Clinched Strip Steak

The atomization produced when the fat and juices from the marbled meat make contact with the hot coals creates an intense blast of superheated flavor. When cooked medium-rare, these steaks take only 9 minutes or so. In order to be able to properly time and manipulate them, I’d say four steaks is the limit that you can prepare at one time.

For the herb brush

• Several sprigs each of rosemary, sage, and thyme

For the steaks

• Four 10-ounce boneless strip steaks at least 1¼ inches thick, fat trimmed to 1/4-in.
• 1/4 cup Four Seasons Blend 
• 1/2 cup Butter Baste 

For the board dressing and to finish the steaks

• 6 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbs. finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• Sea or kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Make the herb brush

Tie the herb sprigs around the handle of a wooden spoon, or a long-handled carving fork with kitchen twine.

Cook the steaks

Allow the steaks to come to room temperature, approximately 1 hour straight from the refrigerator.

Prepare a “mature and level” coal bed: lightly tamp the hot coals down
to a uniform height of 4 to 6 inches. A cast-iron skillet or a roasting
pan will serve you well for this task. If you like, place a clean thin
grate or rack directly on the coals; the fire should be very hot.

Season the steaks on both sides with the seasoning blend, then lightly moisten your hands with water and work the seasonings into the meat. Allow to stand for 5 minutes to develop a “meat paste.”

Just
before placing the meat on the coals (or grate), use a hair dryer or a
piece of cardboard to fan the coals sufficiently to clear away bits of
ash.

Using the herb brush, brush the steaks lightly with the butter baste. Put them on the grill grate or directly on the coals and cook, without moving them, for 2 minutes. Turn the steaks, baste lightly, and cook for 2 minutes, then repeat two more times, basting the steaks each time they are flipped.

Lean the steaks up against one another, on their sides, fat side down, and cook for 1 minute. Repeat on the other side (two sides in total), until the steaks reach an internal temperature of 110° to 115°F.

Make the board dressing and finish the steaks

While the steaks cook, mix the olive oil, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste directly on the board. Finely chop the tip of the herb brush and mix
the herbs into the dressing.

Transfer the steaks to the cutting board and turn them in the dressing to coat. Allow to rest for 5 minutes.

To serve, slice the steaks 1/2-in. thick, turning each slice in the
dressing to coat, and arrange on plates. Pour some of the board juices
over each serving and finishing with a sprinkling of salt.