Grill the Perfect New York Strip Steak: Achieve Juicy & Flavorful Results Every Time

Mastering the art of grilling a New York strip steak can elevate any meal, transforming a simple cut of beef into a culinary masterpiece. With the right techniques and a few essential tips, you can consistently achieve a perfectly juicy, tender, and incredibly flavorful steak that will impress everyone at your table. Say goodbye to dry, overcooked steak and hello to succulent, restaurant-quality results, every single time.

About This Grilled New York Strip Steak

Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to grill a New York strip steak to absolute perfection! After countless attempts and refining various methods over the years, I’ve compiled all the best tips and tricks to ensure you achieve outstanding results every time you fire up your grill. This beloved cut of beef, known for its rich flavor and satisfying texture, deserves to be treated with the respect that delivers a truly memorable meal.

This recipe focuses on bringing out the natural deliciousness of a high-quality New York strip steak with minimal fuss. You’ll learn how to get that beautiful, crusty sear on the outside while maintaining a tender, pink, and incredibly juicy interior. Typically, a perfectly grilled medium-rare steak can be achieved in about 12 to 14 minutes, depending on its thickness and your grill’s heat. Get ready to impress yourself and your guests with a steak that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet steakhouse.

What Makes This Method Work So Well

Grilling a New York strip steak is undeniably one of the most effective ways to achieve maximum tenderness and flavor. This particular method incorporates several crucial steps that work in harmony to deliver an exceptional steak:

• Bringing Steak to Room Temperature: Allowing the steak to rest at room temperature for at least an hour before cooking is incredibly important. This seemingly simple step ensures the steak cooks more evenly from edge to edge, preventing a cold center and reducing the overall cooking time. When the steak isn’t shocked by sudden high heat, its muscle fibers remain relaxed, contributing to a much more tender bite.
• Strategic Seasoning for Enhanced Flavor: Whether you opt for a flavorful marinade or a robust dry rub, seasoning is key to building complex flavors. Marinades penetrate the meat, adding moisture and taste, while dry rubs create a delicious crust and infuse the steak with aromatic spices. This customization allows you to tailor the steak’s flavor profile to your preferences every time.
• The Essential Resting Period: Perhaps the most overlooked yet vital step is letting the meat rest after it comes off the grill. This crucial downtime allows the juices, which have been driven to the center during cooking, to redistribute throughout the entire steak. Skipping this step means all those delicious, flavorful juices will escape onto your cutting board, leaving you with a disappointingly dry steak. Patience truly pays off here.

Ingredients for the Perfect Grilled New York Strip Steak

To achieve the best grilled New York strip steak, selecting quality ingredients is paramount. Here’s what you’ll need:

• New York Strip Steak: We’re focusing on the magnificent New York strip steak today! This cut is also commonly referred to as New York steak, Omaha Strip, or strip loin steak. It’s highly prized for its fine marbling, which contributes significantly to its rich, beefy flavor and incredibly tender texture when cooked properly. Its balanced fat content makes it one of the most popular and forgiving cuts for grilling. While this method is optimized for New York strip, you can also adapt it successfully for other popular cuts like ribeye, sirloin, or even flank steak, adjusting cook times as needed.
• Marinade (Optional, but Recommended for Extra Flavor and Tenderness): If you’re looking to infuse even deeper flavor and ensure maximum tenderness, a marinade is an excellent choice. A simple 3-ingredient steak marinade can work wonders, adding moisture and complementing the inherent beefy taste of the New York strip. It’s an easy way to customize your steak and make it truly unforgettable.
• Steak Dry Rub (Optional, for a Flavorful Crust): For an added layer of flavor and a beautiful crust, consider using a steak dry rub. You can easily create your own blend of spices or try a high-quality commercial option like this Traeger beef dry rub. A well-balanced rub containing ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne can really elevate the steak’s taste. Of course, a simple, generous seasoning of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper is often all you need to let the quality of the beef shine.
• Olive Oil: Essential for greasing the grill grates to prevent sticking and to aid in achieving a beautiful sear.

