How to Cook Perfect Steaks on a Traeger Grill

Overview

This recipe, curated by Danielle "Diva Q" Bennett, offers a method to achieve steak perfection using a reverse-sear technique on a Traeger grill, topped with rich garlic compound butter.

Ingredients

Garlic Butter:

• 1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallots
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic

Steak:

• 4 rib-eye steaks (1-1/2 to 2 inches thick)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Garlic Butter:

   • Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
   • Sauté shallots until tender and lightly browned (3-4 minutes).
   • Add garlic, sauté for another minute, then remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
   • Combine this mixture with the remaining butter, mix well, shape into a log using plastic wrap, and refrigerate.

2. Prepare Steak:

   • Preheat Traeger to 225°F with the lid closed for 15 minutes.
   • Season steaks with salt and pepper.
   • Insert probe into the center of a steak, place on grill grates, and smoke until internal temperature reaches 115°F (45-60 minutes).
   • Remove steaks, increase Traeger temperature to 450°F (or 500°F if available) with the lid closed for 15 minutes.

3. Sear Steak:

   • Slice garlic butter into 1/4-inch rounds.
   • Re-insert probe, return steaks to the grill, and sear until internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare, about 5 minutes per side.
   • Remove steaks, top with garlic butter, let rest for 10 minutes (temperature will rise to 130°F).
   • Slice and serve.

Reverse-Seared Ribeye with Garlic Butter

In the realm of grilling, the reverse-sear method is a game-changer, especially when paired with the robust flavor of a garlic compound butter. This technique ensures a perfectly cooked steak that boasts a beautiful crust and a tender, juicy interior. Here's a step-by-step guide to mastering this culinary art.

Garlic Butter: The Flavor Enhancer

Butter is the quintessential ingredient that transforms a good steak into a great one. The garlic compound butter in this recipe adds a rich, aromatic layer that complements the steak's natural flavors. Start by melting a small amount of butter and sautéing finely chopped shallots until they are tender and lightly browned. Adding minced garlic and continuing to sauté for another minute infuses the butter with a fragrant, savory aroma.

After the mixture cools, combine it with the remaining butter and mix well. This garlic butter can be shaped into a log, wrapped in plastic, and refrigerated. This preparation not only simplifies the cooking process but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Reverse-Searing: Precision and Patience

The reverse-sear method begins with slow-cooking the steaks at a low temperature. Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F, ensuring it's primed for optimal smoking. Season the rib-eye steaks with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, enhancing their natural flavor without overpowering it.

Place the steaks on the grill grates and insert a probe to monitor the internal temperature. Smoke the steaks until they reach an internal temperature of 115°F. This slow-cooking process allows the steaks to cook evenly and absorb a subtle smoky flavor.

The Searing Finale

Once the steaks are smoked, it's time to sear. Increase the grill temperature to 450°F or higher if available. This high heat creates the Maillard reaction, forming a delicious crust on the outside of the steaks. Sear the steaks until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium-rare, flipping them to ensure an even sear.

Finishing Touches

As soon as the steaks are off the grill, top them with rounds of garlic butter. The heat from the steaks will melt the butter, creating a luscious, flavorful coating. Let the steaks rest for about 10 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute and the temperature to rise slightly, achieving the perfect doneness.

Conclusion

Reverse-searing steaks with garlic butter is more than just a cooking method; it's a celebration of flavors and textures. The patience and precision involved in this technique pay off with each juicy, flavorful bite. Whether you're grilling for a special occasion or simply indulging in a gourmet meal at home, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the art of grilling with this exquisite reverse-seared rib-eye, and savor the rich, buttery finish that elevates it to culinary excellence.