth, twisting the ends. Refrigerate for one hour. When ready to serve the steak, cut butter into discs about 1" thick, and place on top of the steak, allowing it to melt.
How to Serve Grilled T-Bone Steak
This steak goes great with all the traditional side dishes that normally compliment a steak. However, let's go for the full dinner party here. This is what my menu looks like:
Wine Pairing
Definitely go with a dry red, like a Cab Sauv or a Syrah. The Syrah would by my choice in this instance, because it's heavier than a Pinot Noir (which is often recommended with a filet mignon), but has the same tannins, with dark fruity flavors of a Cab Sauv. It's perfect with a T-bone or a porterhouse.
FAQ's
Rare: 125°F
Medium-Rare: 130°F-135°F
Medium: 145°F
Well: 165°F
You should let the steak rest for at least 5-7 minutes before serving. This allows the juices in the meat to redistribute, so they don't come pouring out onto the plate the moment you cut into it.
They're essentially the same cut of beef, but on a porterhouse, the fillet portion is always bigger than on a T-bone.
📖 Recipe
Grilled T-Bone Steak
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 1 36 oz T-bone or porterhouse steak
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tbsp salt
- ½ tablespoon pepper
For the Herb Compound Butter
- ½ C butter room temperature
- 3 tablespoon cilantro chopped
- 3 tablespoon parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon oregano chopped
- 2 cloves garlic diced
Instructions
For the Steak
- Take the steak out of the fridge and out of it's packaging. Pat both sides with papper towel. Season with oil, salt and pepper on both sides. Let it come to room temperature.
- Preheat your BBQ over high heat.
- When the steak is too temperature, place it on the grill, let it sear for 2-3 minutes with the lid closed. Come back, and turn it 90°, and let it sear for another 2-3 minutes with the lid closed.
- Flip the steak over (at this point, you should be able to see the diamond patter on this side). Sear for 2-3 minutes, then turn 90°. Allow it to finish cooking in this position (it should take another 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of your steak.
- Allow the steak to rest on a cooling rack for 7-8 minutes. Serve with compound butter discs on top.
For the Compound Herb Butter
- In a small bowl, mix the butter, herbs and garlic.
- Place a section of plastic wrap on your work surface. Scrap the butter on to the surface, and carefully roll the wrap around the butter. Twisting the ends, roll the butter back and forth until it forms a smooth cylinder. Refrigerate for one hour, then slice and serve with steak.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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Hi, I'm Cara! I'm a food writer, journalist, and recipe developer. I'm obsessed good food, good wine, good cocktails and entertaining. I've picked up a few tips over the years, and love sharing them with others.
Anita says
This is a really nice guide to grill steaks. The tip to use a thermometer is super important, so just get one for your kitchen. 🙂
Cara says
100% agree! I won't make steaks without one now!
Suja md says
This was delicious! We really enjoyed both making and eating it!
Cara says
Amazing Suja, I'm so glad!
Claudia Lamascolo says
Compound butter is the way to go make this often just without the cilantro really delicious recipe and melt in your mouth steak
Cara says
That's totally fair Claudia! I'm glad you found a way to make it that works for you!
Tara says
This T-bone steak looks absolutely fantastic, especially paired with the homemade herb compound butter. I love all the detailed tips to help make it perfect.
Cara says
Thanks Tara - so glad you found it helpful!
Holley says
I love grilled steak and this recipe is perfection! My new go to steak recipe!
Cara says
Thanks Holley, I'm so glad you liked it!
Dana Sandonato says
This recipe made such perfect and gorgeous steaks! I typically go for boneless but that's definitely about to change. Thanks for the recipe!
Cara says
Thanks so much Dana - you could totally use this method with boneless steaks as well!
Iryna says
Ohh. I love steaks and this recipe is amazing! So easy to follow. Just need to set a timer and perfect meet is ready :lought: Thank you!
Cara says
Thanks Iryna!
Jill says
These photos are making my mouth water. I've not tried grilling a t-bone before, but your recipe seems simple enough that I'm going to try. Thanks!
Cara says
You have to - T-bones are amazing! Thanks so much Jill!
kushigalu says
Love grilled steak. Looks delicious.Thanks for sharing
Cara says
Thanks so much!
Tayler Ross says
We made steaks this way for dinner last night and they turned out perfect! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Cara says
Awesome, so glad it worked out Tayler!
JACK OLSON says
I believe the grill cooking times in the description are incorrect. The minutes, seconds, and angle are mixed up. Fortunately, the recipe appears to have the correct cooking times.
Cara says
Hi Jack - there was a typo in the description where I said seconds instead of minutes. Thanks for catching that!
Amy says
This steak looks absolutely delicious! I love this cut the most out of every steak cut!
Cara says
Me too! Thanks so much Amy!
Tavo says
Thanks for all the helpful tips on grilling a stake! Come ver handy for grilling season!
Cara says
Thanks Tavo!
Mahy says
Your images make my mouth water. I can't even imagine how tasty the actual dish is!
Cara says
Thank you so much Mahy, that means so much to me!
Claudia Lamascolo says
Those are the most perfect grill marks ever cant wait to try this method!
Cara says
Awesome, I'm so glad Claudia!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati says
This is such an easy and delicious recipe, I cannot wait to make it again!
Cara says
Thank you so much Shadi!
Spillt User says
Elizabeth says
I'm a newbie griller, so thanks for the great step-by-step photos on how to grill these steaks! The whole process is a lot easier than I thought.