The answer depends on the level of doneness you’re aiming for.
Cook Times for Rare, Medium Rare, Medium, and Well Done Grilled Steak
Grill 6-8 minutes for a rare steak (125°F), which will be the pinkest and not warm all the way through.Grill 7-10 minutes for a medium rare steak (135°F), which will be very pink but warm in the center.Grill 10-12 minutes for a medium steak (145°F), which will be slightly pink and still very juicy.Grill 12-15 minutes for a well done steak (160°F), which will be brown and warm all the way through.
It’s not recommended to cook steak any higher than 145°F because it tends to get tough. The FDA recommends cooking whole cuts of beef to an internal temperature of 145°F. Bone-in steak may take a little longer to reach temperature and will be rarest near the bone.
Helpful Steak Grilling Tips
The difference between rare and well done can be as little as four minutes, so use a timer.The steak will increase in temperature as it rests, so pull it off the grill a few degrees under the desired temperature.Sear the steak on a hot zone for two minutes per side then move the steak to the low heat zone for the remaining minutes. For even cooking, flip the steak a few times once it’s been moved to the lower heat cooking zone.Subtract cooking time for a steak thinner than 1 1/2 inches and add cooking time for thicker steaks.
How to Tell if a Steak is Done
Instant read thermometers are the quickest and most accurate way to measure a steak’s internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to get an accurate reading. I suggest checking the temperature after searing and again a couple minutes later to ensure it doesn’t get overcooked. Another method for checking doneness is the finger touch test.
