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What is the Best Grilling Temperature for Steak

Do You Love To Have Steak on Weekends?

It’s widely understood that the worst kind of steak you can have is one that’s been burnt. Cooking steak on a gas grill shouldn’t be hard, yet the common error many make is to just focus on how long the steak cooks, completely neglecting the crucial aspect of temperature. Given that gas grills are designed for quick and intense cooking, ensuring you manage the temperature carefully is critical to steer clear of ending up with a steak that’s burnt and charred.

How Long to Grill Steak

  • For a 1 inch steak

If you are grilling one-inch steak the do it for approximately 3-4 minutes per side directly overheat. Remove from direct heat and move it to indirect one until the steak reaches your desired internal temperature.

  • For a 2 inch steak

If the steak is two inches thick like a Filet Mignon then grill it for 3-4 minutes per side on direct heat. Then move it to the indirect heat until the steak reaches the desired internal temperature.

What is the Best Grilling Temperature for Steak

We can use an instant meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. Insert the thickest part of the meat thermometer into the steal.  Here are the temperature ranges to look for (depending upon how you like your steak done):

  • Rare (still quite red): 120 – 130 degrees
  • Medium-Rare (pinkish-red): 130 – 140 degrees
  • Medium (pink): 140 – 145 degrees
  • Medium-Well (a little pink): 145 – 155 degrees
  • Well-Done (no pink): 160 degree

How to Prepare Steaks for the Grill

To prepare steaks for the grill you will need to:

  1. Pat them dry: this helps the steaks get a better sear on them.
  2. Season or marinate: whether you use salt + pepper or an amazing marinade I would definitely recommend adding a little seasoning!

How to Grill a Perfect Steak

A step-by-step tutorial on how to grill the perfect steak every time!

Ingredients Required

  • (2)  1-inch thick New York Strips, Ribeye or Filet Mignon steaks
  • kosher salt
  • ground black pepper
  • (optional) marinade the steak.

Instructions to Follow

Step 1-Clean grill and turn grill temperature up to High Heat between 450-550 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 2-Sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of steak and set aside until grilling is hot or you can marinate the steak as well.

Step 3-Put steaks over direct heat and close the grill.  Let sear for 3-4 minutes.

Step 4-Flip steaks, keeping them over direct heat, and close the lid. Let cook another 3-4 minutes.

Step 5-Open the grill and take the internal temperature of the steaks by sticking an internal meat thermometer into the side of the steak.  If steak hasn’t reached your desired internal temperature (see Notes) then move the steak to indirect heat (I usually just turn off my middle burner and move the steaks there) until they do reach your desired temperature.

Step 6-Remove steaks from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes before serving/cutting.

Step 7- Serve!

Cooking Steak On a Gas Grill

If you have a gas or propane grill then the instructions in the recipe will remain the same. Set the grill at a high temperature (400 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit), and follow the timing guidelines above.

The only hard work you have to do is to replicate the kiss of wood smoke flavor that is delivered by Traeger wood pellets, though. Wood chips, in either a foil pack or a smoking box, are the best method.

However, your chips can’t sit directly over a flame, or they’ll flare. So using wood chips may mean you don’t have as much cooking surface for your steak, or that you can’t get your grill quite as hot.

Cooking Steak On a Charcoal Grill

It is tricky to grill steak over charcoal as it is difficult to know the exact temperature of the cooking surface. The cooking surface temperature may vary depending on the type of charcoal you are using and also on how evenly you spread it.

For wood smoke flavor, you can use wood chips. Typically, you add wood chips directly to charcoals, but this can affect the heat you’re generating.

If you add dry wood chips, they could flare up and burn your steak. If you add soaked wood chips, they will cool down the charcoal. A foil pack added before cooking is probably your best bet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Should we grill a steak on high heat?

Ans: Yes you can grill a steak at a high temperature if you want to cook it in a short time. When steak cooks faster, it will be more tender and juicy. Also, high heat will help to create the grill marks by searing your steak. However, you need to make sure you follow the recommended temperature to avoid burning your steaks.

Q2: What temperature should steaks be before grilling?

Ans: Keep the steak at room temperature before you grill it. It will help to cook the steak faster as compared to cold streaks. Cold steaks will contract more on the grill and push out more juices which can result in less flavor for your steaks.

Q3:What should the internal temperature of a steak be?

Ans: The internal temperature of a steak should be 145°F for medium and above 160°F for well-done steaks. Maintain an international temperature of between 120°F to 125°F for rare steaks, 130°F to 135°F for medium-rare steaks, and 150°F to 155°F for medium-well steaks.

How to Make My Steak Juicy and Tender

Marinate the Steak

One of the ways to make a steak juicy and tender is to marinate it. It will also help to add extra flavor to the steak.

Pierce the Steak

Another option is to pierce the steak, it is not an essential step but will help to make the steak juicy.

To Wrap it all Up

Grilling steak is a fun activity to do. You can do it with the entire family or all alone in an apartment.  To check the internal temperature of steak use a meat thermometer as the best steak is one that cooks at the right temperature. The right temperature depends on your choice.


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