The time to cook steak on a grill depends primarily on the steak's thickness, desired doneness, and grill temperature. Here are general guidelines for grilling steaks about 1 to 1.5 inches thick at high heat (around 450°F to 500°F):
- Rare (120°–130°F internal): Grill for about 3–4 minutes per side.
- Medium Rare (130°–140°F internal): Grill for about 4–5 minutes per side.
- Medium (140°–150°F internal): Grill for about 5–6 minutes per side.
- Well Done (160°F+ internal): Grill for about 7–8 minutes per side.
For example, a 1 to 1.5-inch thick steak typically takes:
- 6 to 8 minutes total for rare,
- 7 to 10 minutes total for medium-rare,
- 10 to 12 minutes total for medium,
- 12 to 15 minutes total for well done
Additional tips:
- Preheat your grill to a high temperature (450°F to 500°F) for a good sear, then you can move the steak to a cooler zone (300°F to 350°F) to finish cooking without burning the outside
- Flip steaks once or multiple times; frequent flipping can lead to more even cooking
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature for accuracy.
- Let the steak rest 5–10 minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute
These times can vary based on steak thickness, grill type (gas or charcoal), and personal preference for doneness. Using a thermometer is the most reliable way to ensure perfect results.