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+ servings
grilled steak on a cutting board
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5 from 1 vote

How to Grill Steak

Learn how to grill the perfect steak including the best grill temperature, grill time, and internal temperature. Plus more tips along the way!
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time10 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free, Low Lactose
Keyword: flank steak, how to cut
Servings: 1 steak

Equipment

  • Outdoor Gas Grill or Charcoal Grill (Note 1 Pellet and Electric)

Ingredients

  • 1 inch steak, any kind (Note 2)

Instructions

  • Allow the steak to sit out at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes if possible.
  • Brush the grill grates clean. You can use a paper towel or brush to wipe the grates down with a little bit of olive oil or other oil with a high smoke point, but this isn't mandatory.
  • Pat the steak dry really well with a paper towel and season it with your favorite steak seasoning. If you're grilling a lean cut of beef, like flank steak, you can marinate it in the fridge for at least an hour.
  • Preheat a gas grill or charcoal grill to high heat (450-500°F).
  • Place steak directly on the hot grill grates and close the lid. The grill temperature will decrease slightly when you open it but should come back up to 450-500 quickly. Grill on each side for approximately 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches approximately 135°F for medium rare steak with a target temperature is 145°F while it rests. Carefully transfer it to a clean cutting board and allow it to rest for 5-15 minutes.

Notes

Note 1. Grill. You can follow these instructions for a pellet grill, like a Traeger, but it can cook up to 20% faster so start checking the internal temperature around 8 minutes. You can use an indoor electric grill as long as it reaches high heat (450 or above).
Note 2. Steak Thickness. These grill times are general rules based on a 1-inch steak. Add approximately 1 minute on each side for every 1/2 inch thickness.
#1 Tip: Always use a meat thermometer to determine doneness and remove the steak from the heat 5-10 degrees before your target temperature.
Temperatures and Times:
  1. Rare: 130-135°F target internal temperature (3-4 minutes per side)
  2. Medium-Rare: 135-145°F target internal temperature (4-5 minutes per side)
  3. Medium: 145°F-150°F target internal temperature (5-6 minutes per side)
  4. Medium Well: 150-160°F target internal temperature (6-7 minutes per side)
  5. Well Done: 160°F and above internal temperature (7-8 minutes per side)
 
*Nutrition information is for one (8-ounce) Ribeye steak without seasoning or a marinade. 

Nutrition

Serving: 8ounces | Calories: 365kcal | Protein: 49g | Fat: 18.7g | Cholesterol: 114mg | Sodium: 148mg