This easy sugar steak recipe crafts the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The sugar helps to create a delicious outer crust during the searing process. This recipe is easy to follow and, you’ll be enjoying the simplicity of this amazing steak in no time!
Steak is a classic dish that many people love, but have you ever seasoned it with sugar? Don’t worry; it’s paired with salt so that you won’t end up with a sweet steak! The sugar creates a caramelized outer crust that’s both sweet and savory, giving the steak an extra layer of flavor.
Using the right steak
When it comes to making sugar steaks, it’s important to use the right cut of meat. New York strip steaks are a great option because they have a good amount of fat that helps to keep the meat juicy and tender during the cooking process. You can also use ribeye or t-bone steaks for this recipe. If possible, let steaks come up to room temperature for 15 minutes before seasoning, then let them stand for another 15 minutes before cooking. This will raise the steak temperature and help with even cooking and tenderness.
Please note: If you are using a larger steak like ribeye or T-Bone, use 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar mixture per steak. They carry great surface area and mass, so they require more seasoning. Also, you will need to adjust your cooking times based on thickness and your desired doneness.
Sugar steak quick tips
- Use a cast-iron skillet on the grill for easy searing OR use a flat-top grill/griddle.
- Heat the skillet on the grill before adding the steaks.
- Check the center of the steaks with an instant-read thermometer for accurate doneness.
- Let the steaks rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
- If you’d like to infuse a little smoke, we recommend using pecan or maple wood for this recipe. The steaks won’t be on the grill very long, so the smoke flavor will be mild.
Ingredients
- 3 New York strip steaks
- Salt
- Granulated sugar (sub with light brown sugar or raw sugar)
- Olive oil (or grapeseed)
- Black pepper (optional)
You will need to use a grill and cast-iron skillet, OR flat-top griddle like a Blackstone for this recipe.
Prepping the steaks
- Take the New York strip steaks out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, combine the salt and sugar to create a salt and sugar-mixture.
- Season each side of the steak with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt and sugar mixture (for a total of 1 tablespoon of mixture per steak).
- Let the steaks stand for 10-15 minutes.
Grilling sugar steaks
- Preheat your gas, pellet, or charcoal grill to 450 degrees F. Use maple or pecan wood chips, chunks, or pellets for this recipe. If using a flat-top grill, simply follow your manufacturer’s instructions for steak cooking.
- Set your cast-iron skillet on the grill grates to heat up.
- Add oil and let it heat. Once there is a faint wisp of smoke, it’s good and hot.
- Place sugar steaks in the pan; do not overcrowd them. Sear steaks for 3-4 minutes per side or until a nice brown crust forms.
- Use tongs to sear the edges as well. This will help render some of the fat and caramelize the remaining bits.
- Check the center of the steaks with an instant-read meat thermometer. Once it reaches between 130-135 degrees F, they are done. If you like your steaks on the rare side or more cooked, refer to our steak temperature guide for accurate temps.
- Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the sugar steaks from the skillet and place them on a clean cutting board. Let the steaks rest for 5-7 minutes. Doing this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender, juicy steak.
- Slice the steaks against the grain, place them on a serving platter, and enjoy!
- Store leftover sugar steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Sugar steaks are an easy way to switch up your regular steak routine. With our simple cooking technique, you can create a delicious and memorable steak dinner any time of the week!
What to pair with sugar steaks
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Easy Sugar Steak
This easy sugar steak recipe is the perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors. The sugar helps to create a delicious outer crust during the searing process. By following these simple steps, you will have a juicy, tender, and flavorful steak.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American Food
Keyword sugar steak, sugar steaks
Prep Time 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes minutes
Total Time 22 minutes minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 267kcal
- 3 New York strip steaks
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or grapeseed
Take the New York strip steaks out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a small bowl, combine the salt and sugar to create a salt and sugar-mixture.
Season each side of the steak with 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt and sugar mixture (for a total of 1 tablespoon of mixture per steak).
Let the steaks stand for 10-15 minutes.
Preheat your grill to 450 degrees F. Use maple or pecan wood chips, chunks, or pellets for this recipe.
Place your cast-iron skillet on the grill to heat up.
Add oil and let it heat. Once there is a faint wisp of smoke, it’s good and hot.
Place sugar steaks in the pan; do not overcrowd them. Sear steaks for 3-4 minutes per side or until a nice brown crust forms.
Use tongs to sear the edges as well. This will help render some of the fat and caramelize the remaining bits.
Check the center of the steaks with an instant-read meat thermometer. Once it reaches between 130-135 degrees F, they are done. If you like your steaks on the rare side or more cooked, refer to our steak temperature guide for accurate temps.
Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the sugar steaks from the skillet and place them on a clean cutting board. Let the steaks rest for 5-7 minutes. Doing this allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender, juicy steak.
Slice the steaks against the grain, place them on a serving platter, and enjoy!
Store leftover sugar steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Calories: 267kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 2384mg | Potassium: 303mg | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 2mg
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