This Recipe’s Must-Haves: Essential Tools for Grilling Steak

Having the right tools can make all the difference in achieving consistently perfect grilled steaks. While you might already have some of these, investing in these “must-haves” will significantly improve your grilling experience and the quality of your results:

• Meat Thermometer: This is, without a doubt, the single most important tool for grilling steak. It takes the guesswork out of determining doneness and is the best way to ensure you never overcook or undercook your steaks. An instant-read thermometer will give you accurate temperatures quickly, allowing you to pull the steak off the heat at precisely the right moment.
• Reliable Grill: Any type of grill – gas, pellet, or charcoal – can be used effectively for this recipe. If you’re considering upgrading or buying a new grill, I highly recommend a Traeger grill. They offer consistent heat and infuse a wonderful smoky flavor into the meat, especially when using quality pellets. While I prefer Traeger grill signature pellets, feel free to experiment with any flavor you enjoy, such as hickory or mesquite, to add another dimension to your steak.
• Long-Handled Tongs: Essential for safely handling and flipping the steaks on a hot grill without losing any precious juices.
• Butcher Knife: Once your perfectly grilled steak has rested, a sharp butcher knife is a must for clean, even slices. A good quality knife makes slicing effortless, ensuring beautiful presentation and an optimal eating experience.
• Sturdy Cutting Board: A large, stable cutting board with a juice groove is ideal for resting and slicing your steak, keeping your countertop clean.

Here’s How to Grill a New York Strip Steak for Unforgettable Flavor

Follow these detailed steps to achieve a perfectly grilled New York strip steak every time:

1. Bring Steaks to Room Temperature First

This initial step is absolutely crucial for even cooking and a tender result. Whether you’ve marinated your steaks or not, remove them from the refrigerator and let them sit on your countertop for at least 1 hour, or up to 90 minutes. Allowing the steaks to come closer to room temperature before hitting the hot grill prevents the exterior from cooking too quickly while the interior remains cold. This ensures more uniform cooking, reducing the risk of a tough, overcooked outer layer and an undercooked center.

2. Season Generously

Flavor is built from the outside in! Generously season your New York strip steaks on all sides with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, or apply your favorite steak rub. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; a good rule of thumb is about 3/4 teaspoon of salt or rub per 1 pound of steak. Ensure every surface of the steak is covered to create a delicious crust and maximize flavor. Press the seasoning gently into the meat to help it adhere.

3. Preheat the Grill Properly

Preheating is non-negotiable for a perfect sear. Set your grill to medium-high heat, aiming for a temperature between 375˚F and 450˚F. Allow ample time for the grill to preheat, at least 10 minutes, regardless of the type of grill you’re using. A hot grill creates those desirable grill marks and a flavorful crust. Before placing the steaks, be sure to meticulously clean and then grease the hot grill grates with olive oil using a paper towel held by tongs. This prevents your delicious steak from sticking and ensures easy flipping.

4. Grill to Perfection

Once your grill is searing hot and properly oiled, carefully place the seasoned steaks onto the grates. Position them at a slight angle to begin forming those beautiful crosshatch grill marks. Close the lid to help maintain even heat and cook the steaks until they reach your desired doneness. For the iconic crosshatch pattern, turn the steaks every 2 minutes, rotating them 90 degrees each time you flip. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, inserting it into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding bone or fat.

• For Rare: Cook for about 12 minutes total, aiming for an internal temperature of 120˚F (it will rise to 125˚F as it rests).
• For Medium-Rare: Cook for about 14 minutes total, aiming for an internal temperature of 130˚F (it will rise to 135˚F as it rests).
• For Medium: Cook for about 16 minutes total, aiming for an internal temperature of 140˚F (it will rise to 145˚F as it rests).

