Cooking a juicy, flavorful T-bone steak on the barbecue is a sublime experience for any griller. When done right, this cut of beef is tender, succulent, and packed with rich, beefy flavor. However, grilling the perfect T-bone requires knowing exactly how long to cook it. Undercooking leaves the steak tough and raw, while overcooking dries it out. Follow this guide to learn the ideal barbecue times for a mouthwatering T-bone steak.

Introduction to Grilling T-Bone Steak

The T-bone steak, named after the T-shaped bone that runs through it, is one of the most prized cuts of beef. It contains both the tenderloin and strip loin in one thick, juicy cut. With its generous marbling, a T-bone steak delivers unmatched richness and depth of flavor when grilled over a hot barbecue.

However, its thickness poses a grilling challenge. The steak must reach an internal temperature high enough to cook through the center while avoiding overcooking the exterior. Mastering the barbecue time is key to achieving the perfect medium-rare doneness from edge to edge.

Follow the timing guidelines below to learn how long to grill a T-bone to juicy, tender perfection.

Factors That Affect T-Bone Grilling Times

Several key factors impact how long it takes to grill T-bone steaks:

Steak Thickness

• Thicker steaks require longer grill times. A 1-inch steak may need only 6 minutes total, while a 2-inch steak could need up to 18 minutes.

Steak Temperature Before Grilling

• Steaks grilled straight from the fridge take longer to cook than steaks that have sat at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling.

Grill Heat

• Hotter grills cook steak faster. Steak grilled over high heat cooks more quickly than steak grilled over medium heat.

Desired Doneness

• Rare steak takes less time to grill than medium-rare, medium, or well-done steak. Cook times must increase as desired doneness increases.

Bone-In vs. Boneless

• Bone-in T-bone steaks require 5-10 minutes longer cooking time than boneless strip steaks of equal thickness.

Fat Trimmed

• Heavily trimmed steaks may cook faster than untrimmed steaks protecting by a thick layer of fat cap.

Taking these factors into account ensures you nail the right grilling time for perfect doneness.

How Long to Grill a 1-Inch Thick T-Bone Steak

For a 1-inch thick T-bone steak, the following grilling times will produce foolproof results:

Rare

• Grill at high heat for 4-5 minutes per side, 8-10 minutes total

Medium-Rare

• Grill at high heat for 5-6 minutes per side, 10-12 minutes total

Medium

• Grill at medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, 12-14 minutes total

Medium-Well

• Grill at medium heat for 7-8 minutes per side, 14-16 minutes total

Well-Done

• Grill at medium heat for 8-9 minutes per side, 16-18 minutes total

These times are for steaks removed directly from the refrigerator. Letting them sit at room temp for 30 mins first reduces times by 1-2 mins per side.

For charcoal grills, wait for the coals to reach medium heat (400-450°F) before grilling. For gas grills, preheat on high for 10-15 minutes then reduce heat as needed to achieve the desired temperature.

Flip the steaks once halfway through grilling time. Use tongs instead of a fork to avoid piercing the meat and losing juices.

How Long to Grill a 1.5-Inch Thick T-Bone Steak

A 1.5-inch thick T-bone needs a little more time on the grill:

Rare

• Grill at high heat for 6-7 minutes per side, 12-14 minutes total

Medium-Rare

• Grill at high heat for 7-8 minutes per side, 14-16 minutes total

Medium

• Grill at medium-high heat for 8-9 minutes per side, 16-18 minutes total

Medium-Well

• Grill at medium heat for 9-10 minutes per side, 18-20 minutes total

Well-Done

• Grill at medium heat for 10-11 minutes per side, 20-22 minutes total

Allowing the steak to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling will reduce cooking times by about 2 minutes per side.

Use tongs to flip the steak just once at the halfway point. Resist poking or prodding during grilling.

How Long to Grill a 2-Inch Thick T-Bone Steak

Here are the ideal grilling times for a 2-inch thick juicy T-bone steak:

Rare

• Grill at high heat for 7-8 minutes per side, 14-16 minutes total

Medium-Rare

• Grill at high heat for 8-9 minutes per side, 16-18 minutes total

Medium

• Grill at medium-high heat for 9-10 minutes per side, 18-20 minutes total

Medium-Well

• Grill at medium heat for 10-11 minutes per side, 20-22 minutes total

Well-Done

• Grill at medium heat for 11-12 minutes per side, 22-24 minutes total

Take thick steaks out of the fridge 30 minutes early so they can warm up to reduce cooking time. Flip only once during grilling.

For charcoal grills, build an even bed of medium heat coals (400-450°F). For gas grills, preheat, clean grates well, then reduce heat as needed to maintain a steady medium-high to medium temperature.

Testing Steak Doneness

Checking for doneness using the touch test:

• Rare: Steaks feel soft and spongy. Internal temp reaches 115-125°F.
• Medium-rare: Steaks feel firmly soft and springy. Internal temp reaches 130-135°F.
• Medium: Steaks feel firm with minimal give. Internal temp reaches 135-145°F.
• Medium-well: Steaks feel firmly firm with no give. Internal temp reaches 145-155°F.
• Well-done: Steaks feel hard and solid. Internal temp reaches 155°F and above.

Use an instant-read thermometer to take precise temperature readings, especially for thick steaks. Insert into the thickest part without touching bone.

Factors for the Perfect T-Bone Steak

Achieving the ideal doneness depends on several factors:

1. Season Well

Generously season T-bone steaks on both sides with salt and pepper or steak seasoning. Seasoning adds flavor and enhances browning.

