Want to be a better Griller

[Qucifer]

Hello everyone, I am new here, and was wondering what is the best cheap steaks out there. I do a lot of ribeyes and t-bones, and they are always good, but that tends to get pricey when hosting a get together. I am looking for a less expensive cut of beef that still grills well, and tastes great. Any ideas?

Oh, and just for kicks, check out this meat branding iron I made for a retiring SMSgt in the Air Force.

http://i198.photobucket.com/albums/aa308/Qucifer/Iron.jpg

[sharky]

Hey that branding iron is pretty damn cool!!

If you are going with a cheap steak, choose a sirloin. the stab it a million times with a fork to tenderize it.. or you can use a meat tenderizer like this one:
http://www.amazon.com/MR-BAR-B-Q-90010P-Bar-B-Q-Tenderizer/dp/B00021FHNW

I picked it up at a discount shop like marshalls or TJ Max for $5 I think.

[Qucifer]

Thanks for the tip, I will definitely give that a shot. I am wondering if this method might also yeild some tender fajitas. I grill alot in a cast iron skillet. I put the skillet on the charcoal grill, and I put a blower fan underneath it feeding the fire. The pan gets red hot and I cook fajitas, and other quick cooking stuff outdoors. I use a lot of Jalapenos, and cooking that way inside sends everybody running out, the fumes are too much.

Oh, just an update on that branding iron. We presented it today to its recipient. Everyone who saw it wants one, and thats at 45 bucks each. I will have to take a picture of a branded steak and post a pic.

[StarsfaninCO]

That iron is awesome. Great work. I went the pre-fab way and bought this a while back...

http://www.collegegear.com/sf/stores/1244/p-48362.shtml

[Qucifer]

Thanks for the compliments on the branding iron. That is the first one ive made. I am in the Air Force, and tradition is that when someone retires they are given a gift or gifts thanking them for thier sacrifice. Generally we try to give them something unique. My First Sergeant hired me to build this since I run a fabrication business. I have never done anything like this, but it worked out well.

[Dave C.]

"Worked out well" seems to be an under-statement from what I can see! Looks great from here :D :D :D
Dave

[Qucifer]

I forgot to talk about my sirloin results, the forum was down for a while. Well, I tried the forked sirloin idea, and it didnt come out as well as I had hoped. It was still a little tough, but it was juicy. I was disapointed, and figured I had messed something up. Well, a few days ago, the wife and I went to Outback Steakhouse since we were out and about, and I ordered thier sirloin; bad bad bad. I think I will stick to rib eyes.

[TOMP]

We have been doing Tri-tips quit a bit lately. They come 2 to 2-1/2LBs.

Just sear and move over to indirect for about 20 min til about 130 deg, let rest and slice against grain. Great eats!

here in michigan they can be found at costco for about $5.99/ lb They even have them sliced (individual steaks).

see link for more info
http://www.virtualweberbullet.com/tritip1.html

Tom

[Duke]

Has anybody got a good recipe for Chuck steak ? I had some once that were marinated and grilled and they were great, I just couldn't get the recipe for the marinade.... thanks !
Duke

[wnkt]

I use Montreal Steak seasoning and some Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce, and a little sesame oil. Dust them with the steak seasoning and put them in a zip top bag and pour some of the sauces on em and let sit in the fridge for a couple hours at least. I turn them over after a hour or so to get good coverage.

[Qucifer]

Tri tips huh. I will have to give those a shot. I am considering welding up a small scale smoker. A nice heavy duty steel unit, with a small grill area over the smoke box for searing meats before transfering them over to a small smoke box for indirect cooking. Does anyone have anything similar?

[ricklea1953]

I have a huge recipe collection. It is my favorite cut of meat. It is gaining popularity as it gets publicity but it is still reasonably priced.

Rick

[sharky]

ricklea1953 -

Post some of those tri-tip recipes on the recipe forum. Makes it easily searchable. I LOVE tri-tip!