Pit Boss Steak

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There is nothing like a perfectly cooked steak on a Pit Boss (just some simple salt and pepper is all it needs!) But perfecting the cook and serving the perfect smoked steak can take a bit of know-how.

Cooking steak to perfection is an art, especially when it’s done on a pellet grill, followed by a quick sear for those gorgeous grill marks and a delightful crispy char. Below I’ll guide you through the steps of expertly smoking this cut of meat.

Why You’ll Love This Steak Recipe

Want to know the more delicious way to cook a tasty steak? You need to try grilling a steak on a pellet grill, its the tastiest way of cooking a steak.

After years and and years of trying various grills, I still prefer the flavor and simplicity of cooking a steak on my grill It gives the ideal touch of smokiness and a nice sear on the outside. For a bit of decadence I like to add a bit of butter while they’re resting. This process is known as the revere sear. The reverse sear helps to create a delicious crusty outer layer that give its the similar result to grilling hot and fast.

What You Need for This Steak Recipe

• Ribeye Steak or NY Strip
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic Powder
• Butter

How to Cook Steak on a Pellet Grill

Using a pellet grill gives you a couple of cooking options, you can either go hot and fast if you grill can reach high temps, or you can cook it low and slow, then reverse sear at the end.

1. Season The Steak and Preheat Your Grill

Set your grill to 225°F and pick out the wood your going to use. You can go for something a little heavier if you like, I like to use oak, cherry or pecan. If the the smoker is not smoking, check if the pellets are damp or the auger is jammed.

Then while you wait for it to head up you can prep your steaks. You can’t go past a good shop-bought steak rub to boost flavors. Or just using salt, pepper and garlic powder. Before you add the rub, give a light coat of olive oil.

2. Cooking Your Steak

Place the steak directly into the grill, insert your temperature probes and cook until they are around 10°F -15 °F lower than your desired temperature.

I have included a table below that will help you find the right temperature for the type of doneness you like.

3. Searing Your Steak

Next pull the steaks from the grill and crank up the temperature to 400°F- 450°F. If you prefer you can also do this in a cast iron pan. Once the grill reaches that temperature place the steaks on the grill and cook on each side for 2-4 minutes or until they reach your final desired temperature. The high heat helps in searing the exterior and rendering the fat.

4. Rest The Steak

Pull the steaks from the pellet grill and rest for at least 5-8 minutes. If want to add some decadents place 2 tbsps of butter on the steaks during the resting period.

Internal Temperature for Steak

It can be difficult to gauge when the steak is ready, especially when starting. The best way to know is to pick your level of doneness and use a digital meat thermometer to probe and check the internal temperature.

Doneness	Before Searing (Internal Temperature)	Final Temperature (Internal)
Rare	120°F (49°C)	130°F (54°C)
Medium Rare	130°F (54°C)	140°F (60°C)
Medium	140°F (60°C)	150°F (66°C)
Medium Well	150°F (66°C)	160°F (71°C)
Well Done	160°F (71°C)	170°F (77°C)

Choosing the Right Steak

First things first, let’s talk about the best type of steak for the pellet grills. You can smoke any cut of beef, but the general rule of thumb is the thicker the better.

Aim for something greater than 1½ inches, anything thinner will dry out before you can get a decent amount of smoke flavor in.

Ribeye steaks, sirloin, New York strip, and T-bone steak are great on the grill. Just remember in bone meat also tends to release extra natural flavor.

But there are ways to improve a lower quality cut, like tenderizing the steak. Look for cuts of meat with a little bit of connective tissue and natural fat marbling, these will break down during the cooking process and give you nice juicy steaks.

Want to Marinate Your Steak?

Easy Marinade Recipe

• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey optional
• 1.5 tsp sea or kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 6 cloves garlic peeled and smashed

Combine all ingredients in a clip seal bag or container.

Place meat in and coat with the mix. Marinate the meat for at least one hour, and no longer than 24 hours.

How Long To Cook Steak on a Pellet Grill

It takes around 60 minutes to cook a steak on a pellet grill at 225°F. This also includes the time it takes to sear your steaks However, this depends on the cut, thickness, and doneness you desire. After the 15-minute mark, begin checking the internal temperature with a meat probe.

See the table above for timings and internal temperature for different degrees of doneness.

What is the Reverse Sear Technique?

Reverse searing is a process to get a crusty, crunchy exterior on the steak.Cook the steak to 5-10°F below the ideal temperature, and let it rest for a few moments.

Turn the grill up as high as possible, place steaks back on the hottest section of the grill grates. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on them to prevent them from burning.

See the full guide to reverse searing steak here.

Wood Pellet Recommendations for Steak

For a sweeter, milder flavor go for pecan, apple, maple, or cherry wood pellets. If you are wanting a stronger, bolder flavor try a mesquite, oak, or hickory wood chip.

I recommend filling up your hopper before you cook, so you don’t run out of pellet mid-cook.

Have You Tried Salt Block Grilling?

You can also reserve sear your steak on a salt block, this gives it a delicious savory flavor.

Got a NY Strip Steak?

Want to smoke a NY strip steak?

Follow my recipe below;

NY Strip Steak On A Pellet Grill 

How do you like your steak cooked?

Smoke On!

Charlie

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