Grilling Season: Best Cuts for Your Summer BBQ

Summer grilling season brings opportunities to showcase premium beef cuts that deliver exceptional results over open flames. Understanding which cuts perform best on the grill and how to prepare them ensures memorable barbecues that highlight the natural flavors of quality meat.

The best grilling cuts combine excellent flavor with textures that respond well to high-heat cooking. These cuts develop beautiful char while maintaining tender, juicy interiors that satisfy even the most discerning barbecue enthusiasts.

Ribeye steaks offer exceptional marbling that renders beautifully over flames, creating rich flavors and tender texture. The natural fat content in ribeye provides built-in basting that keeps the meat moist while developing that coveted grilled crust.

Top-tier grilling steaks each offer unique characteristics that make them perfect for different occasions and preferences:

• New York Strip: Excellent balance of tenderness and robust beef flavor
• Filet Mignon: Ultimate tenderness with subtle, refined taste
• Porterhouse: Combines strip and tenderloin for varied textures
• American Wagyu: Exceptional marbling for special occasions

Proper preparation begins hours before the grill is lit. Bringing steaks to room temperature ensures even cooking, while proper seasoning enhances the natural beef flavors without overwhelming them.

Premium cuts require minimal seasoning to shine. Simple combinations of coarse salt and freshly cracked pepper applied 30-45 minutes before grilling allow the flavors to penetrate while drawing out natural juices that enhance browning.

Achieving perfect doneness requires understanding how different cuts respond to heat and timing:

• Thick cuts (1.5+ inches): High heat searing followed by indirect cooking
• Medium cuts (1-1.5 inches): Direct medium-high heat throughout
• Thin cuts (under 1 inch): Quick, high-heat cooking to prevent overcooking
• Use meat thermometers for consistency and food safety

While steaks dominate grilling discussions, other premium cuts offer exciting opportunities for barbecue variety. These alternatives provide different flavors and textures that can enhance any summer gathering.

Ground beef from premium sources creates exceptional burgers that far surpass commercial alternatives. The superior fat content and flavor of quality ground beef needs minimal enhancement to create memorable burger experiences.

Experienced grillers often explore cuts that offer unique flavors and textures:

• Tri-tip: Excellent for slicing after grilling, perfect for groups
• Flat iron: Tender cut with rich flavor at reasonable prices
• Hangar steak: Intense beef flavor that responds well to marinades
• Short ribs: Slow-grilled for fall-off-the-bone tenderness

Success with premium cuts requires proper grill management and temperature control. Understanding your equipment and how different zones affect cooking ensures consistent results every time.

Creating heat zones allows for versatile cooking techniques on a single grill. High-heat zones sear exteriors while moderate zones finish cooking without burning. This flexibility is essential when cooking multiple cuts simultaneously.

Quality tools enhance both safety and results when grilling premium cuts:

• Long-handled tongs for safe meat handling
• Instant-read thermometer for accurate doneness
• Grill brush for clean cooking surfaces
• Heat-resistant gloves for temperature control adjustments

Proper resting after grilling allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring optimal texture and flavor. This critical step often determines the difference between good and exceptional grilled meat.

Resting times vary by cut thickness and size, but generally range from 3-10 minutes for steaks. Tent with foil to maintain warmth while allowing steam to escape, preventing soggy exteriors.

Premium grilled meats pair beautifully with simple sides that complement rather than compete with the beef flavors:

• Grilled vegetables showcase seasonal produce
• Simple salads provide fresh contrast to rich meats
• Herb butters enhance without masking natural flavors
• Quality wines or craft beers complement the dining experience

Food safety remains paramount when grilling premium cuts. Proper handling, cooking temperatures, and storage ensure both delicious and safe results for family gatherings.

Keep raw meats separated from other foods and use separate utensils for handling raw and cooked products. Clean surfaces thoroughly and maintain proper refrigeration until ready to cook.

Understanding safe internal temperatures helps balance food safety with optimal taste and texture:

• Rare: 120-125°F (centers will be cool and red)
• Medium-rare: 130-135°F (warm red centers)
• Medium: 135-145°F (warm pink centers)
• Ground beef: Always cook to 160°F for safety

Getting the most from premium grilling cuts involves understanding how to select, store, and prepare them for optimal results. This knowledge ensures every barbecue showcases the quality you've invested in.

Purchase cuts close to grilling time when possible, or freeze properly if buying in advance. Proper storage maintains quality and prevents waste that can make premium cuts expensive mistakes.

Smart shopping and preparation techniques help maximize value from premium cuts:

• Buy in bulk during sales and freeze properly
• Mix premium and value cuts for varied experiences
• Use every part - save bones for stocks and broths
• Learn to cut your own steaks from larger pieces

Grilling premium cuts creates opportunities for memorable gatherings that bring families and friends together around exceptional food. These experiences build lasting memories while showcasing the quality of locally-sourced beef.

Planning themed grilling events around different cuts or cooking techniques adds excitement to summer entertaining. Consider hosting Wagyu tastings or regional barbecue competitions using premium local beef.

Make this grilling season exceptional with premium cuts from Southern Utah's finest sources. Call (702) 524-3331 to discuss our grilling recommendations and seasonal selections, or visit us at 1141 W State St in Hurricane, UT. Let our experienced team help you select the perfect cuts for unforgettable summer barbecues.