Grilling Time For Steak

Grilling Time For Steak Equals Summer Time for Fun!

Grilling time for steak means back yard gatherings, tall glasses of lemon aid and long afternoon naps on a full stomach. A grilled steak cooked to perfection is an art form. But not so fast! The number one problem with a grilled steak gone-bad is not only the grilling time itself, but also the new chefs lack of common sense and know how. You can be the man or woman of the hour with a steak marinated just right; or you can be your dog’s best friend with a leathery treat that only he can eat!

Here are some grilling steak techniques that will have your family and friends raving about your perfectly grilled steaks (you can throw the bare bones to your dog when it's all said and done).

My husband is a "grill master" and he wears the title with pride. But grilling steak, like anything you want to master, requires practice and patience. However between you and me, here's a quick tip, one of my husband's 'grill master' secrets is marinating his meat in Worcestershire sauce for an hour or so. Now if you tell him I told you... I'll deny it -smile!

Ok, here's the next step to prepare for the proper grilling time for steak, you want to turn your grill to a high heat setting and allow it to warm up. My grill-master-husband uses both gas and charcoal and these grilling steak techniques don’t change, just remember to wait for your charcoal to turn gray before you start cooking, that's when you know they're hot enough.

Now, to get the proper grilling time for steak right, check out these guidelines below.

According to my grill-master-husband (and I concur being the official grill steak taster), the average grilling time for steaks up to 1 inch thick should be:

For medium rare grill steaks you want to cook 4-5 minutes on each side.
For medium grill steaks, cook for 6-8 minutes on each side.

(Note: Only turn the grill steaks once. Flipping them back and forth will turn your mouth watering grilled steak into a tough "Fido" dog treat!)

Grilling time for steaks 1-2 inches thick:

Medium rare grill steaks add a few more minutes, cook for 6-8 minutes on each side.
For a little more done (medium), grill your steaks for 9-11 minutes on each side.

Remember, these grilling times are based on cooking your steak at medium to high heat. Grill-master-husband says don't just trust your timer alone. To become a grill-master yourself you must always trust your eyes and nose (and your own personal "official taster" of course). Cut a slice of the steak to check if it is done.

Here are your guidelines new-master-grill-grasshopper: When your steak is red throughout, then it’s rare. When it’s pink in the center and brown around the edges, its medium. And when it’s brownish throughout it’s well done. Remember, always cut your grilled steak open to check if it's done perfectly!

CONGRATULATIONS! You did it! Grasshopper, after you grill a few steaks you’ll know exactly how long your grill will take and you can adjust accordingly. Here's to a great summer!

For more information on how to grill steaks, here's a good cookbook to check out.