Perfect Steaks on the Grill + Video (2024)

Steaks on the grill are a favorite dinner anytime but especially summer. Learn how to cook steak perfectly with a cooking times and temp chart!

This recipe and how-to will make the best steak you will ever eat in your life!

All summer long you will find me on the back patio grilling up something delicious.

I am happy to stand outside grilling on an 800° degree grillwhen its 115° outside because I love it sooo much!

Have you tried my other grilling recipes? This Grilled Zucchini recipe is one of my favorite ways to use up extra zucchini from the garden.

Grilled Hawaiian Ham Kabobs are a perfect portable breakfast or Brinner.

Maybe you’d like to try this Southwestern Style Grilled Pizza with Chicken. It is bursting with bold flavor in just 30 minutes.

Tips for Steak on the Grill

Allowing the steaks to warm slightly will help them to cook more evenly. This results in perfect steaks on the grill.
Do not overdo the olive oil or it will cause flare-ups on the grill. Don’t ask how I know. Just trust me on this one.
Sprinkle the steaks liberally with salt and pepper, don’t be afraid of the salt. It will infuse into the meat and bring out the beefiness of the steak. And remember adding salt during cooking makes flavorful food. Adding salt after cooking, just makes salty food.
Allow your steaks to cook and get a delicious sear on them.
Avoid the temptation to poke, press, or move your steaks until it is time. This is one of the most important tips for perfect steaks on the grill.
When cooked place the steaks on a baking sheet and loosely tent with aluminum foil. Allow steaks to rest for 5 minutes. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the steak delivering a more flavorful product!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What type of steak should I grill?

You can grill almost any type of steak. In this recipe, I chose ribeye steaks which are my favorite. But, you can also try tenderloin, New York strip steak, top sirloin, T-bone or porterhouse.

What are steak cooking times?

For perfect steaks on the grill, follow these steak cooking times.

Rare – 5 – 6 minutes (internal temperature 130F)
Medium Rare – 7-10 minutes (internal temperature 135F )
Medium – 9 – 11 minutes (internal temperature 140F)
Well Done – 12 – 15 minutes (internal temperature 150F)

What grill temp is best for cooking steaks?

There will be some variation depending on the type of grill you use. But for perfect steaks on the grill, you should adjust the grill for high heat.

The temperature will be between 450°F and 500°F.

Remember to let your steaks sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before you place them on the grill. This makes all the difference in the flavor.

Should you marinate steaks before grilling?

This really depends on personal preference.

By drizzling the steaks with olive oil, you will have steaks with a flavorful crust just like the ones you get at your favorite steak house.

But, if you want to use a grilled steak marinade instead, you can try my Garlic Lime All-Purpose Marinade.

It’s an all-purpose marinade that works on so many different meats.

Perfect Steaks on the Grill + Video

Donna Elick

Grilling the perfect steak results in a tender juicy steak with a life altering crust on the outside of the steak. You just need to know how. This recipe and how-to will make the best steak you will ever eat in your life!

Ingredients

▢ 4 1 – 1 1/4" thick good ribeye steaks , about 1 pound each
▢ olive oil, your favorite
▢ kosher salt
▢ fresh ground black pepper

Instructions

Remove steaks from the refrigerator and place on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil for about 15 minutes, covered with foil. Allowing the steaks to warm up slightly will help them to cook more evenly.
Preheat grill to high. Drizzle your steaks with olive oil and rub it all over the steaks. Then liberally sprinkle with salt and pepper. Flip steaks and repeat. This will give the steaks that flavorful crust that good steak houses are known for.
After your grill has preheated place steaks on the grill, diagonally to the grill grates ( ). Close the lid to the grill and allow steaks to cook. Dispose of the aluminum foil on your baking pan. Keep in mind – cook steaks 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare, 5-6 minutes per side for medium.
After 2 minutes, move steaks to an opposite diagonal ( / ), this will make those fabulous cross hatch grill marks. Close cover to grill and allow steaks to cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Flip steaks over with tongs so they are on the grill diagonal to the grill grates. After 2 minutes move steaks to an opposite diagonal. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes for medium rare. Again use 2-3 minutes for each step if you are cooking medium rare, use 3 minutes per step if you are cooking medium.
Place steaks on baking sheet and loosely tent with aluminum foil. Allow steaks to rest for 5 minutes. This will help the juices redistribute through out the steak delivering a more flavorful product!
Serve and enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Originally published May 2014, updated and republished August 2020

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate linkyour price will remain the sameand The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.