Grilling a juicy, flavorful steak to perfection takes skill and know-how. There are many factors involved in determining the right cooking time for a great steak, including the cut and thickness of the meat, desired doneness, grill setup, and more. This comprehensive guide provides tips, techniques, time charts, and expert advice to help you nail steakhouse quality steaks off your own grill every time.
Overview of How Long to BBQ Different Cuts of Steak
How long you grill your steak depends largely on the cut and thickness of the meat. Here’s a quick overview of approximate grilling times for common cuts:
- Tenderloin (Filet Mignon):
- 1 inch thick – 6 to 8 minutes total
- 2 inches thick – 10 to 12 minutes total
- Ribeye, T-Bone & Porterhouse:
- 1 inch thick – 8 to 12 minutes total
- 2 inches thick – 14 to 18 minutes total
- Strip Steak:
- 1 inch thick – 8 to 10 minutes total
- 1.5 inches thick – 10 to 12 minutes total
- Flank Steak:
- 0.5 – 0.75 inch thick – 8 to 10 minutes total
- Skirt Steak:
- 0.5 inch thick – 6 to 8 minutes total
Keep in mind these times can vary based on desired doneness, grill heat, steak temperature before grilling, and other factors. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
How to Determine Doneness of Steak
Judging the doneness of steak by appearance alone can be tricky. Using an instant read meat thermometer is the most reliable method. Here are the approximate internal temps for different degrees of doneness:
- Rare – 120-125°F
- Medium Rare – 130-135°F
- Medium – 140-145°F
- Medium Well – 150-155°F
- Well Done – 160°F+
For thick steaks, remove them from the grill when they are 5-10°F below your desired doneness to account for carryover cooking as the steak rests. The internal temp will continue rising by about 5-10°F after removed from the grill.
For ultimate accuracy, insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak away from any bones. Be sure to clean the thermometer probe between testing different pieces.
How Grill Heat Affects Steak Cooking Time
The temperature at which you grill the steak has a major impact on overall cooking time. Here’s how different grill heat levels compare:
- High Heat (500-550°F) – This intense heat is ideal for getting a nice sear on the outside while cooking the interior to medium rare or so. Steaks cook very fast at this temp, so watch them closely.
- Medium-High Heat (450-500°F) – This is the ideal range for most steak grilling. It provides a nice sear while allowing reasonable time to get the desired internal doneness.
- **Medium Heat (350-450°F) **- Steak will cook slower at this temp, making it good for very thick cuts or those you want well done. Be patient when grilling with medium heat.
- Low Heat (250-350°F) – Don’t bother grilling steaks at this low temperature. It will take too long to cook the interior without overdrying the outside.
For the best results, sear the steaks over high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, then move them to medium heat to finish cooking to your desired doneness. This helps prevent charring the outside before the inside is done.
Factors that Increase or Decrease Grilling Time
Many variables impact just how long you need to grill that perfect steak. Here are some of the main factors to keep in mind:
Increased Grilling Time Needed:
- Thicker cut of steak
- Colder steak at start of grilling
- Lower grill temperature
- Desired doneness closer to well done
- Lots of excess marinade or rub on steak
Decreased Grilling Time Needed:
- Thinner cut of steak
- Steak closer to room temp before grilling
- Hotter grill temperature
- Desired doneness closer to rare
- Leaner cuts like filet mignon
- Grilling many steaks in a row (grill gets hotter)
Use these factors to adjust your time up or down from the general guidelines provided. Checking temperature with a meat thermometer is the best way to prevent under or overcooked steaks.
Handy Steak Grilling Time Charts by Thickness
For quick reference, here are some handy steak grilling time charts broken down by common thicknesses. Simply match up thickness and desired doneness.
1 Inch Thick Steaks
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1.5 Inch Thick Steaks
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2 Inch Thick Steaks
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Refer to these handy charts for estimated grilling times based on thickness and doneness. Be sure to use your thermometer for accuracy and adjust cooking time up or down as needed.
Tips for Grilling Steak Like a Pro
Follow these expert tips and techniques for grilling flawless, restaurant-worthy steaks at home every time:
- Bring steaks to room temp before grilling for more even cooking. Take them out of fridge 30 min to 1 hour ahead.
- Pat steaks dry with paper towels before seasoning. Wet meat doesn’t sear as well.
- Use a binder like oil or egg whites when applying dry rubs and seasoning. Helps them stick better.
- Preheat grill for at least 10-15 minutes on high heat to get hot enough for good sear. Scrape grill grates clean beforehand.
- Don’t move steaks too much during cooking. Flip only once unless absolutely necessary.
- Let meat rest 5-10 minutes after removing from grill before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.
- Make sure the grill is hot when searing. You want a sizzle immediately when steaks hit the grates.
- Consider using a digital probe thermometer so you can monitor interior temp without constantly opening the grill.
Mastering the perfect grilling time and temperature for different steaks takes practice. Be patient, use a meat thermometer, and adjust your techniques as needed for success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about grilling times for steak:
How long should I grill a 1 inch ribeye?
A 1 inch ribeye steak will take about 8-12 minutes total to grill, depending on desired doneness. Grill 2-3 minutes per side over high heat to sear, then move to medium heat to finish cooking until it reaches your desired internal temperature.
What is the best temperature to grill steaks at?
The ideal grill temperature range for most steaks is 450-500°F. This allows you to sear the outside while cooking the interior to your preferred doneness. Use high heat (500-550°F) just for the initial searing, then medium-high (450-500°F) to finish.
How long does it take to grill steak at 400 degrees?
If grilling at 400 degrees F, expect it to take a little longer than higher heat grilling. A 1 inch sirloin may need about 10-14 minutes total, while a 2 inch ribeye could take 18-22 minutes at that temp. Check with a meat thermometer for doneness.
Should you grill steak on high or low?
Always sear steaks over high heat first to get a nice crust. But finish cooking them over medium heat to prevent burning the outside before the inside is done. The exception is very thin steaks which can be cooked entirely over high heat quickly.
How can you tell when a steak is done without a thermometer?
It takes some practice, but you can check for doneness by pressing the steak to gauge firmness. Rare is quite soft, medium rare has some give, medium is firmer yet still tender, and well done feels solid. Look for juices to run clear and the color to change from red to brownish.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of grilling steak requires understanding how factors like cut, thickness, grill temperature, and desired doneness impact cooking times. Refer to this guide for handy steak grilling time charts and pro tips. With the right techniques, you can achieve tender, juicy, flavorful steaks off your own grill that rival the best steakhouses.