Last Updated on April 27, 2025 by Karen
Learn how to cook the perfect steak on a George Foreman grill with this step-by-step guide. From choosing the right cut of steak to grilling tips and cooking times, get the best results for a delicious, juicy steak every time!
Cooking steak can seem tricky, especially if you’ve never done it before. But don’t worry—if you have an electric indoor grill like a George Foreman grill, cooking a juicy, delicious steak at home is absolutely doable. Whether you’re making a new recipe or showing off your grilling skills to friends, this guide will walk you through every step to ensure a perfect steak every time.
Let’s get grilling!
Why Use a George Foreman Grill?
The George Foreman grill is a great option for cooking steak indoors. It offers a consistent temperature, is easy to use, and its unique design cooks both sides of the steak simultaneously, reducing cook times. Plus, the drip pan catches fat drips, making it a healthier version of a grilled steak than traditional methods. It’s a perfect size for smaller kitchens and apartment living, where an outdoor grill might not be an option.
Step 1: Choosing the Right Cut of Steak for Your George Foreman Grill
Before you fire up your electric indoor grill, selecting the right cut of steak is essential for getting the best steak results. Whether you’re using boneless steaks or thicker cuts (for good contact with the grill plates, make sure your steak is at least 1 inch thick), choosing a steak that works well with an indoor grill will lead to a juicy, tender result. Here are some cuts that shine on the George Foreman grill:
Ribeye Steak: Known for its rich flavor and marbling, this is one of the best steak cuts for grilling. The fat drips away during cooking, leaving behind a healthier version of a grilled steak that is still full of flavor.
New York Strip Steak: A classic choice, perfect for those who enjoy a tender, beefy taste. This cut cooks well on the George Foreman grill, making it a great option for a perfect size steak.
Sirloin Steak: A leaner choice but still flavorful and tender. This is a good option if you’re looking for something with less fat.
Flank Steak: Best when marinated and cooked quickly. It’s an ideal choice if you’re making a new recipe, such as fajitas or steak salads.
T-Bone Steaks: For steak lovers who want the best of both worlds, this cut offers both tenderloin and strip steak in one, making it perfect for those who like variety.
Step 2: Preparing Your Steak for the George Foreman Grill
Once you’ve chosen your steak, it’s time to prepare it. The prep time can be quick, but the steps you take before cooking will ensure the best results. Here is what you should do before grilling:
Let the Steak Rest at Room Temperature: Take your steak out of the fridge 30 to 60 minutes before cooking. This will help it cook evenly. A steak cooked straight from the fridge will take longer and could cook unevenly, so room temperature is ideal.
Seasoning: For a flavorful steak, use kosher salt, black pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. For more complexity, try adding soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
Brush with Olive Oil: Lightly coat the steak with olive oil to help prevent sticking and add a nice sear. The oil helps with creating a crispy crust as it cooks.
Tenderize the Meat (Optional): If you’re using a tougher cut like flank steak or London broil, use a meat tenderizer to break down the muscle fibers, which will make it more tender when grilled.
Step 3: Preheating the George Foreman Grill
Preheating the grill ensures a consistent temperature, which is key for perfect cooking. A hot grill creates that delicious sear that locks in juices.
To preheat, pPlug in your George Foreman grill and set it to high heat. Wait for about 5 to 7 minutes until the green light indicates that the grill is ready.
Step 4: Cooking the Steak
Once your George Foreman grill is preheated, it’s time to cook the steak. Cooking on an electric indoor grill is quicker than outdoor grilling because the grill plates cook both sides at once.
Use These Times as a Guide:
| Doneness | Grill Time (1″ thick) | Internal Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 4–5 minutes | 130–135°F |
| Medium-rare | 5–6 minutes | 135–140°F |
| Medium | 6–7 minutes | 140–145°F |
| Medium-well | 7–8 minutes | 145–150°F |
| Well-done | 8–9 minutes | 150–155°F |
To check doneness, use a digital meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding bone or fat, to ensure you reach the desired temperature. Remember that this is the cooking time for thick cut steaks. For steaks thinner than 1 inch, you may need to reduce the cooking time. Thicker cuts will need longer cooking times.