The key is to remove the steaks from the grill when they are 5 degrees Fahrenheit *below* your target final temperature, allowing for carryover cooking during the resting period.

5. Let the Steak Rest – Don’t Skip This Step!

Once your steaks have reached their desired internal temperature (or 5 degrees shy), promptly remove them from the grill and transfer them to a clean cutting board. This step is non-negotiable: allow the steaks to rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the muscle fibers to relax and the internal juices, which have migrated to the center during cooking, to redistribute evenly throughout the entire steak. This ensures every bite is incredibly juicy and tender. If you slice too early, those precious juices will flood your cutting board, leaving you with a dry steak. After resting, slice against the grain and serve immediately as desired.

Is a New York Strip Steak Good for Grilling?

Absolutely, New York strip steaks are exceptionally well-suited for grilling! This premium cut, known for its distinct beefy flavor and excellent marbling, stands up beautifully to high heat. The intramuscular fat, or marbling, renders down during grilling, contributing to the steak’s tenderness and creating an incredibly juicy and succulent result. It’s a lean yet flavorful cut, offering a fantastic balance that makes it a favorite among steak connoisseurs for its consistent quality when grilled.

What if My Steaks Are Thinner Than 1-Inch?

If your New York strip steaks are thinner than the recommended 1 to 1.5 inches, you will absolutely need to adjust your cooking times significantly. Thinner steaks cook much faster, making it very easy to overcook them, leading to a dry and tough result. For optimal caramelization and internal tenderness, we generally recommend avoiding steaks thinner than 1-inch if possible. If you must cook a thinner steak, keep a close eye on it, preheat your grill to a slightly higher temperature, and reduce the cooking time per side drastically. An instant-read meat thermometer becomes even more critical in this scenario to ensure you pull the steak off the grill just as it reaches your desired doneness.

What Temperature Should I Set My Grill To?

For grilling New York strip steaks, a medium-high temperature is ideal. This translates to anywhere between 375˚F and 450˚F. This temperature range is crucial because it’s hot enough to create a fantastic sear on the exterior of the steak – that delicious, caramelized crust known as the Maillard reaction – while still allowing the interior to cook through evenly without burning the outside. For the absolute best results, we recommend aiming for the higher end of this range, closer to 450˚F, as this maximizes the searing effect and locks in those wonderful juices.

Can I Use a Gas Grill, Pellet Grill, or Charcoal Grill?

Yes, absolutely! This grilling method is versatile and can be successfully applied to any type of grill you own. Whether you’re working with the precision of a gas grill, the smoky flavor of a pellet grill, or the intense heat of a charcoal grill, the core principles remain the same. The most important factor is understanding your specific grill’s heat zones and how to achieve the recommended temperature. With a charcoal grill, for instance, you might create a two-zone fire for both direct and indirect heat. Simply adjust your grill setup to best match the medium-high temperatures outlined in this recipe, and you’ll be on your way to a perfectly grilled New York strip steak.

Why Do I Need to Let the Steaks Rest Before Slicing Them?

Allowing the steak to rest is arguably one of the most critical steps in ensuring a juicy and tender final product. When a steak is subjected to high heat, the muscle fibers contract, pushing the natural juices towards the center of the meat. If you slice into the steak immediately after removing it from the grill, these compressed juices will simply rush out onto your cutting board, leaving your steak dry and less flavorful. By letting the steak rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes, you give those muscle fibers a chance to relax and reabsorb the juices, distributing them evenly throughout the entire cut. This process results in a significantly more succulent, moist, and delicious steak.

What Temperature is Medium Rare for Steak?

Achieving that perfect medium-rare doneness is a hallmark of a well-cooked New York strip steak. For a steak that is approximately 1.5 inches thick, you can expect it to cook on the grill for about 13 to 14 minutes total to reach a glorious medium-rare interior. However, remember that steak thickness and grill variations can affect cooking times, so an accurate meat thermometer is your best friend. Always pull your steak off the grill about 5 degrees Fahrenheit before your target temperature, as it will continue to cook during the resting period (known as carryover cooking).

