Smoked Strip Steak, also known as New York Strip Steak, or Strip Loin Steak, is a delicious, juicy, and flavourful steak that can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients. Smoked strip steak is perfect for any BBQ or outdoor cooking event.
The smoked strip steak is a classic cut of beef that’s rich in flavor, and when paired with a smoky and charred crust from the cast iron pan, it’s truly irresistible.
This recipe is easy to follow, but it does require a few essential tools, including a pellet smoker, a cast iron pan, and a meat thermometer. With these in hand, you’ll be able to create a perfect smoky and juicy steak every time.
This recipe is perfect for beginners who are just starting to explore the world of smoking meat, as well as experienced BBQ enthusiasts who want to try something new.
Once you get a taste of this smoked strip steak, you’ll want to make it again and again. It’s a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides, from classic mashed potatoes to a fresh salad or grilled vegetables.
So fire up your pellet smoker, get your cast iron pan ready, and let’s dive into this delicious and easy-to-follow recipe.
What is a Strip Steak?
A strip steak is a popular cut of beef that comes from the short loin of the cow, located just behind the ribs. It is also known as a New York strip steak, Kansas City strip, or top loin steak. Strip steaks are characterized by their tender and juicy texture, as well as their marbling and rich beefy flavor.
Compared to other cuts of beef, such as ribeye or filet mignon, strip steaks are leaner and have a firmer texture, which makes them ideal for grilling and smoking. When properly cooked, strip steaks are full of flavor and incredibly tender.
To prepare a strip steak, it’s important to let the meat come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps to create a delicious crust on the outside of the meat. Season the steak with coarse salt, black pepper, and garlic powder before cooking.
For best results, grill or smoke the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 10°F under the desired doneness, then sear it in a hot cast iron pan until it reaches the final desired temperature.
Overall, the strip steak is a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes. When paired with the right beer, it can make for an unforgettable dining experience.
How To Make Smoked New York Strip Steaks
Step 1: Preheat Your Smoker
Before you start cooking, you want to make sure that your pellet smoker is preheated to the right temperature. Set your pellet smoker to 225°F and use your preferred hardwood pellets.
If you’re looking for a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the color of your steak, consider using cherry wood. If you prefer a milder smoke flavor, you can opt for alder, pecan, or maple wood. For a more robust, smoky flavor, try using mesquite, hickory, or oak wood. such as hickory or mesquite, to give your steak that smoky flavor.
Step 2: Season Steaks
While the smoker heats up, take your room-temperature steak and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. This will help to prevent the steak from sticking to the smoker grates and add a nice sear to the outside of the steak.
Generously season each side of the steak with your favorite steak rub or simply use coarse salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Step 3: Place Steaks On The Grill Grates
Once the smoker is heated to 225°F, place the seasoned steak on the smoker grates and close the lid. Smoke the steaks until they reach a temperature of 10°F under the final desired temperature. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the steak.
For rare, smoke until the temperature reaches 115°F; for medium-rare, smoke until it reaches 125°F; for medium, smoke until it reaches 135°F; for medium-well, smoke until it reaches 145°F; and for well-done, smoke until it reaches 155°F.
Step 4: Sear The Smoked Steaks
When they’ve reached the temperature that you want, remove steaks from the smoker.
Heat up a cast iron pan on high heat until it’s smoking hot. Lightly coat the bottom of the pan with a high-heat oil like avocado oil. Sear each side of the steak for 1-2 minutes until it reaches the final desired temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature of the steak.
(For rare, sear until the temperature reaches 125°F; for medium-rare, sear until it reaches 135°F; for medium, sear until it reaches 145°F; for medium-well, sear until it reaches 155°F; and for well-done, sear until it reaches 165°F.)
Step 5: Rest
Remove meat from the cast iron skillet and allow them to rest for 10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the steak to absorb its juices evenly, ensuring a moist and tender texture. This also helps to distribute the heat evenly throughout the steak, making sure that it’s not too hot when served.
Step 6: Slice & Serve
Finally, after the steaks have rested, slice them against the grain and serve hot. This is important to achieve a tender and easy-to-chew steak. Slicing against the grain means cutting perpendicular to the direction of the muscle fibers. This will result in shorter, more tender fibers, making the steak easier to eat.
Tips For Making Smoked NY Strip Steak
To help you get started, we’ve put together a list of helpful tips and tricks to ensure that your steak comes out juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.
