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Affordable Steak Cuts for Summer Grilling

09.15.2009 · Posted in Home and Garden Articles

We all love grilling, but tight budgets are making a good steak seem a lot more difficult for many of us. If you are worried about whether or not that great steak is in reach this year, the answer is definitely a yes, as long as you know your steaks. All kinds of cuts of beef are available that will grill up well without being too ******* your budget. While they will take a little more care in cooking than your favorite tenderloin, they can be really worthwhile. So, if you love steak, do not give up hope on an affordable one.nnYour grocery store meat case contains a large number of bargains that you might not be aware of, including good steak that costs five to seven dollars per pound. Hanger steaks and flatirons, skirt steaks, flat and flank steaks, tri tip, top sirloin and chuck are all also delicious options. You just have to know what to do to get the most out of your meat.nnAfter all, there are some reasons these steaks are cheaper, and they will take a little work to make them as tasty as a more expensive cut. However, it can be done, and it does not even have to be really difficult. Know what you are doing, and affordable steaks can still taste great.nnThe tough texture in these steaks is because they come from muscles the animal actually uses. That makes them more flavorful than some of the more tender cuts. These are the ones that have the best flavor and the least gristle. An intense marinade, some careful salting, and a close eye on your grill time can help these bargain cuts taste and feel their best.nnThe first thing you should do is take a look at your marinades. These liquid mixtures have a reputation for flavoring and tenderizing meat, but they may not do that as well as you might think. Often, they only soak into the meat a little, and if they are really acidic, they might even tighten up muscle tissues, making your meat tougher. Of course, that does not mean you cannot find a great steak marinade recipe – you just have to know what you are looking for and what to expect.nnEven if the effect you’re getting is only skin deep, marinades result in a lovely surface that is crisp, crusty, and rich in color, and they add some nice flavor to the outside of your steak. Use a really hot grill to create the best steak you can. Remove budget steaks from the fridge while the grill is still heating up. That will ensure that your meat is not cold when it goes on the grill, and it will cook more thoroughly.nnThis means making two zones – one is hotter and allows you to sear the meat, and the other is medium in heat and will cook meat through without burning. On gas grills, just adjust the knobs. For charcoal, bank two thirds of your coals and scatter the rest.nnMake sure the grill is clean and you are capable of being patient. You need to cook these cuts of meat undisturbed for two to three minutes if you want them to taste their best. An instant read thermometer will help you know when your meat is ready. Rest the meat when you are finished, to let it keep its juices.

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