A robust, smoky, deeply seasoned grilled T-bone steak inspired by classic American backyard barbecue, with a marinade that builds layers of savory, peppery, slightly spicy flavor. Perfect for high-heat grilling and ideal for showing off the beauty of T-bone cuts: the strip on one side, the tenderloin on the other.
Ingredients (Serves 2–4)
For the Steaks
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2 large T-bone steaks, 1¼–1½ inches thick (about 1.25–1.75 lbs each)
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2–3 tbsp olive oil
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Coarse kosher salt, to taste
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Freshly cracked black pepper, generous amount
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½–1 tsp smoked paprika
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
For the Marinade
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¼ cup soy sauce
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¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
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3 tbsp olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp brown sugar (balances the soy + adds caramelization)
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1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
Optional Enhancers
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1–2 tbsp steak seasoning blend (Montreal style works great)
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Fresh herbs—thyme or rosemary—for finishing
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2 tbsp butter for basting during the last minute on the grill
Instructions
1. Prepare the Steaks
Pat the steaks dry thoroughly—dry meat equals better browning.
Trim only large, hard pieces of fat; leave most fat intact for flavor.
Season both sides generously with:
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kosher salt
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black pepper
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garlic and onion powder
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smoked paprika
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crushed red pepper (if using)
Let the steaks sit at room temperature for 30–40 minutes to relax the muscle fibers and help them cook more evenly.
2. Make the Marinade
In a bowl or large zip-top bag, combine:
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soy sauce
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Worcestershire
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olive oil
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garlic
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brown sugar
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lemon juice
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pepper
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oregano
Mix until the sugar dissolves.
Add the steaks and coat thoroughly.
Marinate 2–4 hours for best flavor, but even 1 hour works.
Avoid marinating overnight because the acidity can soften the meat too much.
3. Preheat the Grill
Heat your gas or charcoal grill to high heat (450–550°F).
T-bone steaks love direct, high searing, followed by a short finish over indirect heat.
If using charcoal:
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pile coals to one side for a 2-zone setup
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let them burn until glowing and lightly ashed
If using gas:
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preheat all burners
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then turn one side to low for a cool zone
Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
4. Sear the Steaks
Remove steaks from marinade; let excess drip off.
Pat lightly and brush with a bit of oil.
Place on direct heat:
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3–4 minutes per side for a hard sear
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Don’t move them—let the crust form
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Rotate halfway through each side if you want crosshatched grill marks
During the last minute, baste with butter and herbs for a steakhouse finish (optional but amazing).
5. Finish Over Indirect Heat
Move steaks to cool side of grill.
Cook until desired doneness:
| Doneness | Internal Temp (Pull Off Grill) | Final Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120–125°F | 125–130°F |
| Medium-Rare | 130–135°F | 135–140°F |
| Medium | 140–145°F | 145–150°F |
| Medium-Well | 150–155°F | 155–160°F |
Because a T-bone contains two muscles, the tenderloin side will cook faster; keep that side slightly farther from the hottest zone.
6. Rest and Serve
Let the steaks rest 8–10 minutes loosely tented with foil.
This redistributes juices for maximum tenderness.
Slice against the grain or serve whole.
Optional finishing touches:
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A pat of butter
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Sprinkle of flaky sea salt
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Fresh herbs
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Cracked pepper
Serving Ideas
Rock’s T-Bone Steaks pair well with:
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Grilled corn brushed with chili-lime butter
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Baked or grilled potatoes
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Charred asparagus or Brussels sprouts
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Creamy horseradish sauce
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Steakhouse wedge salad
Tips for Maximum Flavor
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Use thick steaks (thin ones dry out fast).
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Rest before and after grilling.
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High heat = better sear and more flavor.
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Don’t skip the sugar in the marinade—just enough to create caramelization.
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Let the steak’s natural beefiness shine; don’t over-season.
- 4 teaspoons salt, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder, or to taste
- 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
- 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander, or to taste
- 3/4 teaspoon ground turmeric, or to taste
- 4 (16 ounce) t-bone steaks, at room temperature
Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
Rub the steaks on all sides with the seasoning mixture.
Grill recipes for steak: honey-glazed-grilled-salmon-steaks
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