For your convenience, here’s a handy reference guide for steak doneness temperatures:

• Rare: 125˚F (cool red center)
• Medium Rare: 135˚F (warm red center)
• Medium: 145˚F (pink center)
• Medium Well: 155˚F (slightly pink center)
• Well Done: 160˚F+ (little to no pink, firm)

Need some inspiration for dinner this week? Check out my main dish recipes page!

What to Serve with Grilled New York Steak

A perfectly grilled New York strip steak is the star of any meal, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate the entire dining experience. Here are some of our personal favorite easy side dishes that complement the rich flavor of the steak beautifully:

• Smoky Charred Corn: This quick and easy side dish can be thrown right on the grill alongside your steaks, infusing a delicious smoky sweetness that perfectly balances the savory beef.
• Bright Watermelon Feta Salad: For a refreshing contrast, this vibrant and summery salad is a total crowd-pleaser, especially ideal for backyard barbecues and warmer weather gatherings.
• Zesty Pasta Salads: Who doesn’t love a good pasta salad? This tangy sun-dried tomato pasta salad or a light and bright summer lemon pasta salad offer delightful textures and flavors that pair wonderfully with steak.
• Elegant Melon Prosciutto Salad: A sophisticated combination of sweet watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew melon with salty, savory prosciutto creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
• Hearty Loaded Bacon Potato Skewers: If you’re craving a more substantial potato side, these skewers, drizzled with a rich roasted garlic aioli, are incredibly satisfying and full of flavor.
• Mediterranean Cucumber Tomato Salad: This fresh salad combines all your favorite Mediterranean flavors in one bowl, offering a crisp and herbaceous counterpoint to the rich steak.

And don’t forget to enhance your steak with some delectable sauces or flavorful butters! They’re perfect if you’re serving your grilled New York strip steak with fries (classic steak frites!). Consider roasted garlic aioli, a simple garlic aioli, or even a spicy chipotle aioli for an extra kick. You could also prepare a compound butter packed with fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to melt over the hot steak for an aromatic finish.

If you’d like to round off your meal with something sweet and easy, explore our collection of 3-ingredient dessert recipes!

How to Store & Reheat Leftover Grilled Steak

Don’t let any delicious leftover grilled New York strip steak go to waste! Proper storage and reheating will ensure you can enjoy it for days to come:

Store: Once the steak has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator, and it will remain fresh and delicious for up to 4 days. Avoid leaving cooked steak out at room temperature for extended periods to maintain food safety.

Reheat: The goal when reheating steak is to warm it through gently without overcooking and drying it out. You have a couple of excellent options:

• On the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the steak on the grates and reheat for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, or until warmed through to your liking. This method can help revive some of that grilled flavor.
• In the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325˚F (160˚C). Place the steak on a baking sheet and reheat for about 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired temperature. This gentler heat is less likely to dry out the steak than a microwave.

More Steak Recipes to Try Out

If you loved grilling this New York strip, we have plenty more steak recipes to keep your culinary adventures going:

• Our balsamic glazed grilled flank steak offers a tangy and savory twist, perfect for slicing thin and serving with fries for a fresh take on steak frites.
• Ready to master another classic cut? Try out this precise method for grilling the perfect ribeye steak, renowned for its rich marbling and robust flavor.
• For a convenient and flavorful meal solution, these steak fajita foil packets combine tender steak with colorful vegetables, all cooked together in one easy packet.

Finally, if you’ve tried and loved this grilled New York strip steak recipe, please consider leaving a star rating on the recipe card below and/or sharing your thoughts in the comments section! I genuinely love hearing about your cooking experiences and always make time to respond to every comment.

Feel free to drop any questions you have below – I’m here to help!

And don’t forget to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest when you make this recipe! Seeing these delicious creations come to life in your homes is truly my favorite thing, and it means the world to me!