Skip to content
For many meat lovers, there is little better than a perfectly prepared steak. The trick is not just choosing the right meat, but also the method of preparation. The big question is: is the grill or the pan the best way to get a steak to perfection? Both methods have their fans and offer unique advantages, but ultimately the choice depends on what you want from your steak and what conditions you have. In this article, we take a closer look at the advantages and challenges of grilling and panning and give you some helpful tips on how to prepare steak successfully and get the best of both worlds.
The Grill: Perfect steak with smoky BBQ flavor
For many, the grill is the ultimate method of preparing steak. Especially in summer, grilling is a must - it creates a special atmosphere and provides the unmistakable aroma that only an open fire can offer. Whether you prefer a gas grill or a classic charcoal grill, the big advantage of this method is the high temperatures that can be achieved. These are perfect for searing the meat on the outside and promoting the Maillard reaction that creates the delicious crust.
A charcoal grill also gives the meat a smoky flavor that is particularly intense and appreciated by many BBQ fans. The grill therefore offers not only a preparation method, but also a very special taste experience. The high temperatures ensure that the outside of the steak is quickly sealed, so that the juices stay in the meat and the steak stays juicy on the inside. However, it is important to keep the flames under control, otherwise the meat can burn quickly.
Despite these advantages, there are also some challenges with grilling. The biggest is certainly temperature control. With charcoal grills in particular, it can be difficult to maintain a constant heat, which can lead to unevenly cooked steaks. In addition, grilling is highly dependent on the weather. A sudden thunderstorm can quickly ruin your planned BBQ. So if you value flexibility, you may prefer to use a pan.
The pan: control and flexibility in the kitchen
Preparing a steak in a pan offers a completely different kind of precision and control. Here you have the opportunity to regulate the temperature precisely and thereby bring the steak to exactly the desired doneness. Cast iron pans are particularly suitable as they distribute the heat evenly and can reach very high temperatures. In the pan you can also work with various aromatics such as butter, rosemary or garlic, which give the meat additional flavors during cooking.
A big advantage of the pan is its versatility. While grilling is often only possible in summer or when the weather is good, in the kitchen you can prepare a perfect steak all year round, regardless of external conditions. The ability to precisely adjust the temperature also means that the risk of over- or undercooking is significantly lower. This is a big advantage, especially for beginners, as they have more control over the entire process.
However, there are some disadvantages here too. The typical BBQ aroma that is created by the smoke from the grill cannot be imitated in the pan. In addition, the crust is sometimes a little less intense because the pan does not usually reach the extremely high temperatures of a grill. However, those who value precision and flexibility will find the pan to be the perfect preparation method.
Grill vs. pan: Which way leads to the perfect steak?
Ultimately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to whether the grill or the pan is the best way to cook a steak. Both methods have their pros and cons, and the decision comes down to personal preference. If you love the smoky flavor and BBQ feel, the grill is the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you value control and precision and would like to cook perfect steaks all year round, the pan offers an excellent alternative.
Conclusion: No matter which method – perfection can be learned
Regardless of whether you choose the grill or the pan, the most important thing is to master the right technique. This is not just about choosing the preparation method, but also about the timing, the degree of doneness and the preparation of the meat. If you want to take your steak to the next level, we recommend the cooking course on the perfect steak preparation on 7hauben.com. There you will learn step by step how to bring a perfect steak to the table every time - regardless of whether you prefer the grill or the pan.
