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The steak is seasoned, and your BBQ is hot. It’s time to put it on the grill and cook, but how long should you cook it?
Grilling times can vary depending on the cut of steak, its thickness, and your preferred level of doneness. There’s no clear-cut answer, but this guide will give you a better idea of the cooking durations for some of the most popular doneness. Ready?
Grilling Time Guidelines for Steak
How thick do you want your steak? Thinner cuts cook faster, while thicker steaks require more time on the grill. You can adjust the cooking time based on how well-done you like your steak, which, again, is a matter of preference. Speaking of doneness, here are the recommended cook times for the following:
- Rare steak: Grill for 6-8 minutes to an internal temperature of 120-125°F or 49-52°C. The outside of the steak will be seared and browned, while the middle remains mostly raw, red in colour, and very soft in texture.
- Medium rare: Grill for 7-10 minutes to 135°F or 57°C. The texture is tender and slightly springy, with a deep, reddish-pink colour in the centre.
- Medium steak: Grill for 10-12 minutes to a temperature of 145°F or 63°C. The steak will be juicy but not as tender as a medium-rare steak, with a more evenly cooked, light pink colour in the middle.
- Well done: Grill for 12-15 minutes to 160°F or 71°C to cook the meat throughout. At this level, the steak is no longer pink in the centre, and the texture is firm.
The times provided are for average-thickness steaks. Feel free to modify them if your steaks are thicker or thinner than usual.
Tip: Use a meat thermometer for thicker cuts and a timer for thinner ones to get accurate temperature readings. Thick steaks can cook unevenly, so a thermometer ensures the centre is cooked properly. Thin steaks cook more evenly, so a timer is sufficient for checking doneness.
How Preparing Your Grill Makes a Difference
One thing that most meats have in common is that they need a bit of preparation — and so does your grill, whether it’s a charcoal BBQ, gas grill, or a BBQ smoker.
Clean grates are a given, so start by preheating the grill to the ideal temperature before placing your steak on it. Then, lightly oil the grill grates using a paper towel dipped in vegetable oil. Use a grill thermometer or time to get it at the right temperature; for a good sear, aim for a high heat.
Consider setting up two heat zones: a direct high-heat zone for searing and a lower-heat zone for finishing the cooking process. This is ideal for 3 burner BBQs or models with more gas burners. For indirect grilling, sear each side over high heat for a few minutes, then move the steak to low heat. Turn the steak only once; flipping it too often can dry it out and affect the cooking process.
Tip: Let the steak come to room temperature before grilling. Season it with salt and pepper or your favourite rub for enhanced flavour. Doing so will help you achieve an even cook, allowing the inside to reach your preferred doneness without charring the outside.
There you have it! The difference between the levels of doneness can be as little as four minutes, so make sure to time your steak carefully. Feel free to use this guide as a reference and make any adjustments as needed.
If you haven’t found the right grilling companion yet, shop BillyOh today for our range of BBQs. Up next on your reading list: BBQ in Windy Weather – How to Control the Smoke and Keep the Grill Lit
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