How To Keep Steak Warm While Resting

Hey y’all, it’s Ryan Morgan here, a BBQ enthusiast and grill master from the good ol’ Midwest. Today, I want to talk to you about a topic that’s near and dear to every grill lover’s heart – how to keep your steak warm while it’s resting.

Now, I know what you might be thinking. “Ryan, why do I need to worry about keeping my steak warm? Can’t I just let it sit out on the cutting board for a bit before serving?”

Well, here’s the thing. Resting steak is actually a crucial step in the grilling process. When you take that beautiful cut of meat off the grill, the juices inside are all stirred up. If you cut into it right away, all those tasty juices are gonna spill out, leaving you with a dry, overcooked steak.

But if you let the steak rest for a bit, the juices will redistribute themselves, making for a juicier, more flavorful steak. The only problem is, those juices can also cool down the steak as it rests, leaving you with a lukewarm or even cold cut of meat.

That’s where these 5 simple tips come in. With a little bit of know-how and some basic equipment, you can keep your steak warm while it rests and serve up a perfectly juicy and flavorful steak every time.

So grab your tongs and fire up the grill, because it’s time to learn how to keep your steak warm while it’s resting.

Tip #1: Use foil to create a makeshift oven

Wrapping your steak in foil is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep it warm while it rests. The foil will trap the heat and create a warm environment for the steak to rest in while it waits to be served.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F.
2. Take a large piece of heavy-duty foil and lay it out on a flat surface.
3. Place the steak on top of the foil, seasoned side up.
4. Fold the foil over the steak, making sure to seal the edges tightly.
5. Place the foil-wrapped steak on a baking sheet and put it in the oven.
6. Let the steak rest in the foil for 5-10 minutes, or until you’re ready to serve.

That’s all there is to it! Just make sure to use heavy-duty foil to avoid tearing or puncturing the steak while it rests.

Tip #2: Use a cast iron skillet to keep the steak warm

A cast iron skillet is another fantastic choice for keeping your steak warm while it rests.
The hefty, heat retaining characteristics of a cast iron skillet make it ideal for keeping your steak warm while it rests.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F.
2. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat on the stove.
3. Season the steak on both sides with your desired spices.
4. Place the steak in the hot skillet and sear for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until it’s nicely browned.
5. Transfer the skillet to the oven and let the steak rest in the skillet for 5-10 minutes, or until you’re ready to serve.

The cast iron skillet will keep the steak warm as it rests, and the searing beforehand will help to lock in even more flavor and juiciness. Just be sure to use an oven mitt when handling the hot skillet, and let it cool down a bit before washing it to avoid any accidents.

Tip #3: Place the steak on a warm plate or platter

Another simple way to keep your steak warm while it rests is to place it on a warm plate or platter. The heat from the plate or platter will transfer to the steak, helping to keep it warm and toasty while it rests.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F.
2. Place a plate or platter in the oven to warm up.
3. Season the steak on both sides with your desired spices.
4. Grill the steak to your desired level of doneness.
5. Remove the warm plate or platter from the oven and place the steak on it.
6. Cover the steak with a clean kitchen towel or foil to help retain the heat.
7. Let the steak rest on the warm plate or platter for 5-10 minutes, or until you’re ready to serve.

Simple as that!
Just make sure to use a large enough plate or platter to hold the steak, and take care not to burn yourself when touching the hot plate or platter.

Tip #4: Cover the steak with a clean kitchen towel

Covering the steak with a clean kitchen towel is another simple and effective way to keep it warm while it rests. The towel will help to insulate the steak and keep it warm, without affecting the flavor or texture.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°F.
2. Season the steak on both sides with your desired spices.
3. Grill the steak to your desired level of doneness.
4. Place the steak on a cutting board or plate.
5. Cover the steak with a clean kitchen towel, making sure to tuck it in around the edges.
6. Let the steak rest under the towel for 5-10 minutes, or until you’re ready to serve.

When choosing a kitchen towel, it’s important to go for a clean, lint-free option. You don’t want any stray fibers getting stuck to your beautiful steak!

Tip #5: Use a warming drawer or low-temperature oven

A warming drawer or a low-temperature oven might be useful for keeping your steak warm while it rests.
Just be careful when handling hot equipment and follow the manufacturer’s directions for safe use.

Here’s how to use a warming drawer:

1. Preheat the warming drawer to the lowest setting.
2. Season the steak on both sides with your desired spices.
3. Grill the steak to your desired level of doneness.
4. Place the steak in the warming drawer and let it rest for 5-10 minutes, or until you’re ready to serve.

And here’s how to use a low-temperature oven:

1. Pre heat the oven to the lowest setting (usually around 200°F).
2. Season the steak on both sides with your desired spices.
3. Grill the steak to your desired level of doneness.
4. Place the steak on a baking sheet or in a shallow baking dish.
5. Place the steak in the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes, or until you’re ready to serve.

Just don’t leave the steak in the oven or warming drawer for too long, or it will continue to cook and become overcooked.
When handling hot appliances or dishes, always use oven mitts or hot pads.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks: five simple and practical methods for keeping your steak warm while it rests.
Whether you use foil wrapping, a cast iron pan, a heated plate or platter, a clean kitchen towel, or a warming drawer or low-temperature oven, these tips will ensure that you always serve a wonderfully juicy and tasty steak.

So, try these suggestions out at your next BBQ, and don’t forget to share your successes with me and the rest of the BBQ community.
Have fun grilling!