At DDR BBQ Supply, we know from experience that steak grill time can make or break a cookout. Understanding how long to cook different cuts, knowing the ideal internal temperatures, and adjusting for doneness levels are the keys to consistently great results.
We’re breaking down everything you need to know about grilling times for popular steak cuts like filet mignon, ribeye, and sirloin.
We’re also covering the exact internal temperatures you should aim for depending on whether you want rare, medium rare, or well done. With the right steak grill time and a few easy techniques, grilling a juicy, flavorful steak is simple and incredibly satisfying.
What this article covers:
How Long to Cook Steak on a Grill
Grilling steak isn’t a guessing game (though it can feel like one at first). After years of grilling, we’ve found that grill time depends on thickness, cut, and how done you want it.
Filet Mignon
Filet mignon is tender, buttery, and quick to grill. For a 1-inch-thick cut, aim for about 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare. If you’re working with a 1.5-inch-thick filet, go for 6–7 minutes per side. Filet mignon doesn’t need long on the grill—just enough time to lock in those juices without overdoing it.
Ribeye
Ribeye is packed with marbling, which means flavor and juiciness in every bite. For ribeye steak grill time: cook it for about 5–6 minutes per side for medium-rare.
If you’re grilling a bone-in ribeye, simply add an extra minute per side. After putting it to the test, we know a little longer sear on ribeyes brings out the absolute best in them.
New York Strip
The New York strip is a hearty cut that loves a good blast of heat. A 1-inch thick strip steak should be grilled for 5–6 minutes per side to hit that perfect medium-rare. After hosting plenty of cookouts, we’ve seen that this cut shines when you keep the grill hot and the flips quick.
Sirloin
Sirloin steaks are lean, flavorful, and easy to grill when you know the timing. A 1-inch-thick sirloin should stay on the grill for about 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
In our experience, it’s best to avoid overcooking sirloin, since its lower fat content can lead to dryness if left on the heat too long.
Porterhouse And T-Bone
Porterhouse and T-bone steaks offer the best of both worlds with two muscles in one cut. For a 1-inch-thick steak, plan for 6–7 minutes per side to achieve medium-rare goodness. After putting it to the test, we can confidently say the slight challenge of balancing two textures is more than worth the final result.
Flank Steak Grill Time
Flank steak is lean, flavorful, and best cooked fast over high heat. For cooking flank steak on a grill about 1-inch thick, grill it for around 4–5 minutes per side for medium-rare. It’s important to slice flank steak thinly against the grain after cooking to keep it tender and easy to enjoy.
What Should Your Steak's Internal Temperature Be?
From our extensive testing, internal temperature is the real truth-teller for steak doneness. Always use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfection.
Rare
Rare steaks should hit an internal temperature of 120–130°F. Expect a cool, red center that’s soft and very juicy. This level of doneness is best for those who love a bold, pure beef flavor without much heat in the center.
Medium Rare
Medium rare steaks are grilled to an internal temperature of 130–135°F. The center will be warm and red. From our experience, this is the ultimate sweet spot—steaks are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly tender at this stage.
Medium
For a medium steak, aim for an internal temperature of 135–145°F. The center will be warm and pink, making it a great choice when grilling for a crowd. It balances tenderness and flavor without being too rare or too firm.
Medium Well
For the perfect medium steak on a grill, you should aim for an internal temperature of 145–155°F. You’ll see just a slight pink center. The texture becomes firmer, but when done properly, the steak still retains enough juiciness to stay satisfying.
Well Done
Well done steaks are grilled to an internal temperature of 155–165°F. There’s little to no pink left. After putting it to the test, we recommend choosing fattier cuts like ribeye if you prefer well-done, to help prevent the steak from drying out.
Conclusion
Mastering steak grill time is all about knowing your cuts, understanding the ideal internal temperatures, and timing each side just right. From our experience, once you have these basics down, grilling the perfect steak becomes simple and a lot more fun.
Whether you prefer a rare filet mignon or a medium-well porterhouse, using a thermometer and following proven grill times ensures you hit the mark every time.
At DDR BBQ Supply, we’ve got all the tools, thermometers, and BBQ accessories you need to make your next steak night a delicious success—check out our shop today and get everything you need to grill like a pro!
Did our blog meet your needs? You might also find our other guides helpful:
- How to Reset a Green Mountain Grill
- How to Start a Green Mountain Grill
- Green Mountain Grill Hot Start
- Green Mountain Grill Temperature Problems
- Green Mountain Grill Pizza Oven Temp
- Green Mountain Grill Steak Temp
- Green Mountain Grill Temperature Not Accurate
- What Temperature to Grill Steak
- How Long to Preheat Grill
- How Long to Grill Steak Tips
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!
