How to Grill Steak

It's time to end the steak intimidation. Grilling steak is a great method for getting that perfectly seared crust and tender, juicy interior. But for the amateur venturing out to the grill for the first time, it can seem like quite an undertaking.

But here's the good news: Using this method will make even the novice a master of the grill. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions on how to grill steak, plus find steak cooking times and temperatures for your reference.

What's the Best Cut for Grilling?

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While personal preference is certainly a big factor when choosing the right cut, steaks with significant fat marbling are always going to be preferable for grilling — because when it comes to steak, fat equals flavor.

You'll also want to pay attention to the thickness of the steak. Thicker steaks — about 1 ½ to 2 inches — are the best choice for beginners because they're harder to overcook. Thick, well-marbled cuts recommended for grilling include ribeye, strip (also called top loin), and filet mignon (also called tenderloin).

Cheaper cuts like skirt and hanger steaks are also good for grilling, but there's more room for error with these, as they are thinner cuts. For best results, marinate overnight and use a meat tenderizer to break down the muscle fibers.

Gas vs. Charcoal Grills

Most people will tell you that charcoal or wood-fire grills are preferable for grilling steaks because they bring that smokey, charred flavor. If you are using a charcoal grill, skip the charcoal briquettes and lighter fluid, as these can add a kerosene flavor to your steak. Instead, opt for wood or natural, hardwood lump charcoal ($35 for a 20-pound bag on Amazon).

But don't fret if you have a gas grill. The heat is ultimately more important than how you get it. You can still achieve great results with a gas grill. And gas grills allow for greater precision and control over the heat, which is definitely a plus for the amateur and the grill-master alike.

How Long to Grill a Steak

According to the USDA, beef should have a minimum internal temperature of 145 degrees F. However, steak is commonly cooked anywhere from 125 degrees F to 160 degrees F, depending on personal preference.

Of course, how well done you want your steak to be is going to affect your cooking time, so we recommend using an instant-read meat thermometer to check for doneness. Here are some general steak cooking times, based on an internal temperature of 145 degrees F:

Cut	Method	Heat	Time	Internal Temp (minimum)
3/4-inch thick	Direct	High	3 to 5 min./side	145 degrees F
1 1/2-inch thick	Direct	High	7 to 8 min./side	145 degrees F
2-inch thick	Direct	High	10 to 12 min./side	145 degrees F

Steak Doneness Temperatures

We're all familiar with the terms medium-rare, medium, well done, etc. But how do you know when your steak has reached your desired level of doneness? Although some grill masters go purely by sight, we recommend using an instant-read meat thermometer to get the most accurate reading on your steak. Use this guide to know exactly when your steak is done to your liking:

Rare: 120 to 130 degrees F
Medium-rare: 130 to 135 degrees F
Medium: 135 to 145 degrees F
Medium-well: 145 to 155 degrees F
Well done: 155 to 160 degrees F

How to Grill a Steak

Here's What You'll Need:

1 ½- to 2-inch-thick steak(s) (we recommend ribeye, strip steaks, or filet mignon)
2 teaspoons olive oil
¾ teaspoon sea salt or kosher salt, or to taste
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

Step 1: Prep the Steak

Steak that goes straight from the fridge to the grill will take longer to cook through, which can result in one of two things: Either the outside will char while the inside remains raw, or the steak will take so long to cook that it becomes dry and gray inside. Don't make this rookie mistake. Instead, take your steak out of the fridge between 30 minutes to an hour before grilling, this will give the steak time to come to room temperature.

You'll also want to pat the steak down before adding any seasoning, as excess moisture can inhibit searing. Once your meat is out of the fridge and patted down, brush both sides with olive oil and season with freshly ground pepper and coarse salt, around 30 minutes to an hour before grilling. This will allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat, creating a perfect crust the moment it hits the grates.

Step 2: Prep the Grill

Start with a clean grill, free of any lingering food residue. For gas grills, heat the grill on high heat, around 450 to 500 degrees F.

If you're using a charcoal grill, create what's known as a "two-zone fire." This creates one side for charring and searing and the other for gentle cooking. To do so, start by lighting your coals, and then pile them all to one side of the grill, leaving the other side empty. Once you've added your coals, replace the top grate, cover, and allow your grill to heat for about 15 minutes. Be sure to keep the lid vents open.

Step 3: Grill

Once your grill has reached temperature, go ahead and open the lid and place your steak(s) on the hot side of the grill. Grill the steaks according to the time chart above — make sure to flip your steak just once, and cook each side for about the same amount of time. In the case that your steaks are burning or you have a flare up, move them to the cooler zone.

Step 4: Check for Doneness

Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check your steaks for doneness (refer to the above chart for meat doneness temperatures). Remove the steak just before it reaches the desired degree of doneness. The steak will continue to cook even after it's removed from the grill.

Step 5: Let It Rest

Transfer the steaks to a cutting board and loosely tent them with foil. Don't cut into them just yet! Allow them to rest for five to 10 minutes, so that the juices have time to thicken and don't go to waste on the cutting board.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Now you're ready to serve! Be sure to cut your steak against (perpendicular to) the grain. This cuts through the fibers and makes the steak easier to chew.

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