2. Choose Bone-In Steaks

The T-shaped bone that gives the T-bone its name helps conduct heat for more even cooking. The bone also imparts extra flavor.

3. Pick Thick Cuts

1-inch thick or greater steaks have enough thickness to develop a nice sear before the interior overcooks. Thinner steaks get well-done too fast.

4. Grill Over Direct High Heat

Searing over direct high heat maximizes browning and builds deep charred flavor. Avoid low heat which steams rather than sears.

5. Let Steak Warm Before Grilling

Taking steak straight from fridge to grill means the cold interior takes longer to cook. Let it sit at room temp for 30 mins.

6. Flip Only Once

Flipping repeatedly can dry out steaks. For even cooking, flip just once at the halfway point.

7. Test for Doneness Early

Check for doneness several minutes before expected finish time. This prevents overcooking.

8. Rest Steaks After Grilling

Letting steaks rest 5-10 minutes after grilling allows juices to redistribute evenly. Slice and serve.

Common Grilling Mistakes

Watch out for these easily avoided mistakes that can ruin T-bone steaks:

• Putting cold steak straight onto the grill
• Grilling over low heat instead of searing
• Flipping steaks too frequently
• Poking steaks with a fork
• Forgetting to rest steaks after cooking
• Cutting into steaks immediately instead of letting rest

With the right techniques and target grill times, you can avoid these pitfalls for phenomenal T-bones.

Grilling Times for Other Cuts of Steak

While this guide focused specifically on T-bone steaks, the same principles apply to grilling times for other popular steaks:

Strip Steak or New York Strip

• Treat as equivalent in thickness to T-bone

Ribeye Steak

• Increase time by 2-3 minutes per side since ribeye is fattier

Filet Mignon

• Reduce time by 2-3 minutes per side since filet mignon is leaner

Flank Steak

• Grill only to medium-rare doneness since flank steak toughens when cooked to well-done

Skirt or Hanger Steak

• Can be grilled quickly over high heat for 4-7 mins per side

Adjust times based on thickness and allow steaks to rest 5-10 mins before slicing into them.

Conclusion

Learning how long to barbecue T-bone steak results in incredibly succulent, flavorful results every time. Follow the guidelines provided for your desired doneness and steak thickness. Mastering the grilling times means you’ll never have to settle for undercooked or overcooked steaks again.

With the proper technique, you can achieve grilled T-bone perfection. Next time your fire up the grill, put these T-bone times to the test for unforgettable steakhouse quality right in your own backyard. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling T-Bone Steak

Cooking juicy, tender T-bone steaks on the grill is a sublime joy when you know how to do it right. But if you’re new to grilling T-bones, you probably have some questions about how to barbecue them to perfection. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about cooking times for mouthwatering T-bone steaks.

What is the best thickness for T-bone steaks?

T-bone steaks should be at least 1-inch thick, preferably 1.5 to 2-inches thick. Steaks less than 1 inch thick often overcook and dry out on the grill before developing a nice sear. Go for the thickest T-bone steaks you can find. The extra thickness allows you to develop a flavorful crust while keeping the interior nice and juicy.

How long does it take to grill a 2-inch T-bone steak?

For a 2-inch thick T-bone steak, expect to grill about 8-9 minutes per side for rare, 9-10 minutes per side for medium-rare, 10-11 minutes per side for medium, 11-12 minutes per side for medium-well, and 12-13 minutes per side for well-done. These times are for steaks removed directly from the fridge. Letting them warm up at room temp first reduces times by 2 minutes per side.

Should T-bone steaks be grilled direct or indirect heat?

Always grill T-bone steaks directly over the heat source. You want a hot fire for searing the outside and developing a nice crust. Avoid indirect heat which steams the meat instead of searing it. Use direct high heat the entire time for maximum flavor.

How can you tell when T-bone steak is done grilling?

Use the touch test by gently pressing on the steaks. Rare steak feels soft and spongy. Medium-rare is softly springy. Medium is firm with minimal give. Medium-well has no give. And well-done feels solid and hard. For the most accuracy, use an instant read thermometer.

At what temperature are T-bone steaks done?

• Rare: 115-125°F
• Medium-rare: 130-135°F
• Medium: 135-145°F
• Medium-well: 145-155°F
• Well-done: 155°F and above

Insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the steak without touching the bone.

Should you sear T-bone steaks before or after grilling?

Always sear the steaks before they go on the grill. Searing over direct high heat at the start builds maximum char and flavor. If you try to sear after grilling, the window for the perfect sear will pass while the interior cooks. So sear first over direct heat on a hot grill.

How long should you rest T-bone steaks after grilling?

After grilling, let the T-bone steaks rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. Resting gives time for the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. Skipping this step means you’ll lose juice as it rushes out when you cut.

What are the most common grilling mistakes for T-bones?

Frequent mistakes include cold steak straight on the grill, insufficient searing, poking with a fork, flipping too often, forgetting to rest, and immediately slicing instead of resting. Follow the tips in this guide to avoid these common errors.

What are the best seasonings for grilled T-bones?

Simple salt and pepper lets the natural beefy flavor shine. You can also use steak seasoning blends, Montreal steak seasoning, garlic powder, herbs like rosemary or thyme, peppercorns, chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, or teriyaki marinades.

Conclusion

Mastering the ideal grilling times and temperatures is crucial for cooking flawless T-bone steaks on the barbecue. Refer to this FAQ guide anytime questions arise about how to grill these juicy, beefy steaks to smoky, succulent perfection.