The cooking time for a steak on a Traeger grill can vary depending on the thickness of the steak, the desired level of doneness, and the temperature of the grill. Traeger grills are pellet grills that use indirect heat and wood pellets to infuse a smoky flavor into the food. Here's a general guide for cooking a steak on a Traeger grill:
Ingredients:
- Steak (e.g., ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon)
- Salt
- Pepper
- Optional seasonings or marinade of your choice
Instructions:
Preparation: Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps the steak cook more evenly.
Seasoning: Season the steak generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings or use your favorite marinade for extra flavor. Pat the seasonings into the meat to ensure they adhere well.
Preheat the Traeger grill: Preheat your Traeger grill to the desired temperature. For steaks, a temperature of around 450°F (230°C) is suitable for a good sear.
Sear the steak: Once the grill is hot, place the steak directly on the grill grates. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until you achieve a nice sear and grill marks.
Lower the temperature: After searing, lower the temperature of the Traeger grill to around 225-250°F (107-121°C) for further cooking. This lower temperature allows the steak to cook more gently and reach the desired internal doneness without overcooking the exterior.
Cook to desired doneness: Use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the steak. Here are the general guidelines for internal temperatures:
- Rare: 125-130°F (52-54°C)
- Medium Rare: 135°F (57°C)
- Medium: 145°F (63°C)
- Medium Well: 150°F (66°C)
- Well Done: 160°F (71°C) or higher
Rest the steak: Once the steak reaches the desired internal temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier and more tender steak.
Keep in mind that the cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the specific model of your Traeger grill. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable way to determine when your steak has reached the desired level of doneness. Also, always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for your specific Traeger grill model.