How Long to Cook Steak on Grill for Medium Rare: A Complete Guide to Achieving Perfection
How Long to Cook Steak on Grill for Medium Rare?
To cook a steak on a grill for medium rare, you can follow three different methods.
The timing method suggests cooking the steak for 3-5 minutes per side on a hot grill, but the cooking times can vary based on the thickness of the steak.
Using a meat thermometer is another method, where you can aim for an internal temperature of 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit.
The third method is the touch technique, which involves comparing the firmness of the steak to the fleshy part of your palm.
For a one-inch thick steak, the recommended cooking time is 5 minutes on the first side and 6.5 minutes on the second side.
For a two-inch steak, it should be 7 minutes on the first side and 6 minutes on the second side.
Remember to let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Key Points:
- Three different methods for cooking a steak on a grill for medium rare
- Timing method suggests 3-5 minutes per side, but can vary based on thickness
- Meat thermometer method aims for internal temperature of 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit
- Touch technique involves comparing firmness of steak to palm
- Recommended cooking times for one-inch and two-inch steaks
- Rest steak for 5 minutes before serving
Did You Know?
1. The term “medium rare” is typically used to describe a steak that is cooked to an internal temperature of approximately 135-145 degrees Fahrenheit (57-63 degrees Celsius).
2. Contrary to popular belief, searing a steak does not actually lock in juices. The myth originated from the Maillard reaction, which is a chemical reaction that occurs when meat is exposed to high heat, resulting in the browning and development of flavors.
3. The length of time required to cook a steak to medium rare on a grill can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the heat of the grill. As a general guideline, a 1-inch thick steak should be cooked for approximately 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare results.
4. Many chefs recommend letting the steak rest for a few minutes after grilling before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful steak.
5. To achieve that signature grill-marked pattern on your steak, it’s crucial to preheat the grill and keep it clean. Preheating ensures that the grill grates are hot enough to sear the surface of the steak, while keeping them clean prevents any residual charred bits from affecting the taste of the meat.
What Is Medium Rare Steak?
Medium rare is a commonly recommended level of doneness for cooking steak. It refers to a steak that is cooked to a maximum temperature of 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit. This level of cooking results in a steak with a medium pink to red center and a warm touch. It is important to note that a medium rare steak is not raw or undercooked, but rather has a light pink center. Cooking a steak to medium or well-done can often result in a tougher texture.
However, when cooked properly and with quality meat, a medium rare steak is safe to eat. The internal temperature of a medium rare steak should reach 135-140 degrees, and it should be allowed to rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. A properly cooked medium rare steak should have an internal temperature of 145 degrees, which is considered safe to eat.
- Medium rare is the recommended level of doneness for steak.
- The steak should have a light pink center.
- Doneness can be achieved at a maximum temperature of 130-140 degrees.
- Cooking the steak further can result in a tougher texture.
- Resting the steak for a few minutes after cooking is recommended.
“A properly cooked medium rare steak should have an internal temperature of 145 degrees, which is considered safe to eat.”
Three Methods For Cooking Steak To Medium Rare On A Grill
There are three different methods that can be used to cook steak to medium rare on a grill.
The timing method recommends cooking the steak for 3-5 minutes per side on a hot grill. However, it is important to note that cooking times can vary depending on factors such as the type of grill, pan, oven, or steak being used. Thinner steaks will generally require less time, while thicker steaks will need more time.
The meat thermometer method involves inserting the thermometer probe into the center of the meat to achieve a desired temperature of 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare. However, using a thermometer may require piercing the meat and may be inconvenient in certain cooking situations.
The “touch” technique involves mastering the feel of the steak to determine its doneness. This technique may require some trial and error but can consistently produce a medium rare steak. By touching the fleshy part of the palm and comparing its firmness to the steak, one can gauge the level of doneness.
Cooking Times And Temperatures For Different Levels Of Doneness
The article provides instructions on how long to cook a steak on the grill for medium rare. It recommends using the “touch” method to gauge the level of doneness. After searing the steak, it advises using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit. It also includes a cooking chart for different thicknesses of Top Sirloin Steaks, indicating the cooking times for rare, medium rare, and medium levels of doneness.
For a one-inch thick steak cooked to medium rare, the recommended cooking time is 5 minutes on the first side and 6.5 minutes on the second side. If the steak is 2 inches thick, the cooking time should be 7 minutes on the first side and 6 minutes on the second side. It is important to note that these cooking times are suggestions and may vary depending on factors such as steak thickness and grill temperature.
