How to barbecue steak

Everyone loves a barbie, but to cook the perfect steak there are a few tips to keep in mind.

Step 1

First, preheat your barbecue grill or flatplate on medium-high.

Step 2

Brush both sides of the steak with olive oil to prevent it from sticking to the barbecue. This works better than brushing the barbecue, as excess oil on the plate can burn, creating smoke and causing flare-ups.

Step 3

Wait until just before cooking to season your steak, as salt draws out the flavoursome juices from the meat, making it tough. Season one side with salt and pepper, then cook the steak, seasoned-side down, to seal in the flavour. Season the other side just before turning over.

Step 4

Use long-handled tongs to turn the steak, until it's cooked to your liking. Turn the steak once only during cooking - any more, and the juices escape.

Step 5

Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the meat. Don't be tempted to cut into a steak to see if it's done. Instead, press the centre of the steak with the back of your tongs - if it's medium the meat will spring back. Use this guide for suggested cooking times and tong test guidelines:

For steak 1.5cm-thick:
Rare - 1-1 1/2 minutes each side
Medium - 2-3 minutes each side
Well done - 3-4 minutes each side

For steak 2 -3cm-thick:
Rare - 2-3 minutes each side
Medium - 4-5 minutes each side
Well done - 5-6 minutes each side

Tongs test
Rare - soft
Medium - slightly firmer and springy
Well done - very firm with no spring