How to barbecue a porterhouse steak? - Chef's Resource (2024)

Barbecuing a porterhouse steak can be a delightful experience that yields tender and juicy results. By following a few simple steps, you can achieve the perfect balance of flavors and enjoy a mouthwatering steak that will impress your family and friends. So, let’s dive into the ways on how to barbecue a porterhouse steak!

Preparing the Porterhouse Steak

Before you begin the grilling process, it’s essential to prepare your porterhouse steak properly. Here’s what you need to do:

1. **Start with a high-quality porterhouse steak**: The first step to barbecue success is selecting a well-marbled, thick-cut porterhouse steak. Look for one that is at least 1.5 inches thick to ensure even cooking.

2. **Let the steak reach room temperature**: Take the steak out of the refrigerator and allow it to sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes. This ensures more even cooking throughout the steak.

3. **Season generously**: Apply a generous amount of salt and pepper to both sides of the steak. For extra flavor, you can add some garlic powder, onion powder, or other preferred seasonings.

Grilling the Porterhouse Steak

4. **Preheat your grill**: Start by preheating your grill to high heat. This will help sear the steak and lock in the juices.

5. **Oil the grates**: Before placing the steak on the grill, oil the grates to prevent sticking. You can use a brush or tongs to lightly oil the grates with vegetable oil.

6. **Sear the steak**: Place your porterhouse steak on the preheated grill and let it sear for about 3-4 minutes on each side. This will help develop a nice crust and charred flavor.

7. **Lower the heat**: Once you have achieved a beautiful sear on both sides, reduce the heat to medium or move the steaks to a cooler part of the grill. This will allow the steak to cook more evenly without burning the exterior.

8. **Cook to desired doneness**: Use a meat thermometer to gauge the steak’s internal temperature. For a medium-rare porterhouse steak, aim for 130-135°F (55-57°C). Cook a bit longer for medium (140-145°F/60-63°C) or medium-well (150-155°F/65-68°C) doneness.

9. **Let it rest**: Once the steak reaches your desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I marinate a porterhouse steak before grilling?

Yes, you can marinate a porterhouse steak to add flavor. However, due to its thickness, marinating for too long can result in mushy texture. Aim for marinating no longer than 30 minutes to 2 hours.

2. How do I know when the steak is done?

Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to determine the steak’s doneness. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak, away from the bone, to get an accurate reading.

3. Should I trim the fat from the porterhouse steak?

It’s generally recommended to leave some fat on the steak as it adds flavor and helps keep the meat juicy while grilling. You can trim excessive fat if desired.

4. Can I grill a frozen porterhouse steak?

While it’s best to thaw the steak before grilling, you can cook it from frozen. However, it will take longer to cook, and the results may not be as optimal.

5. Can I use a gas grill instead of a charcoal grill?

Absolutely! Gas grills work well for barbecuing porterhouse steaks. Just make sure your grill is preheated to the same high heat.

6. Should I flip the steak multiple times?

For the best sear and even cooking, it’s generally recommended to flip the steak only once. Constant flipping can cause the steak to cook unevenly.

7. Can I reuse the marinade for basting?

No, it’s unsafe to reuse marinade that has come into contact with raw meat. If you want to baste the steak with marinade during grilling, make sure to set aside a separate portion to use for basting.

8. How long should I rest the steak?

Letting the steak rest for 5-10 minutes allows the juices to redistribute. This step ensures a more tender and flavorful steak.

9. Can I barbecue a porterhouse steak indoors?

Yes, you can use a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet to barbecue a porterhouse steak indoors. Just make sure to use proper ventilation or utilize an indoor grill.

10. What other seasonings can I use on the steak?

Besides salt and pepper, you can experiment with various dry rubs, herb blends, or even create your own marinades to add extra flavors to your porterhouse steak.

11. Can I butterfly the porterhouse steak?

Butterflying a porterhouse steak can be done, but it’s not necessary. Due to its thickness, it’s usually better to cook it as a whole steak.

12. Can I barbecue a porterhouse steak on a smoker?

While a smoker is primarily used for low and slow cooking, you can certainly add a porterhouse steak to it for a unique smoky flavor. Follow the same steps mentioned, but adjust the cooking time according to the smoker’s temperature.