AlexRaths/iStock/GettyImages
New York strip steaks seem like an extravagant luxury, and they are certainly pricier than hamburger. If they find their way into your budget and onto your menu, grilling them is fairly simple and quick. Charcoal grills impart the best flavor, although a propane grill is more convenient. The key to success using any kind of grill is getting it very hot before placing the steaks on to produce a nice seared crust.
Selecting the Meat
The perfect grilled steak starts with high-quality meat. A New York strip, also known as a shell steak, is the meat that is left after the tenderloin is removed from the short loin. These robust steaks are tender, yet chewy, and full of flavor. Look for meat that is firm, with white flecks of fat throughout. Avoid steaks that have wide ropes of yellow fat or a coarse texture. New York strip should be cut at least 1 1/4 inch thick.
Grilling Methods
Man has had a fascination with cooking meat over fire for thousands of years, and with good reason. The intense, direct heat of an open flame caramelizes beef, causing it to develop a richly flavored crust. When you start the charcoal or gas flames, give the grill time to get hot and place the New York strips on it. A cast-iron grate is the best choice for even heat distribution, although stainless steel grates work too. Cook steaks for 2 to 3 minutes, then rotate them 90 degrees without turning them over to get the cross-hatch markings steaks are known for. Cook another 2 to 3 minutes and then flip the steaks. The times may vary somewhat, depending on the thickness of the steaks and the level of doneness you're aiming for. Continue cooking until the steaks are done to your liking.
Seasonings
Seasoning a good New York strip is entirely a matter of preference. Some people like nothing more than salt and pepper -- and for kids, this is probably a good strategy. Your kids might also like a steak seasoned with a ranch-flavored mix. Others dress up steak with soy sauce, garlic, chile peppers, onions or a spicy steak rub. Top New York steaks with sauteed mushrooms, grilled onions or blue cheese.
Timing
Knowing when a New York strip is done can be anxiety provoking, but you'll get the hang of it with practice. Grills vary in terms of heat output, but in general, cook steaks for 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium-rare and 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium. Cook the steak for 6 to 7 minutes per side for well-done. Although a rare steak can be tempting, the USDA recommends cooking steak to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees F to prevent foodborne illnesses. One way to determine doneness is by pressing on the steaks with grill tongs. Rare meat still has quite a bit of give, while well-done is firm. When in doubt, remove the steak from the grill and make a small cut so you can examine the meat thoroughly. You can always put the steak back on the grill for a few more minutes, but once a steak's well-done, there's no going back.
Related Articles
Easy Ways to Cook Pork Steak

How to Cook Venison Backstrap Steaks on ...
The Best Way to Cook Beef Loin Boneless ...
How to Cook Kobe Steaks
How to Grill a Ribeye on a Weber Q

How to Cook Cowboy Cut Ribeye
How to Cook Boneless Top Chuck Steak in ...
How to Cook Beef Top Loin Strip Steak ...

How to Cook Deer Steaks in the Oven on ...

How to Cook Sirloin Medium-Well at Home ...

How Long to Cook a Boneless Chuck Eye ...

The Best Way to Cook a Porterhouse Steak

How Hot Should a Grill Be for Steaks?

How to Cook Steak Tips
What Is a Rib-Eye Steak?

How to Cook Rib Eye Steak in an ...

How to Cook Reindeer Steak

How to Cook a Thin Cut New York Steak

Grilling Instructions for Rib-Eye Steak

How to Cook Beef Tenderloin on a ...
References
- "Ribs, Chops, Steaks & Wings"; Ray Lampe; 2009
- "Lobel's Meat Bible"; Stanley Lobel, et al.; 2009
Resources
Writer Bio
Julie Christensen is a food writer, caterer, and mom-chef. She's the creator of MarmaladeMom.org, dedicated to family fun and delicious food, and released a book titled "More Than Pot Roast: Fast, Fresh Slow Cooker Recipes."