Step 5: Let the Steak Rest
Once your steak has finished cooking, remove it from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute within the meat, resulting in a juicy steak every time.
Extra Tips for a Better Steak
Use a Marinade: Marinate your steak for 30 minutes to a few hours in a mix of olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, balsamic vinegar, and garlic for added flavor.
Sear First: For a crispy crust, sear your steak in a hot pan for 1–2 minutes per side before finishing it on the George Foreman grill.
Experiment with Cuts: Once you’re comfortable, try grilling different cuts like filet mignon or flat iron steaks for variety.
Slice Against the Grain: This makes your steak more tender. Always slice against the muscle fibers in the meat for the best results.
Cleaning Up
After grilling, let your George Foreman grill cool down. If your model has removable grill plates, place them in the dishwasher for easy cleanup. Otherwise, use a wet paper towel to wipe down the plates.
How Do You Get Perfect Grill Marks on Steaks Cooked on George Foreman Grill?
Getting perfect grill marks on your steak takes a little bit of technique, but with the right approach, you can achieve those beautiful, crispy lines that make your steak look as good as it tastes. Here are some tips to help you get better grill marks on your steak:
1. Preheat Your Grill
Before placing the steak on the grill, make sure the grill is fully preheated. A hot grill ensures that the steak will sear immediately upon contact, creating those crispy grill marks. For a George Foreman grill, wait for the green light indicating that it’s ready, which typically takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
2. Use High Heat
Whether you’re using an outdoor grill or an indoor electric grill like a George Foreman, high heat is essential for good grill marks. High heat will sear the steak quickly, locking in juices and creating the desired marks on the surface. Make sure your grill is set to high if it has temperature settings.
3. Pat the Steak Dry
Before grilling, pat the steak dry with a paper towel. Moisture on the steak can cause it to steam rather than sear, which means you won’t get those crispy grill marks. Removing excess moisture will also help the seasoning stick better to the meat.
4. Oil the Grill Plates (Not the Steak)
Lightly oil the grill plates using a cooking spray or brush. This prevents the steak from sticking and helps to create a clean, crisp mark. Avoid over-oiling the steak itself as too much oil can cause flare-ups or make the steak difficult to sear evenly.
5. Don’t Move the Steak Too Much
Once you place the steak on the grill, resist the urge to move it around too much. Let it sit in place to form grill marks. If you want crosshatch marks, after 2-3 minutes, rotate the steak 90 degrees to create a perpendicular pattern. Then, flip the steak to the other side to form the same marks.
What to Serve with Your Steak
A great steak deserves some equally tasty sides. Here are some ideas for favorite side dishes to complement your grilled steak:
Grilled Vegetables: Try zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus for a light, healthy side.
Sweet Potatoes: A healthy, satisfying choice that pairs wonderfully with steak.
Roasted Potato Wedges, Baked Potatoes, or Mashed Potatoes: A classic side that’s always a hit.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet and savory, this is a great option to serve alongside your steak.
Garlic Bread: Perfect for sopping up any juices from your steak.
Salad: This is my favorite way to serve a piece of steak. I make a big green salad (arugula, spinach, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, hearts of palm) dressed in a balsamic vinaigrette, then slice the steak across the grain. Serve over the salad, and drizzle more salad dressing on top, and voila! The best steakhouse-style steak salad!
What is the Cooking Time For Steaks Cooked on a George Foreman Grill?
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–9 minutes (see the chart above, depending on doneness)
Rest Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: Around 20–30 minutes
Grilling a steak on a George Foreman grill is quick, easy, and the results are always delicious. By choosing the right cut, seasoning properly, and following the right steps, you can enjoy a perfectly grilled steak every time. So, fire up that grill and enjoy a juicy steak tonight!
