Choose a T-bone with both tenderloin and strip loin attached. A well-heated grill browns the outside quickly; the center is traditionally served rare. Thickness and the heat of the embers matter more than the clock, so adjust the cooking to the doneness you prefer.
Bistecca alla fiorentina
Prep 20 min · Cook 13 min · Rest 10 min · Serves 4 · Difficulty Medium
Method
Heat a charcoal grill until the embers are glowing and there are no flames beneath the cooking area. Clean the grate and set it over the heat. Allow about 20 minutes for the grill to heat; start earlier if your charcoal needs longer.Heat a charcoal grill until the embers are glowing and there are no flames beneath the cooking area. Clean the grate and set it over the heat. Allow about 20 minutes for the grill to heat; start earlier if your charcoal needs longer.
Pat the steak dry. Put it on the hot grate without oil and grill for about 5 minutes, leaving it undisturbed so the surface browns. Lift it with tongs rather than piercing it.Pat the steak dry. Put it on the hot grate without oil and grill for about 5 minutes, leaving it undisturbed so the surface browns. Lift it with tongs rather than piercing it.
Turn the steak, salt the cooked side and grill the second side for about 5 minutes. Salt that side, then stand the steak on its bone edge with the tongs and cook for about 3 minutes. Move it away from flare-ups and extend the cooking if you prefer a more cooked center.Turn the steak, salt the cooked side and grill the second side for about 5 minutes. Salt that side, then stand the steak on its bone edge with the tongs and cook for about 3 minutes. Move it away from flare-ups and extend the cooking if you prefer a more cooked center.
Transfer to a warm board or platter and rest for 10 minutes. Cut the meat away from both sides of the bone, then slice across the grain.Transfer to a warm board or platter and rest for 10 minutes. Cut the meat away from both sides of the bone, then slice across the grain.
Arrange the slices beside the bone. Finish with the olive oil and freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.Arrange the slices beside the bone. Finish with the olive oil and freshly ground black pepper and serve immediately.
