No one likes to end up with burned or half-cooked steak. Beyond getting the best meat for steak, you should also know the best grill temperature to make perfect steaks.
When you know how to grill steaks perfectly, your meal just got started. It could be quite the task at first, but when you get the hang of it, you’ll be glad you waited through the learning process.
Below are answers to the questions you most likely have about the grill temperature for steaks.
What is the best grill temperature for steaks?
The best temperature to grill a steak is between the range of 450 to 500°F.
Preheat the grill for up to ten minutes and make sure it reaches the above temperature before you place the meat on it.
Moreover, factors like the thickness of the steak and the type of steak will influence the grill temperature. The thinner the steak, the higher the grill temperature; the thicker the steak, the lower the grill temperature.
What is the best grill temperature for ½ inch steaks?
The grill temperature for ½ inch steak is between the range of 425 to 450°F. This range also depends on the type of steak you’re grilling.
What is the best grill temperature for ¾ inch steaks?
For ¾ inch steak, grill at a temperature range of 360 to 400°F.
What is the best grill temperature for 1-inch steaks?
The best grill temperature for a one-inch steak is between the temperature range of 325 to 350°F.
What is the best grill temperature for 1 ½ inches steak?
The best grill temperature for a 1 ½ inch steak is between a temperature range of 110 to 120°F.
What is the best grill temperature for ribeye steaks?
Grill a ribeye steak to an internal temperature of 140 to 155°F for 8 to 10 minutes on each side.
The ribeye steak is about 1 ¼ inch in thickness and could be even thicker.
What is the best grill temperature for sirloin steaks?
Sirloin steaks are as thick as ribeye steaks. The best grill internal temperature for these steaks is 140 to 155°F (the same as ribeye steaks).
What is the best grill temperature for New York strip steak?
New York strip steaks are on the thinner side- about one inch thick. Grill the steaks to an internal temperature of 140°F for 7 minutes on each side and 10 minutes at 155°F.
What is the best grill temperature for filet mignon steak?
Filet mignon steaks are also not very thick. They have an average thickness of about one inch.
Grill the steak on each side for 4 minutes at a temperature range of 130 to 135°F and 7 minutes at 155°F.
What is the best grill temperature for T-bone steaks?
T-bone steaks should be grilled based on the thickness of the cut of the meat. But the grill temperature should not exceed 450 to 500°F.
Keep an eye on the steak and take it down when it is as cooked as you want it to be.
How do you know your steaks are done?
The best way to know your steaks are done is to compare them to the level of doneness you have in mind.
Also, invest in a food thermometer like a probe meat thermometer. The thermometer will help you check for the internal temperature of the steak and determine the level of doneness.
Contrary to what you may think, you cannot fully identify fully-cooked steak by the grilling time alone. To check the internal temperature and level of doneness, put the thermometer in the thickest part of the steak and read the temperature.
Follow these internal temperature readings to determine the level of doneness of your steak:
- For rare steaks, the internal temperature should be 120 to 130°F. The center of the steak will have a red color
- A medium-rare steak should have an internal temperature of 130 to 140°F with a pink center and brown stripes on the edges
- If you want a medium steak, cook it to an internal temperature of 135 to 145°F. The center of the steak will have a light pink shade
- The internal temperature for a medium-well steak is between the range of 145 to 155°F. The steak will be firm, with a sliver of pink at the center. Also, the fats will liquefy and the cuts will shrink
- If you want a well-done steak, cook it to an internal temperature of 155 to 160°F. The center of a well-done steak will look very brown with brown outsides too
- In addition, take the steak off the grill at 5°F before the internal temperature. This is because the temperature will continue to rise even after taking the meat down
How long should you grill steaks?
The cooking time for steaks varies with your desired level of doneness and the thickness of the steak.
Flip the steak once when it is halfway through its grilling time.
- Cook a rare steak for 6 to 8 minutes, 3 to 4 minutes per side
- For a medium steak, grill for 7 to 10 minutes, 3.5 to 5 minutes on each side
- Grill a medium steak for 10 to 12 minutes, 5 to 6 minutes on each side
- Cook a medium-well steak for 12 to 15 minutes, 6 to 7.5 minutes per side
- For a well-done steak, grill the meat for 15 to 18 minutes, 7 to 8 minutes per side
How to grill a steak at home
Ingredients
- Trimmed steaks
- Kosher salt
- Ground pepper
Instructions
- If the steak is frozen, allow it to come to room temperature
- Also, preheat the grill to 450-500°F
- In a clean bowl, mix salt and pepper and generously coat the steak with the mixture
- Then, place the steaks over direct heat and allow them to sear for about three minutes on each side
- Afterward, flip the steaks and close the grill
- Leave to cook until the steaks reach the level of doneness you have in mind
- When they are well-cooked, take them off the grill at 5°F before the internal temperature for the level of doneness you want
- Allow the steaks to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before you cut
- Most importantly, the steaks must rest before you cut them. Otherwise, you’ll lose the juice that makes the steaks moist and flavorful
FAQs
Should you grill your steak under direct heat?
Yes, you should. Cooking steaks over direct heat will give you the desired caramelized, outer layer.
Can you cook steaks in an oven?
Yes, you can. If you don’t have a grill, you can also make delicious steaks in the oven. Cooking steaks in an oven is the sear-roasting method.
However, with this method, you’ll need to sear the beef with butter or oil. As a result, the juice in the steak will not be 100% beef flavor as in the grilling method.
Can you leave the grill open when making steaks?
Do not leave the grill open when making steaks.
Keeping the grill close will keep the temperature in the grill constant and ensure that the meat is well-cooked.
Why is the steak not pulling off the grill grates?
If your steak is not coming off the grates, that is a sign that it is not time to flip it yet. Continue cooking that side until it pulls off the grates by itself.
Conclusion
Nothing tastes as bad as a burned steak. Asides from the taste, it results in a waste of time and effort. For these reasons, you should have the very important details at hand before you begin to grill steaks.
Asides from having the best meat for steaks, grill steaks at the ideal grill temperature. Also, know the thickness and have a level of doneness in mind. Invest in a meat thermometer, and you’ll be glad you did.
These tips at hand will help you make the best steaks at your next outdoor barbecue party.
Thanks for reading.
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