Kamado Joe | The Perfect Steak

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of cooking a perfect steak using a Kamado Joe grill. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced griller, this straightforward method can help you achieve a delicious steak every time.

Step 1: Prepare the Seasoning

• Combine the following ingredients in a bowl:
  • 3 teaspoons coarse grind sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Mix the ingredients well and set aside for later use.

Step 2: Select and Prepare the Steak

• Choose a thick steak, preferably a Certified Angus beef ribeye, about 1 to 1.75 inches thick. Thicker steaks retain moisture and allow for better cooking control.
• Apply a small amount of clarified butter (ghee) to one side of the steak.
• Generously season one side of the steak with the seasoning mix.
• Flip the steak and repeat the butter application and seasoning on the other side.
• Wrap the seasoned steak in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to grill. This can be done a day in advance for enhanced flavor.

Step 3: Set Up the Kamado Joe Grill

• Prepare the grill for two-zone cooking:
  • Pile most of the charcoal on one side of the grill.
  • Light two fire starter cubes on the charcoal and keep the lid open for about 10 minutes.
• Once the fire is lit, place the divide-and-conquer rack into the grill:
  • On the low side (charcoal side), add the Kamado Joe cooking grate.
  • On the high side (non-charcoal side), place the heat deflector.
• Close the grill and preheat it to approximately 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Use the following vent settings:
  • Keep the bottom vent fully open.
  • Keep the top vent fully open until reaching 400-450 degrees, then close it halfway.

Step 4: Grill the Steak

• Once the grill reaches the desired temperature, open it and place the steak on the hot side (direct heat) for 3 minutes.
• After 90 seconds, use tongs to turn the steak a quarter turn for grill marks and allow it to sear for another 90 seconds.
• Move the steak to the indirect side (non-charcoal side) of the grill to finish cooking.

Step 5: Monitor the Temperature

• Continue cooking the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 125-129 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare.
• Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy, and remember that the steak will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the grill.

Step 6: Rest the Steak

• Once the steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the grill.
• Loosely cover the steak with aluminum foil and let it rest for 7-8 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful steak.

Conclusion

Following these steps will help you cook a perfect steak on your Kamado Joe grill. Remember to use a thick cut of meat, monitor the temperature carefully, and rest the steak before serving for optimal flavor and tenderness. Enjoy your delicious steak, and feel free to explore other grilling techniques and recipes in the future!