If you want to grill steak on your BBQ like a pro, these hacks and tricks will help. Whether you’re cooking a simple New York strip or a juicy rib eye, follow these tips to make your next meal the best it can be.

First, preheat your grill to between 450 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This helps ensure a nice sear and a crisp crust on your meat.

1. Use a Meat Thermometer

Using a meat thermometer is an essential part of ensuring that you get steak that is perfectly cooked. A good meat thermometer will tell you when your steak is ready, while also helping you keep the temperature of your BBQ consistent over a full session.

People often try to guess when their steaks are done by touch, checking the color or looking for a cake tester (which is fine, but can lead to overcooked steak). If you have a meat thermometer, though, it will help you ensure that your steaks are cooked to a safe level every time you grill them.

There are several types of meat thermometers, including instant-read and probe-style models. The instant-read type is the most convenient because you can stick it into meat for a few seconds to check its temperature before removing it.

2. Let It Rest

Before you cut into your grilled steak, give it time to rest. This will ensure the juices redistribute within the meat.

You want to make sure your steak is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. Without this, you’ll end up with dry, tough, and overcooked meat.

How long to let the steak rest depends on the size of your cut of beef. For larger roasts, 10-20 minutes is a good guide.

The resting process allows the steak to continue cooking slightly during this time, which helps to lock in the flavor and prevents it from drying out. The internal temperature of the meat will also rise during this time, so it will not be overcooked.

3. Keep It Clean

Grilling is a fantastic way to cook steaks. Not only does it produce that smoky, delicious flavor, but it also makes the meat very tender.

A clean grill will also help keep your steak from sticking to the grate. When food particles stick to the grates, they harden and can be more difficult to flip.

Keeping your grill clean will also help prevent bacteria from contaminating your food, which could lead to sickness. The char left on the grill grates is a breeding ground for germs, so making sure your grill is clean will help avoid this issue.

After each use, make sure to wipe down your grill. This will make it easier to clean next time and avoid rusting.

4. Make It Pretty

If you want your BBQ steak to look good, be sure to clean the grates before grilling. This helps keep your meat from burning on the grill and also makes it easier to flip.

In addition, you may wish to oil the grates to help them cook more evenly. This will also help to keep that charred flavor from contaminating your food.

Another way to make your BBQ steak look good is to use a buttery marinade. Using butter with herbs, garlic and shallots is a great idea.

When grilling a steak, it is best to sear on one side of the meat and move to indirect heat to finish cooking. This will seal in the juices and leave you with a tender, juicy steak.