Everything You Need to Know About How Long to Grill a Steak
How Long to Grill a Steak is one of the most searched grilling questions in the country, and for good reason. Steak is fast, delicious, and one of the easiest proteins to grill—if you know the right timing. Because thickness, grill temperature, and desired doneness all affect your results, this guide breaks down exactly how long to grill every type of steak, whether you prefer rare, medium rare, or well done.
- Factors That Affect Grill Time
- Steak Doneness Temperatures
- How Long to Grill Thin Steaks
- How Long to Grill Thick Steaks
- How Long to Grill Ribeye
- How Long to Grill Filet Mignon
- How Long to Grill New York Strip
- How Long to Grill Sirloin
- Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Steak
- FAQ
Factors That Affect Grill Time
Grill time isn’t one-size-fits-all. These factors influence how long a steak needs:
- Thickness – Thin steaks cook fast; thick steaks take longer.
- Grill temperature – Hotter grill = shorter cook time.
- Starting temperature – Cold from the fridge takes longer.
- Marbling and cut – Ribeyes cook differently than sirloin or tenderloin.
Always use time as a guideline and internal temperature as the final judge.
Steak Doneness Temperatures
Internal temperature determines the doneness—not the clock:
| Doneness Level | Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| Rare | 120–125°F |
| Medium Rare | 130–135°F |
| Medium | 140–145°F |
| Medium Well | 150–155°F |
| Well Done | 160°F+ |
How Long to Grill Thin Steaks (1 inch)
Thin steaks cook quickly, so you need high heat and short cook times.
Grill temp: 450–500°F Cook time:
- Rare: 2–3 minutes per side
- Medium rare: 3–4 minutes per side
- Medium: 4–5 minutes per side
- Medium well: 5–6 minutes per side
How Long to Grill Thick Steaks (1.5–2 inches)
Thick steaks benefit from a two-zone cook: sear first, finish indirect.
Sear: 2–3 minutes per side over high heat Finish indirect: 5–10 minutes depending on doneness
General guideline:
- Rare: 6–8 minutes total
- Medium rare: 8–10 minutes total
- Medium: 10–12 minutes total
- Medium well: 12–14 minutes total
How Long to Grill Ribeye
Ribeyes are well-marbled and cook beautifully on high heat.
1-inch ribeye: 3–4 minutes per side for medium rare.
1.5-inch ribeye: Sear 2–3 minutes per side, then finish 4–7 minutes indirect.
How Long to Grill Filet Mignon
Filet mignon is thick and lean, so it cooks best with a sear + indirect finish.
1.5–2 inches thick
- Sear: 2–3 minutes per side
- Finish indirect: 6–8 minutes
Filet is best medium rare—pull at 130–135°F.
How Long to Grill New York Strip
New York strip is moderately marbled and grills quickly.
1-inch strip steak:
- 3–4 minutes per side for medium rare
1.5-inch strip steak:
- Sear 2–3 minutes per side
- Finish 5–7 minutes indirect
How Long to Grill Sirloin
Sirloin is lean and benefits from a slightly lower heat to avoid drying out.
1-inch sirloin: 4–5 minutes per side for medium rare.
Thicker sirloin: Use reverse sear—indirect cook until 115°F, then sear hot.
Pro Tips for Perfect Grilled Steak
- Let your steak rest 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Pat steak dry before seasoning for better crust.
- Flip only once—don’t over-handle the meat.
- Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Season generously (steak can handle salt).
- Let thicker steaks warm up at room temperature before grilling.
FAQ
Should you grill steak with the lid open or closed?
Thin steaks: lid open. Thick steaks: lid closed for better heat control.
How hot should the grill be for steak?
450–500°F for searing.
How do I get grill marks on steak?
Use high heat, start with a dry surface, and rotate halfway through each side.
How do I know when steak is done?
Use a thermometer. Times are guidelines—temperature is truth.
Conclusion
Knowing how long to grill a steak makes backyard cooking easier, more consistent, and a lot more fun. Use time as a guide, temperature as the final check, and a hot grill to build an incredible crust. Whether you're grilling ribeye, strip, filet, or sirloin, the timing and tips in this guide will help you serve juicy, perfectly cooked steak every time.
Visit Us at our Retail Store or Online BBQ Store
Our online BBQ store is open 24-7 but if you'd rather shop in person, visit our retail store in Northwest Arkansas. It's packed with top-quality grills, smokers, BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice.
Whether you're looking for something specific or just want to explore the best in BBQ gear, we’re here to help you cook with confidence. You’ll find top-quality grills, smokers, BBQ rubs, sauces, accessories, and expert advice you won't find online.
Stop by and experience hands-on shopping the way it should be!
We're located at 14696 US Hwy 62, Garfield, AR 72732. We're open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM. Come pay us a visit!
