The Traeger Tailgater Jr. is a beloved compact smoker, but its capabilities extend far beyond traditional smoking. This review explores the often-overlooked potential of adding grill grates to this versatile machine, focusing specifically on achieving a perfect sear on a T-bone steak. While many online demonstrations showcase the Tailgater Jr.'s smoking prowess, we delve into the less-documented art of searing, demonstrating how to achieve a delicious balance of smoky flavor and a satisfying crust. We'll detail the step-by-step process, from initial preparation to the final sear, revealing whether this compact smoker can truly deliver a restaurant-quality steak.This detailed review examines the effectiveness of the Traeger Tailgater Jr. grill grates in creating a perfectly seared T-bone steak. We’ll discuss the optimal cooking method, combining low-and-slow smoking with a high-heat sear to achieve the perfect balance of tenderness and char. Expect a thorough assessment of the final product, including its texture, flavor profile, and the overall effectiveness of using grill grates on this popular compact smoker. We’ll determine if this addition is truly a worthwhile investment for enhancing the culinary versatility of your Traeger Tailgater Jr.
Pros And Cons
- Gets the heat where it needs to be
- Produces good sear on steak in a short time (1-2 minutes per side)
- Works well with Traeger Jr. and Tailgater
- Requires 15 minutes of preheating
Read more: Traeger Grill Grates: Top 10 Best Reviews & Buying Guide
Initial Impressions and Setup
The Traeger Tailgater Jr. is a popular compact smoker, but adding grill grates opens up new possibilities. This review focuses on using these grates to sear a T-bone steak, a method not frequently shown in online videos. The initial setup is straightforward; the grates fit securely onto the smoker.
Before cooking, the steak is brought to room temperature, a crucial step for even cooking. This allows for a more consistent sear and prevents the internal temperature from dropping too drastically during the searing process.
Cooking Process: Low and Slow, Then Sear
The steak was first cooked low and slow at 225°F (107°C) until it reached an internal temperature of 115°F (46°C). This ensures the steak is cooked through to the desired doneness while preserving moisture.
After the low-and-slow cooking, the temperature was increased to the highest setting (around 450°F/232°C). The grill grates were preheated for 15 minutes before searing the steak for approximately one to two minutes per side.
Results and Taste Test
The final product was a beautifully seared T-bone steak, showcasing good grill marks from the grates. While not the deeply charred appearance of a traditional sear, the result was juicy and flavorful.
The combination of low-and-slow cooking with the high-heat sear produced a steak with a nice balance of tenderness and char. The taste was excellent, demonstrating the versatility of the Traeger Tailgater Jr. with grill grates.
Conclusion: Are Grill Grates Worth It?
The Traeger Tailgater Jr. grill grates offer a valuable addition, expanding the smoker's capabilities beyond traditional smoking. While the sear isn't as intense as a dedicated grill, it provides a good balance between smoke and char.
The final outcome was a delicious and juicy T-bone steak, showcasing the potential of this setup. The grill grates are a worthwhile addition for anyone seeking to enhance the versatility of their Traeger Tailgater Jr.