Entrecote, which is also known as prime rib or rib steak, is one of the most tender and flavorful cuts of beef you can get and it is easy to learn how to cook it on the grill. This premium steak is taken from between the ribs. You can usually get the best meat from your local butcher, although the local grocery store is likely to stock good entrecote too.
You might like to marinade the meat and, since this cut of beef is so tender already, the marinade will just be for adding flavor rather than breaking down any tough connective tissue, so opt for a thirty minute marinade.
Entrecote Marinade Ideas
Fans of traditional Mexican foods and the associated south of the border flavors might like to use chili, cumin, coriander or other spicy ingredients to give their entrecotes a vibrant kick but there are lots of different marinade ingredients to choose from.
Combine twelve ounces of red wine vinegar with a tablespoon each of minced garlic and Worcestershire sauce, a teaspoon of black pepper and half a tablespoon of minced onion. This makes a very flavorful marinade for a pair of ten ounce entrecotes.
For garlic-lovers, try combining six minced garlic cloves with half a cup of red wine, two tablespoons each of fresh thyme leaves and olive oil and some salt and pepper to make a wonderful marinating liquid.
Put the meat in a two quart glass dish and season it with salt, pepper and your chosen marinade. Cover and chill for half an hour. Preheat the grill to moderately hot, if you are using a gas one or preheat your charcoal grill and wait until the coals are white-gray and glowing before you add the meat.
On The Grill
Grill the marinated beef for about six minutes on one side. This might be too little or too much because it depends on the entrecote thickness, so add, or subtract a minute or two if you think it is necessary. Do not use a steak which is thicker than an inch because it is hard to get the center hot on a grill without burning the outside of the beef.
Flip the meat over and grill the other side for four or five minutes. Flip them again and close the grill for a minute or two to finish them off. If your finger leaves an indentation in the steak when you press down, it is still rare in the center. The firmer it is, the more done it is.
Let The Entrecote Rest
It is important to let the beef sit for five minutes on a plate when it is cooked, before you serve it or cut into it. This allows the juices to redistribute and means the entrecote will be juicier and softer.
As with most steaks, this cut is best cooked to medium rare. You will ruin it if you cook it to well done, unless you want to sacrifice succulence and juiciness for a dried-out, gray interior. Give this meat the respect it deserves and cook it like a professional chef would and both the flavor and the texture will be amazing.
You can serve steak with any side dishes you like. If you enjoy authentic Mexican food recipes, what about some grilled vegetables? Rub some Mexican herbs and spices over them before you begin. Spanish rice would go well with grilled steak or you could make some potato salad.