Meat Thermometer
To ensure that your smoked strip steak is cooked to perfection, invest in a reliable meat thermometer. It will help you to accurately monitor the temperature and avoid undercooked or overcooked steak.
Resting Period
Resting the steak is essential for the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. It’s tempting to dig in right away but wait for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving to ensure that the steak is juicy and tender.
Wood Pellets
Different wood types impart varying flavors to your steak, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Start with milder woods like alder or pecan and gradually work your way up to bolder flavors like mesquite or hickory.
Salt Matters!
Use kosher salt for seasoning: Kosher salt is the preferred choice of many chefs as it’s coarser than regular table salt and helps to create a better crust on the steak. When seasoning your steak, use kosher salt instead of table salt for a more satisfying flavor.
Best Beer To Serve With New York Steak
When it comes to pairing beer with a smoked strip steak, you want to choose a beer that complements the rich, smoky flavors of the meat without overpowering it. Here are my top 3 beer recommendations that will perfectly complement your smoked steak:
Brown Ale
The malty and nutty flavors of a brown ale pair perfectly with the smoky and salty flavors of the steak. The carbonation in the beer also helps to cut through the richness of the meat, creating a balanced and enjoyable flavor experience.
India Pale Ale (IPA)
If you’re a fan of hoppy beers, an IPA is a great choice to pair with a smoked strip steak. The bold, citrusy, and piney notes of an IPA can stand up to the strong flavors of the steak, making for a harmonious and delicious pairing.
Porter
A porter is a dark, rich, and full-bodied beer that has notes of coffee and chocolate. This beer style pairs well with smoked meats as the coffee and chocolate notes complement the smoky flavors of the steak. The smooth and creamy texture of a porter also adds a layer of richness to the meal, making it an indulgent and satisfying pairing.
Related Recipes
- Smoked Steak
- Smoked Strip Steak Recipe
- Brisket Jerky Recipe
- Steak Rub
- Smoked Rib Eye Steak
- Smoke New York Steak
Smoked Strip Steak Recipe
Equipment
- Smoker Pellets
Ingredients
- 2 16 ounce New York Strip Steaks
- 1 tbsp Kosher Salt
- 1 tbsp BBQ Rub
- 1 tbsp Grape Seed Oil
- 2 tbsp Butter
Instructions
- Preheat your pellet smoker to 225°F, using your favorite hardwood pellets.
- Prepare the room-temperature steak by lightly brushing each side with olive oil.
- Season each steak generously with coarse salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Rub the seasoning into the meat to ensure that it sticks well.
- Place the steaks on the smoker grates and close the lid. Smoke the steaks until they reach a temperature of 10°F under the final desired temperature. (for medium-rare, smoke until it reaches 125°F)
- Once the steaks have reached the desired temperature, remove them from the smoker
- Heat up a cast iron pan on high heat until it's smoking hot. Lightly coat the bottom of the pan with high-heat oil like avocado oil
- Sear each side of the steaks for 1-2 minutes until they reach the final desired temperature.(for medium-rare, sear until it reaches 135°F)
- Remove the steaks from the pan and let them rest for 10 minutes.
- Slice the steaks against the grain and serve hot. Enjoy!
Smoked Strip Steak FAQs
What is Smoked Strip Steak?
Smoked Strip Steak is a delicious, juicy, and flavourful steak that can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients. Smoked strip steak is perfect for any BBQ or outdoor cooking event.
What are the health benefits of Smoked Strip Steak?
Smoked Strip Steak is a healthy and delicious option for any meal. It is packed with protein and nutrients, making it a great choice for those who are looking to get the most out of their steak. New York strips are also a leaner option than other types of steak, so it is a good choice for those who are watching their fat intake.
What should I serve with Smoked Strip Steak?
Some popular suggestions to serve alongside this smoked New York strip steak recipe include roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, and a variety of dipping sauces. Smoked strip steak is also delicious served on its own or with a simple salad.
Is Smoked Strip Steak healthy?
Smoked Strip Steak is a healthy and delicious option for any meal. It is packed with protein and nutrients, making it a great choice for those who are looking to get the most out of their steak. Smoked strip steak is also a leaner option than other types of steak, so it is a good choice for those who are watching their fat intake.
What Is The Best Way To Cut Smoked Strip Steak?
Smoked strip steak is best sliced against the grain into thin strips.
What Is The Protein Content Of Smoked Strip Steak?
Smoked strip steak contains approximately 20 grams of protein per serving, but depends on the size.