How Long Should You Grill for the Best Grilled Steak Ever?

Sizzling steaks hot off the grill are a summer favorite for many families.

But achieving grill marks on the outside plus a tender, juicy interior takes skill. Undercook your expensive steaks and they’ll turn out chewy.

Overcook them and you end up with tough, flavorless hockey pucks. Not ideal! The secret is understanding exactly how long different cuts should be grilled in order to reach delicious doneness levels like medium rare or medium.

Learn proper grilling times and temperatures for thickness and enjoy the best, juiciest grilled steak ever off your backyard barbecue. Mastering the simple art of determining minutes per side and using a meat thermometer leads to perfect results every single time.

Choosing the Best Cuts for Flavorful Grilled Steak

Not all steaks are created equal when it comes to grilling. The right cut of beef makes all the difference in achieving the most delicious, mouthwatering results.

Look for quality grades like Prime or Choice rather than Select – these have better marbling which keeps steaks tender and juicy during cooking. Well-marbled cuts also impart a more robust, beefy flavor.

The top options for grilling are bone-in ribeye, T-bone, porterhouse, and filet mignon. Their high-fat content prevents dryness. Consider thickness too – at least 1 to 1 1⁄2 inches works best to allow searing outside without overcooking inside.

Finally, don’t be afraid of some fat! Marbling equals flavor. Follow meat selection tips and your grill skills will shine through.

Grilling On Gas vs. Charcoal Grills

1. Gas Grills

• Heats up very quickly
• Easier temperature control
• More expensive to operate
• Simple cleanup
• Consistent results

2. Charcoal Grills

• Reach higher searing temperatures
• Imparts smoky, authentic flavor
• Inexpensive to fuel with charcoal
• Good for slower grilling methods
• Requires learning fire management

The Best Method for Steaks

• Extremely hot temperatures are ideal
• Use direct heat on cleaned grates
• Have 2 heat zones for searing and then cooking

Both gas and charcoal can produce delicious steaks when used properly! Learn your grill’s capabilities.

Preparing the Steak for Grilling

1. Choose the Cut

Select tender cuts like ribeye, strip, or filet for best results.

2. Trim the Fat

Trim excess fat to prevent flare-ups during grilling.

3. Bring to Room Temperature

Take the steak out of the fridge for 30 minutes before grilling for more even cooking.

4. Season the Steak

Coat both sides with olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other herbs or spices.

5. Let it Rest

Allow seasoned steak to sit at room temperature for flavors to absorb.

6. Preheat the Grill

Get the gas or charcoal grill very hot before placing the steak on.

How Long To Grill Steaks

1. Perfect Grilling for 1-Inch Steaks

• Sear 4 minutes per side over high, direct heat
• Then cook for 2-4 minutes per side over indirect heat
• 5 minutes total rest time before cutting
• Use a thermometer for medium rare (135°F)

2. Flawless Technique for 2-Inch Cuts

• Sear for 4 minutes per thick side over hot direct heat
• Move to indirect heat for 3-5 additional minutes per side
• Check the temperature for the desired doneness level
• Allow juice redistribution with 5+ minutes of rest

3. Tricks for Any Thickness

• Bring steak to room temperature pre-grilling
• Use a timer to track grill times per side
• Flip only once during cooking
• Let rest before slicing to retain moisture

Mastering minutes per thickness leads to perfect doneness!

Grilling the Perfect Steak Recipe

Ingredients

1. For Steaks:

• 2 bone-in ribeye or New York strip steaks, 1 – 1 1⁄2 inches thick (about 12-16 oz each)

2. Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried parsley

3. Compound Butter:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme, chopped

4. Toppings:

• Flaky sea salt, to taste
• Coarsely cracked black peppercorns, to taste

Instructions

1. Take the steak out of the fridge 30 minutes before grilling.
2. Pat dry and coat with oil on both sides.
3. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and any other spices.
4. Allow the steak to rest for 10-15 minutes after seasoning.
5. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to high heat.
6. Place the steak on the hot grill and cook to the desired doneness, flipping once.
7. Use tongs instead of puncturing the meat to turn the steak over.
8. Grill times: 2-4 minutes per side for a 1-inch steak.
9. Test doneness with an instant thermometer.
10. When finished, move the steak to a clean platter.
11. Loosely tender the steak with foil and let it rest for 5-10 mins.
12. Serve whole or slice, topping with butter if desired.

Expert Tips for Perfectly Grilled Steak

1. Choose a thick, high-quality cut of steak
2. Let steak reach room temperature before grilling
3. Pat steak dry, then brush with oil to prevent sticking
4. Generously season steak on both sides
5. Allow seasoned steak to rest before grilling
6. Preheat grill to high heat for searing
7. Grill steak over direct heat, flipping once
8. Don’t poke steak with a fork, use tongs to turn
9. Grill to perfect doneness based on thickness
10. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy
11. Let steak rest after grilling to redistribute juices
12. Slice across the grain for the most tender bite
13. Top with butter, herbs, or sauces (optional)
14. Follow these pro tips for mouthwatering, flavorful grilled steak.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Choosing a lean, low-quality cut of steak
2. Forgetting to bring steak to room temperature
3. Neglecting to pat steak dry before seasoning
4. Being skimpy with oil and seasonings
5. Overcrowding the grill
6. Grilling over low heat without preheating
7. Cooking steak unevenly by not flipping
8. Piercing meat with a fork instead of tongs
9. Cutting steak to check doneness instead of using a thermometer
10. Serving steak immediately without resting
11. Slicing against the grain instead of with it
12. Topping with inappropriate condiments or sauces
13. Avoid these pitfalls for tender, juicy, and flavorful grilled steak success every time. Pay attention to the details!

Grilling to Perfection with Handy Cut Charts

1. Tenderloin & Ribeye Grill Guide

2. Sirloin, Porterhouse & Bone-In Ribeye Times

Remember:

• Let steak rest 5+ minutes after removal
• Use a meat thermometer for the best results
• Times may vary based on grill temp and thickness

Refer to this simplified steak grilling chart for flawless results!

Conclusion

Grilling up the perfect steak may seem intimidating, but follow the tips in this guide, and you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality results in your backyard.

Choosing a high-quality, well-marbled cut of meat is key. Properly preparing the steak with seasoning and bringing it to room temperature ensures even, thorough cooking.

Managing the grill temperature prevents overcooking or undercooking. Knowing the right cook times based on thickness and properly gauging doneness results in a tender, mouthwatering interior.

Avoid common mistakes like improper seasoning or slicing too soon. With the right techniques, you can impress your family with juicy, flavorful grilled steaks they’ll request again and again. Get grilling!

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