The article also mentions that the FDA recommends cooking steak to a temperature of 145ºF for a medium-well steak. For rare steak, the recommended internal temperature is 125°F-130°F, with an estimated cook time of 8 minutes. For medium steak, the recommended internal temperature is 130°F-135°F, with an estimated cook time of 9 minutes. For medium-well steak, the recommended internal temperature is 140°F-150°F, with an estimated cook time of 11 minutes. For well-done steak, the recommended internal temperature is 155°F or above, with an estimated cook time of 12 minutes or more.
Tips And Techniques For Cooking A Steak To Medium Rare On A Grill
This article provides several tips and techniques for cooking steak to medium rare on a grill. It suggests using a meat thermometer to ensure accurate cooking. Resting the steak before cooking is recommended, as well as seasoning with medium grain sea salt. To create a nice crust, it advises rotating and flipping the steak while grilling. It is important to remove the steak from the heat when it is five degrees below the desired temperature, as residual heat will continue to cook the steak. Letting the steak rest for 5 minutes after cooking is also recommended to seal in the juices before slicing.
- Use a meat thermometer for accurate cooking
- Rest the steak before cooking
- Season with medium grain sea salt
- Rotate and flip the steak while grilling
- Remove from heat when it is five degrees below desired temperature
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after cooking to seal in the juices
How To Determine The Doneness Of A Steak Without A Thermometer
If you do not have a meat thermometer, there is still a way to determine the doneness of a steak. Insert a metal cake tester or skewer into the center of the steak for five seconds. Then, touch the skewer to your lips. If it feels cold, it means the steak is rare. If it feels lukewarm, it is medium-rare. If it feels warm, it is medium. And if it feels hot, it is well-done. This method takes some practice, but it can be a useful alternative when a meat thermometer is not available.
Cooking steak to medium rare on a grill requires attention to time, temperature, and doneness levels. By following the recommended cooking times and using methods such as the timing method, using a meat thermometer, or mastering the touch technique, you can achieve a perfectly cooked medium rare steak. With proper cooking techniques, resting periods, and temperature guidelines, you can enjoy a tender and delicious steak that is cooked to perfection on a grill.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long to grill a steak for medium-rare?
Grilling a steak to medium-rare perfection involves two crucial steps. Firstly, sear the steak over high heat for approximately 2-3 minutes per side, forming a flavorful crust. Next, transfer the steak to a cooler area of the grill and cook it for roughly 15 minutes, adjusting the time as needed based on its thickness, until it reaches an internal temperature of 125-130 degrees, resulting in a luscious and juicy medium-rare steak.
How long do you grill a 1 inch thick steak for medium-rare?
To achieve a delightful medium-rare steak, you’ll want to grill a 1-inch thick steak for approximately 9-12 minutes. This ensures the ideal level of doneness, with a juicy and tender interior. Remember to flip the steak after around 1 minute before reaching the halfway mark, and use a meat thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature reaches 130°F. Finally, allow the steaks to rest for 5 minutes under a light foil cover before serving, ensuring optimum flavors and tenderness.
How long to grill steaks at 400 for medium-rare?
To achieve a medium-rare steak on a grill heated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, it is recommended to cook a 1-inch thick steak for approximately 4-5 minutes per side. However, if the steak is 1 1/2 inches thick, it is advisable to add an extra 1-2 minutes to the cooking time per side. This will ensure a succulent and perfectly cooked medium-rare steak. Remember to monitor the doneness using a meat thermometer for precise results.
How do you grill a 2 inch steak to medium?
When grilling a 2-inch steak to medium, it is crucial to start with a properly preheated grill. Make sure the grill reaches a medium heat temperature, where you can comfortably hold your hand at grill level for about 4 to 5 seconds. Once the grill is at the right temperature, place the steak directly over the heat source and cook it for approximately 27 to 30 minutes, flipping it halfway through, to achieve a medium doneness. This method ensures that the steak is cooked evenly and retains its tenderness and juiciness.
It’s important to note that this method is specifically tailored for a 2-inch-thick steak. For thicker cuts like a 3-inch steak, it is recommended to use indirect heat. This means placing the steak away from the direct heat source, allowing it to cook more slowly and evenly.