How Long To Grill Steak On Charcoal Grill?

Are you craving a perfectly grilled steak, but not sure how long to cook it on your charcoal grill?

Well, fear not my hungry friend, because today we’re going to talk about the ideal cook time.

Whether you prefer your steak rare, medium, or well-done, we’ve got the tips you need to achieve steak perfection on the charcoal grill.

How Long To Grill Steak On Charcoal Grill

The length of time needed to grill a steak on a charcoal grill can vary depending on the thickness of the steak and how well done you prefer it.

Here is a general guide for grilling a 1-inch thick steak on a charcoal grill:

1. For rare: 2–3 minutes per side over direct heat
2. For medium rare: 3–4 minutes per side over direct heat
3. For medium: 4–5 minutes per side over direct heat
4. For well done: 5–7 minutes per side over direct heat, then move to indirect heat to finish cooking to the desired level of doneness.

It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak to ensure it has reached the desired level of doneness.

For rare, the internal temperature should be 125 °F (52 °C), for medium rare it should be 135 °F (57 °C), for medium it should be 145 °F (63 °C), and for well done it should be 160 °F (71 °C).

Keep in mind that grilling times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the heat of your grill, so it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your steak is cooked to your preferred level of doneness.

How to grill steak on a charcoal grill

Here is a step-by-step process on how to grill steak on a charcoal grill:

Choose the right steak

Picking the proper steak cut is crucial when cooking it.

Pick a steak with at least an inch of thickness and excellent marbling (the white fat streaks running through the flesh).

Filet mignon, sirloin, and ribeye are common cuts of meat to grill.

Prepare the grill

You should set up your barbecue for two-zone grilling food in order to get it ready.

This implies that you will fill one side of the grill with charcoal while leaving the other side empty.

A hot zone for searing and a cooled zone for cooking are created by this arrangement.

To get started, take the grill’s cooking grate off.

Then, use a charcoal chimney starter or lighter fluid to ignite the fire by adding enough charcoal to one side of the grill to make a single layer of embers.

Before continuing, wait until the coals are completely covered with white ash.

Season the steak

You should season your meat generously before cooking.

To help it brown and prevent sticking, brush the steak with olive oil before liberally seasoning it with salt and pepper.

You may also include other herbs and seasonings of your choosing, such as thyme, rosemary, or garlic.

Sear the steak

Place the steak that has been seasoned over the hot coals as soon as they are ready.

The steak should be seared for two to three minutes on each side or until a crisp, brown crust forms.

The steak’s surface will develop taste and texture as a result of the initial sear.

Move the steak to the cooler side

After the steak has been seared, flip it over and place it on the cooler side of the grill, away from the flames.

Depending on the thickness of the steak and the degree of doneness you choose, place the cover on the grill and cook the steak for an additional 5 to 7 minutes.

Check the steak’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer.

For rare, medium-rare, medium, 150 °F, and well-done, aim for 120 °F, 130 °F, 140 °F, and 160 °F, respectively.

Determining doneness

The most exact method for figuring out when a steak is done is to use a meat thermometer.

To acquire an exact reading, insert the thermometer into the steak’s thickest area.

A different technique is the finger test, which includes touching the steak with your fingertips to determine how done it is.

The texture of the steak should be soft and pliable for rare, somewhat firm with some give for medium-rare, a firm with minimal give for medium, and extremely hard with no give for well-done.

Let the steak rest

When the steak is done to your preference, take it from the grill and give it at least 5 minutes to rest before slicing.

This makes the steak more soft and juicy by redistributing the liquids throughout the flesh.

Serve and enjoy

Slice the steak against the grain after allowing it to rest, and serve it with your preferred sides.

Mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, and a straightforward salad are all excellent choices to enhance the flavor of the steak.

Why grilling steak on a charcoal grill is a great option

Grilling steak on a charcoal grill is a great option because charcoal grills have the ability to reach high temperatures quickly, which is essential for searing meat and creating delicious caramelization on the outside of the steak.

Additionally, charcoal imparts a unique smoky flavor that is highly desirable when grilling meat.

The combination of high heat and smoky flavor creates a perfect steak with a crusty exterior and a juicy, tender interior.

Charcoal grilling also provides a more authentic and traditional grilling experience that many people enjoy.

Overall, grilling steak on a charcoal grill is a great way to achieve a delicious and satisfying meal.

Learn more about the effects of grilling with a charcoal grill.

General guidelines for grilling steak on a charcoal grill

1. Choose the right cut of meat: Look for a well-marbled steak with good thickness, such as ribeye, T-bone, strip, or sirloin.
2. Preheat the charcoal grill: Start the charcoal earlier than you think you need to. Use a chimney starter to light the charcoal and let it heat up until the coals are glowing red.
3. Season the meat: Brush the steak lightly with olive oil or its own fat and then season with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning blend. Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes before grilling.
4. Create a two-zone fire: Divide your grill into two areas, one with coals and one without. The direct heat zone is perfect for searing, while the indirect heat zone allows for slower cooking at a lower temperature.
5. Sear the steak: Place the steak on the hot side of the grill and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until you get a good crust. Watch out for flare-ups caused by fat dripping onto hot coals.
6. Move the steak to the cool side: Move the steak to the indirect heat zone and cover the grill to let it cook to your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
7. Avoid overcooking: Cook the steak to about 10 degrees below your desired internal temperature since the meat will continue to cook when removed from the heat.
8. Rest the meat: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for about 5–10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and flavor to develop.
9. Avoid flipping the steak too often, as this can cause it to lose its juices.

Learn more about grilling on a charcoal grill.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should you grill steak on a charcoal grill?

The exact grilling time will depend on factors such as the thickness of the steaks and the desired level of doneness, but as a general rule, you should grill a 1-inch-thick steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, 5-6 minutes per side for medium, or 6-7 minutes per side for well-done.

How can I test the doneness of the steak?

The most accurate way to test for doneness is to use a meat thermometer and insert it into the thickest part of the steak.

For medium-rare, the internal temperature should be 130-135 °F, for medium it should be 135-145 °F, and for well-done it should be 155 °F or higher.

Should I cover the grill while cooking the steak?

It’s not necessary to cover the grill, but if you want to speed up the cooking process, you can place an aluminum foil tent over the steak for the last few minutes of grilling.

How should I prepare the charcoal grill for cooking steak?

Start by cleaning the grill grates and oiling them with a bit of vegetable oil.

Then, light the charcoal and let it burn until it’s covered in white ash. Spread the coals out in a single layer and place the grates over them.

How long should I let the steak rest after grilling?

It’s important to let the steak rest for a few minutes after you take it off the grill to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

A good rule of thumb is to let the steak rest for 5 minutes for every inch of thickness.

What are some tips for getting a nice sear on the steak?

Make sure the grill grates are hot before you place the steak on them.

You can also brush the steak with a bit of oil and season it with salt and pepper before grilling to help promote a nice crust.

Don’t flip the steak too often, as this can prevent a good sear from forming.

Learn more about charcoal grill safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, grilling steak on a charcoal grill is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy this classic dish.

The key to a perfectly grilled steak is knowing how long to cook it to achieve your desired level of doneness.

Remember to keep an eye on the temperature and use a meat thermometer to ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection.

With a little bit of practice and patience, you can become a pro at grilling steaks on a charcoal grill and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills.