How to Pick the Best Steaks at the Grocery Store

How to Pick the Best Steaks at the Grocery Store is a medium American recipe that serves 2. 600 calories per serving. Recipe by America's Test Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 13 min | Total: 38 min

Cost: $15.50 total, $7.75 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 steak Strip Steak (12‑16 oz, about 1½‑inch thick)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt (coarse, for seasoning)
  • 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (for brushing the steak)
  • 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter (optional, for basting)
  • 1 clove Garlic (minced, optional)
  • 1 sprig Fresh Thyme (optional, for basting)

Instructions

  1. Bring steak to room temperature

    Remove the steak from the refrigerator, pat it dry with paper towels, and let it sit on a plate for about 10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Season the steak

    Brush both sides lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle the kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the surface.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Preheat the grill

    Heat the grill to high, aiming for 450‑500°F. Clean the grates and lightly oil them to prevent sticking.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 450-500°F

  4. Grill the steak

    Place the steak on the hottest part of the grill. Grill for 2‑3 minutes per side for medium‑rare, flipping once with tongs. If using butter, add the butter, minced garlic, and thyme to the steak during the last minute and baste.

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: 450-500°F

  5. Check doneness

    Insert an instant‑read thermometer into the thickest part of the steak; aim for 130°F for medium‑rare (it will rise about 5°F while resting).

    Time: PT2M

  6. Rest the steak

    Transfer the steak to a cutting board, tent loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Slice and serve

    Slice the steak against the grain into ½‑inch thick strips and serve immediately.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
600
Protein
55 g
Carbohydrates
0 g
Fat
40 g
Fiber
0 g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, High-Protein, Keto-Friendly

Allergens: Dairy

Last updated: April 12, 2026

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How to Pick the Best Steaks at the Grocery Store

Recipe by America's Test Kitchen

A simple yet luxurious grilled strip steak (top loin) cooked to a perfect medium‑rare crust, using tips from America's Test Kitchen for selecting and preparing the best cut.

MediumAmericanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
25m
Prep
13m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
48m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.50
Total cost
$7.75
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Bring steak to room temperature
  • Season the steak
  • Preheat the grill
  • Grill the steak
  • Check doneness
  • Rest the steak

Safety Warnings

  • Grill grates become extremely hot; use long‑handled tongs.
  • Raw meat can carry bacteria; wash hands and utensils thoroughly after handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of grilled strip steak in American cuisine?

A

Grilled strip steak, also known as top loin or shell steak, has long been a staple of American backyard barbecues and steakhouses, representing the celebration of high‑quality beef and the tradition of outdoor cooking.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of strip steak in the United States?

A

In the Southwest, strip steak is often seasoned with chili‑lime rubs; in the Midwest, it may be served with a classic herb butter; on the East Coast, it’s common to see a simple salt‑pepper crust paired with a red‑wine reduction.

cultural
Q

How is strip steak traditionally served in American steakhouse culture?

A

American steakhouses typically serve strip steak sliced against the grain, accompanied by classic sides such as baked potatoes, creamed spinach, or grilled asparagus, and often finish it with a pat of compound butter.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is grilled strip steak traditionally associated with in American culture?

A

Grilled strip steak is a popular choice for holidays like Independence Day, Memorial Day barbecues, and family gatherings because it’s both impressive and relatively quick to prepare for a crowd.

cultural
Q

What makes grilled strip steak special or unique in American cuisine?

A

The strip steak balances tenderness and beefy flavor, offering a satisfying chew without the high fat content of a ribeye, making it a versatile cut for both casual grilling and upscale dining.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making grilled strip steak?

A

Common errors include cooking the steak straight from the fridge, over‑seasoning before it’s dry, using a grill that isn’t hot enough for a proper sear, and cutting the steak before it rests.

technical
Q

Why does this grilled strip steak recipe use a high‑heat grill instead of a lower‑temperature indirect method?

A

High heat creates a Maillard crust that locks in juices and flavor, which is essential for a strip steak’s texture; indirect heat would produce a more uniformly cooked piece but lack the signature sear.

technical
Q

Can I make grilled strip steak ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can grill the steak to medium‑rare, let it rest, then refrigerate it tightly wrapped for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a hot skillet or under a broiler, and serve with fresh garnish.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when grilling strip steak?

A

A well‑grilled strip steak should have a dark, caramelized crust with grill marks, be firm to the touch but still give slightly under pressure, and show an interior pink‑red color (130°F for medium‑rare).

technical
Q

How do I know when the grilled strip steak is done cooking?

A

Insert an instant‑read thermometer into the thickest part; for medium‑rare aim for 130°F, medium 140°F, and let the steak rest for 5 minutes as the temperature will rise a few degrees.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen specialize in?

A

America's Test Kitchen produces rigorous, science‑based cooking videos and recipes that test each technique for reliability, focusing on reproducible results for home cooks of all skill levels.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel America's Test Kitchen's approach to steak cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

America's Test Kitchen emphasizes objective testing of steak cuts, precise temperature control, and detailed explanations of why certain cuts perform better, whereas many other channels rely more on visual cues and personal preference.

channel

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