The Ultimate Guide: How to Cook Hanger Steak on a Gas Grill

By Avi Green

There’s nothing quite like a perfectly grilled hanger steak to kick off a summer barbecue or to impress your family and friends with your grilling prowess. But knowing how to cook hanger steak on a gas grill to perfection can be a bit of a challenge. Fear not, in this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to get that savory, mouth-watering flavor that only grilling can provide.

The Unique Allure of Hanger Steak

Hanger steak, also known as the ‘butcher’s steak,’ derives its name from its unique location on the cow it’s the prized cut that ‘hangs’ between the rib and the loin. This steak is known for its robust, beefy flavor and tender texture when properly cooked. However, because it’s an often-overlooked cut, understanding how to cook it correctly can make all the difference in achieving a memorable meal.

Why Use a Gas Grill for Hanger Steak?

Many grilling aficionados prefer using a gas grill because it allows precise temperature control and even heat distribution, which are crucial for achieving a perfect hanger steak. A gas grill also provides that characteristic smokiness and char that complement the steak’s deep flavors. If you haven’t yet crossed over to gas grilling, you’re missing out on a tremendous convenience and consistency in cooking!

Essential Tools You’ll Need

Before diving into the cook, make sure you have the right equipment on hand:

Ingredients

1 Hanger Steak (about 1-1.5 lbs)

2 tbsp Olive Oil

3 Garlic Cloves (minced)

1 tsp Fresh Thyme (chopped)

Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Preparation

Before you even turn on the grill, there are some necessary prep steps to ensure your hanger steak ends up juicy and flavorful.

Marinating the Hanger Steak

First, marinate your hanger steak. Marinating helps infuse the meat with flavor and keeps it tasty and tender. To do this, mix the minced garlic, chopped fresh thyme, and olive oil in a bowl. Rub this mixture generously onto the steak, ensuring it’s well-coated. Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or a covered dish and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.

Preheating Your Gas Grill

Next, you need to preheat your gas grill. While your meat is marinating, turn on your gas grill to medium-high heat (about 400F). This step is crucial for achieving an even cook and those beautiful, signature grill marks. Make sure your grill grates are clean; consider using quality grill brush to scrub off any leftover debris or build-up from previous grilling sessions.

Grilling the Hanger Steak

After the prep work comes the fun part grilling your hanger steak! Take the marinated steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step helps the meat to cook more evenly.

Time to Grill

Once your grill is preheated and your steak is ready, place it on the grill. For a steak that’s about 1-1.5 inches thick, grill it for about 4-5 minutes per side, flipping only once. Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135F for medium-rare, or 140-145F for medium. Utilize a meat thermometer to check the doneness accurately.

The Perfect Sear

Achieving the perfect sear isn’t just about aesthetics it contributes to the flavor as well. Those beautiful grill marks and browned crust signal that your steak is caramelizing and developing an amazing depth of flavor. If you notice flare-ups, move the steak to a cooler part of the grill to avoid charring.

Rest and Serve the Hanger Steak

Once your steak reaches the desired doneness, remove it from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful steak. After resting, slice the steak against the grain to ensure tenderness in every bite. If you need a new cutting board, check out this cutting board guide.

Pairing Suggestions

Your beautifully grilled hanger steak deserves equally impressive accompaniments. Consider serving it with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or even a classic baked potato. A bold red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, will pair perfectly with the steak’s rich, beefy flavors.

Cleaning Up After Grilling

After enjoying your meal, don’t forget to clean up! Maintaining your grilling equipment will ensure that you continue to achieve great results. Clean the grill grates while they’re still warm using a grill brush. For cutting boards and knives, use a quality cookware cleaner and a cutting board conditioner to keep them in top shape.

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Congratulations, you now have a comprehensive understanding of how to cook hanger steak on a gas grill. Armed with these tips and techniques, you’re on your way to becoming a true grill master. Happy grilling!