Savor the Sizzle of Summer Grilling Season

Nothing says summer quite like the smell and sound of real beef sizzling on the grill. Whether it means enjoying a grilled beef meal with family and friends that we haven’t seen for a while, beef can bring people together around the grill. This summer, beef farmers and ranchers, through the iconic Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner. brand, are letting families around the country know that the grills are open and beef is on the menu.

Join Iowa’s beef farmers in celebrating June Steak Month and summer grilling season with one of these savory steak recipes:

• Grilled T-Bone Steaks with BBQ Rub: This could be called beef at its best. A simple rub including chili powder, garlic, and brown sugar adds that special touch.
• Ribeye Steaks with Fresh Tomato Tapenade: Add a burst of freshness and color to grilled Ribeye steaks with a fresh tomato and olive tapenade.
• Garden Herb Strip Steaks: Make a rub from thyme, oregano, lemon, and garlic for big flavor on Strip Steak.

If conquering the grill sounds daunting, try these tips to grill the perfect steak:

1. Consider your cut: There are endless options when it comes to cuts of beef. Why not try taking your grilling game up a notch with a cut you might not be as familiar with, like a juicy Flat Iron or a lean, flavorful Flank Steak? Visit here for more cut ideas for grilling.
   
2. Elevate those flavors: Marinades and rubs are a great way to take beef to the next level with minimal effort. To add extra flavor, tender cuts can be marinated for as little as 15 minutes or as long as two hours. For less tender cuts, marinating for at least six hours, but not more than 24 hours, will do the trick.
   
3. Medium and steady wins the race: When it comes to cooking beef, there is no need to rush the process by using any higher heat than medium. Cooking at a medium heat allows beef to achieve caramelization while still developing rich flavors and avoiding charring.
   
4. Temperature is king: To have the best eating experience, it is important to cook beef to the correct internal temperature. The best way to ensure accurate results is to use a meat thermometer.
   
5. Let it rest: Always let beef rest for about 5 minutes after it comes off the grill to lock in all those tasty juices.
   
6. Time to savor: Once you’ve finished grilling that delicious beef meal, it’s time to sit back and enjoy.

“Gathering around the grill with good food will continue to be signature summer moments,” said Kylie Peterson, Director of Marketing and Communications. “When it comes to grilling season, beef is top of mind, as shoppers say beef is frequently their top grilling season protein.”

Visit our website for more summer grilling recipe inspiration and cooking tips!

Burger Battle Results 

Last month the New York Beef Council challenged Iowa’s Best Burger winner to an ultimate Burger Battle. During the week-long, friendly competition Iowans rallied their votes for Bambino’s “Bino” Burger and were victoriously awarded bragging rights over Ale ‘n’ Angus Pub’s “Hot & Smokey Candied Bacon Burger”.

If you haven’t had a chance to travel to Ossian and try their award-winning burger, mark your calendar to attend the Iowa State Fair on Friday, August 13. Bambino’s will be serving roughly 400 burgers at the Cattlemen’s Beef Quarters. 

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About the Iowa Beef Industry Council: The Iowa Beef Industry Council is funded by the $1-per-head National Beef Checkoff Program and the $0.50-per-head Iowa State Beef Checkoff. Checkoff dollars are invested in beef promotion, consumer information, research, industry information and foreign market development, all with the purpose of strengthening beef demand.  For more information, visit www.iabeef.org.