How to Grill a Steak 

Grilling a steak to different levels of doneness

Grilling a steak to different levels of doneness requires careful attention to time and temperature. Here are detailed instructions on how to grill a steak to rare, medium, and well done:

1. Choose the right steak: Select a high-quality steak with good marbling, such as ribeye, New York strip, or filet mignon. Make sure the steak is at least 1 inch thick for grilling.
2. Preheat the grill: Start by preheating your grill to high heat. For gas grills, preheat for about 10-15 minutes with the lid closed. If using charcoal, light the coals and let them burn until they are covered with white ash.
3. Season the steak: Brush both sides of the steak with olive oil to prevent sticking and enhance the flavor. Season generously with salt and pepper or your preferred steak seasoning. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to ensure even cooking.
4. Create heat zones: For a gas grill, turn off one burner and leave the other on high to create a two-zone fire. For a charcoal grill, bank the coals to one side, creating a hot zone and a cooler zone.
5. Grilling for rare steak:
   • Place the steak directly over the hot zone of the grill.
   • Sear one side of the steak for about 2-3 minutes.
   • Flip the steak and sear the other side for another 2-3 minutes.
   • Move the steak to the cooler zone of the grill.
   • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes per side for rare.
   • Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For rare, it should be around 125°F (51°C).
   • Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. Grilling for medium steak:
   • Follow the steps for rare steak, but increase the cooking time in the cooler zone.
   • Cook the steak for an additional 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
   • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. For medium, it should be around 135°F (57°C).
   • Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.
7. Grilling for well-done steak:
   • Follow the steps for rare and medium steak, but increase the cooking time even further in the cooler zone.
   • Cook the steak for an additional 4-5 minutes per side for medium-well to well-done.
   • Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. For well-done, it should be around 160°F (71°C) or higher.
   • Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.

Remember Your Cooking Times

Remember that these cooking times are approximate and can vary based on the thickness and cut of the steak, as well as the heat of your grill. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the desired doneness.

Finally, for best results, tent the steak loosely with aluminum foil during the resting period. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak. Enjoy your perfectly grilled steak!