How Long to Grill Steak – Times, Temperatures & Tips

Grilling steak at home doesn’t have to be difficult. At The Carnivore Market, we’ve put together a complete grilling guide to help you cook your steaks perfectly every time. Whether you’re hosting a casual BBQ or preparing a juicy medium-rare steak for a special dinner, our expert tips will make you feel like a pro on the grill.

Tools You’ll Need to Grill the Best Steak

Before you get started, gather these essentials for the best steak results:

• Grill: A charcoal or gas grill works great for precise heat control.

• Meat Thermometer: To ensure your steak reaches the perfect temperature for the right doneness.

• Tongs: Long-handled tongs allow you to flip the steak without piercing it and losing those delicious juices.

• Paper Towels: Pat your steaks dry before grilling to achieve a crispy, beautifully browned crust.

• Seasoning: Keep it simple with kosher salt and black pepper, or experiment with your favorite seasoning blends.

Preparing Your Steak

The way you prepare your steak can make all the difference. One crucial step is to let your thawed steak rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before grilling. Here’s why:

1. Even Cooking: A cold steak from the fridge can cook unevenly, with the outside overcooking while the inside stays underdone. Allowing the steak to warm up helps it cook evenly.

2. Better Flavor: Warming your steak before grilling gives the muscle fibers time to relax, which helps retain more juices and enhances the flavor.

3. Crispier Crust: A room-temperature steak will sear better and develop that gorgeous, caramelized crust we all love.

4. Accurate Grill Timing: Steaks cooked from room temperature reach the desired internal temperature faster, giving you more precise control over doneness.

Pro Tip: While your steak is resting, use a paper towel to pat it dry. This will remove excess moisture and help you achieve better grill marks and a flavorful crust.

Ready, Set, Sear! How to Sear and Cook Steak

Here’s how to get that perfect steak on the grill:

1. Preheat Your Grill: Set your grill to high heat (450-500°F). If you’re using charcoal, wait until the coals are glowing red with a light layer of ash.

2. Lightly Oil and Season: Brush your steaks with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking and promote even browning. Season generously with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning.

3. Sear for Flavor: Place the steaks on the grill and sear for 1 minute per side, keeping the lid closed. This locks in juices and gives you those signature grill marks.

4. Finish on Indirect Heat: Move the steak to a cooler part of the grill or lower the heat to medium-low (300-350°F). Continue cooking to your preferred doneness, checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

Steak Grill Times

Use the following chart to help you cook your steak to perfection based on thickness and desired doneness:

Filets Mignon & Center-Cut Ribeyes

Thickness Rare (110-120°F) Medium Rare (120-130°F) Medium (130-140°F)

1.5” 3 minutes/side 3.5 minutes/side 4 minutes/side

1.75” 3.5 minutes/side 4 minutes/side 4.5 minutes/side

2” 4 minutes/side 4.5 minutes/side 5 minutes/side

Sirloin, Ribeye & Porterhouse Steaks

Thickness Rare (110-120°F) Medium Rare (120-130°F) Medium (130-140°F)

1” 4 minutes/side 5 minutes/side 6 minutes/side

1.25” 4.5 minutes/side 5.5 minutes/side 6.5 minutes/side

1.5” 5 minutes/side 6 minutes/side 7 minutes/side

1.75” 5.5 minutes/side 6.5 minutes/side 7.5 minutes/side

2” 6 minutes/side 7 minutes/side 8 minutes/side

Steak Cooking Tips

1. Use a Meat Thermometer: Take the steak off the grill when it’s about 5-7°F below your target temperature (e.g., 125°F for medium-rare). It will continue to cook as it rests.

2. Let It Rest: Allow your steak to rest for at least 5 minutes after grilling. This step helps lock in the juices and keeps your steak juicy and tender.

3. Seasoning Tips: Before grilling, pat the steak dry, coat it with olive oil, and season with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, or cayenne.

4. Grill Marks: For perfect grill marks, place the steak at a 45-degree angle to the grill grates. After 1-2 minutes, rotate 90 degrees before flipping.

5. Steak Doneness Levels: Doneness depends on the steak’s color and texture. A rare steak will be cool and red in the center, while a well-done steak will be firm and fully cooked through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should my BBQ be for grilling steak?

Preheat your grill to 450–500°F for searing, then lower it to 300–350°F for finishing on indirect heat.

How can I tell if my steak is done without cutting it?

Use a meat thermometer. Rare is 110–120°F, medium-rare is 120–130°F, and medium is 130–140°F.

How long should I let my steak rest after grilling?

Let your steak rest for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.

What’s the best way to cook a thick steak?

Sear the steak on high heat for 1-2 minutes per side, then finish it on indirect heat. Use a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature.

Can I use marinades for grilling steak?

Yes! Lean cuts like flank steak benefit from marinades, while marbled cuts like ribeye or filet mignon shine with simple seasoning like salt and pepper.

Shop Premium Steaks at The Carnivore Market

Ready to cook like a pro? Explore our premium selection of thick, flavorful steaks like filet mignon, ribeye, and porterhouse to create the perfect steakhouse experience at home. Visit The Carnivore Market to shop our top-quality cuts today!