Grilled steak Greek-style (Στέικ)

This perfectly seasoned steak is made with simple seasonings of black pepper, Greek oregano and Montreal Steak spice. Simply prepared and perfectly grilled, it is a wonderful way to celebrate summer outdoor entertaining.

Why I love this recipe

There are two types of people in the world, those who gravitate towards the ease and convenience of a gas grill, and those who believe that grilling must be done with charcoal, smoking chips, and some extra time.  There are certainly advantages to both, and truth be told, I wouldn’t turn down a meal cooked on either type of barbecue.

When I was growing up, my father had a large round charcoal grill with a green lid which was kept ready and waiting in the backyard of our apartment building.  This was used when he had many things to cook, either because we were having company, or because it just made sense to prepare several meals in advance, given that the charcoal was already burning.  Common sense at all times.

He also had a smaller tabletop hibachi grill which was kept on our back balcony.  It was heavy, make of cast-iron and rectangular and had two square grills which would be removed and adjusted for height using their wooden handles.  This was the grill that was used when a quick meal for the 5 of us was needed. It was also the grill that was carried up to Mont-Royal park on lazy Sundays when the entire family would find a spot under a tree and spend the day, eating, playing and not yet realizing that we would one day long for that carefree simplicity.

One of our most favourite things to eat off the grill was, and remains, steak.  Every once in a while, the grocery store would have a sale on rib-eyes and our parents would stock up, ensuring that we would have a steady supply throughout the summer when the grilling was easy.  They still do this; the only difference is that now it is usually the son-in-laws who man the grill and cook the steaks that our dad has prepared and seasoned.

Key ingredients

These are the ingredients you will need to make a delicious grilled steak, just the way my dad does!

Rib eye steak I am a huge fan of rib eye steak, especially for grilling. It has such a great flavour, it is tender and so juicy. The meat around the bone is always especially delicious!

Montreal steak spice This is so much flavour in one container! Coming from Montreal, it is only natural that my family turns to Montreal steak spice! It is so good and you can usually find it pretty easily even outside Montreal! If not, don’t worry! I have given you a copy cat recipe further down in the Cooking Tips section!

Dry oregano It would not be a Greek grilled steak, and a recipe from my Greek Baba, without some dry oregano!

Black pepper I think that black pepper, (ideally fresh-cracked pepper which has a bolder flavour) is the best spice for steak. It has strong flavour, and won’t burn when exposed to high heat.

How to make it

Nothing could be easier than preparing a delicious grilled steak on the barbecue!

Step 1
Rub the Montreal steak spice, dry oregano and black pepper on both sides of the steak. Allow them to rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour and up to 12 hours.

Step 2
Bring your steaks to room temperature while you prepare your grill.

Step 3
Grill your steaks over medium heat for about 3 minutes per side for a medium rare doneness.

Step 4
When your steak is cooked to your liking, allow it to rest for about 5 minutes to allow the juices to settle before cutting it.

How to tell when your steak is done

The most reliable way to know if your steak is ready is to use a digital instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of your steaks while they cook. Insert the probe sideways towards the thickest part and avoid hitting the bone. Follow this temperature guide to find your perfect doneness:

Rare: 125 degrees F + 3 minute rest off the heat

Medium-Rare: 130 to 135 degrees F

Medium: 135 to 140 degrees F

Medium-Well: 140 to 150 degrees F

Well-Done: 155 degrees F +

Cooking tips

This recipe for grilled steak could not be easier; spice it up with Montreal steak spice, dry oregano and some black pepper, let it sit for a while (about 20 minutes at room temperature), and then cook pretty quickly for a medium rare temperature. 

The cooking time I have proposed in this recipe gives a medium rare cook.  Keep in mind that cooking time will be impacted by the temperature of your grill, the thickness of your meat, and how you want your steak cooked.  If you don’t have a lot of experience grilling, a meat thermometer is really your best friend. I love this instant read meat thermometer because it is easy to use and is pretty inexpensive.

If you don’t have a meat thermometer (but I really recommend you purchase one) remember that you can always cook your steak more if it is too rare when you cut into it, but you can’t un-cook it if overdone.  With practice, you will get to know your grill and you will become a master.  I believe in you!

If you want to get the fancy grill marks on your steak, rotate it 90 degrees a few minutes after cooking.

Great sides for grilled steak

I love to serve steak with either roasted lemon potatoes or French fries, and a fresh salad like the traditional Greek maroulosalata or an orzo salad. Of course, a potato salad, like this mayonnaise-free Greek Potato Salad is amazing too!

Cook your ribeye steak indoors

Although I love grilling my steak on out outdoor grill, you can also make this meal using a grill pan (or regular pan) on your stove top. Turn your exhaust fan on – it can smoke a bit!

To prepare your steak this way, follow the seasoning instructions described in this recipe and then place the steak in the skillet and sear each side for about 2 minutes until a brown crust forms. Then transfer the skillet (it has to be a skillet that can go into the oven – no plastic handles please) with the ribeye into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Cook the steak for 5-7 minutes for medium-rare or 7-10 minutes for medium.

If you don’t have a frying pan or skillet that can go into the oven, transfer the steak from your frying pan onto a baking sheet or pan. You will have an extra piece of cookware to wash, but it will be worth it!

Recipe variations

If you are looking for more tips on how to season your steak, this guide from Traeger is a wonderful resource. Basic questions answered and some simple but delicious sounding seasoning mixes to help you eat well!

Related recipes

If you love grilling, and love the idea of a Greek-style grilled steak, then I think you will also love these recipes!

Pork souvlaki Made with pork tenderloin, this is the most tender and flavourful souvlaki you will have.

Greek grilled octopus Don’t be intimidated to make octopus! With this easy to follow recipe, you are going to have great success, and impress your family and friends!

Greek grilled lamb chops (Paidakia arnisia stin skara) Yummy! For a special occasion, nothing beats these grilled lamb chops.

Grilled chicken bowl Grill up your chicken and then prepare this hearty and healthy bowl. This one is great for meal prepping!

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