Grill steaks about 2 to 5 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
I’ve grilled hundreds of steaks on gas grills over the years, and I’ll walk you through exactly how long to grill steaks on a gas grill. This guide blends clear timing charts, grill setup, resting tips, and real-world lessons so you can hit the perfect doneness every time. Read on to get confident with temperatures, timing, and pro tricks that make a steak sing.
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Why timing matters for steak success
Timing controls texture, flavor, and safety when you decide how long to grill steaks on a gas grill. Too short and the steak is undercooked and cool in the center. Too long and it dries out and loses flavor.
Good timing also helps you match doneness across different steak cuts and thicknesses. I learned early that a reliable method beats guessing. A consistent approach saves charcoal, time, and reputation at cookouts.
Grill temperature and setup
Set up your gas grill before you wonder how long to grill steaks on a gas grill. Clean grates and a hot surface are essentials.
- Preheat grill for 10 to 15 minutes until it reaches the target temperature.
- Use two heat zones: full heat on one side for searing and medium or low on the other side to finish thicker cuts.
- Aim for searing temps of 450°F to 550°F for thin-to-medium steaks and 400°F to 450°F for thicker steaks to control char and interior rise.
I use a probe thermometer to confirm grill temps. That way my timing is based on actual grill heat, not guesswork.
Steak thickness and timing chart
How long to grill steaks on a gas grill depends mostly on thickness and desired doneness. Use these simple guides as starting points. Times are per side and assume a hot grill and room-temperature steak.
- 1/2-inch steak: 2 minutes per side for medium-rare; 3 minutes per side for medium.
- 3/4-inch steak: 3 minutes per side for medium-rare; 4 minutes per side for medium.
- 1-inch steak: 4 minutes per side for medium-rare; 5 minutes per side for medium.
- 1 1/2-inch steak: 5 minutes per side for medium-rare; 6 to 7 minutes per side for medium (use indirect heat to finish).
- 2-inch steak: Sear 3 to 4 minutes per side, then move to indirect heat for 6 to 10 minutes until desired temp.
Remember that these are guidelines. Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm how long to grill steaks on a gas grill for exact doneness.
Step-by-step method for grilling steaks on a gas grill
Follow these clear steps to learn how long to grill steaks on a gas grill and get consistent results.
- Bring steaks to room temperature. This takes 20 to 30 minutes and helps cook evenly.
- Season simply with salt and pepper or your favorite rub. Pat dry first.
- Preheat the gas grill to the temperatures described above. Clean the grates.
- Sear over high heat for the recommended minutes per side based on thickness.
- Move to indirect heat for thicker steaks and continue cooking by temperature, not time.
- Use an instant-read thermometer: 125°F for rare, 135°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium.
- Rest steaks for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting to let juices redistribute.
I often flip steaks once. Flipping too often stops a proper sear and makes timing less predictable. This simple routine helps me get repeatable results.
Common mistakes and pro tips
Avoid these errors when you decide how long to grill steaks on a gas grill.
- Overcrowding the grate makes grill temp fall and increases cooking time. Give each steak space.
- Grilling straight from fridge increases cook time and creates an over-charred exterior. Let steaks warm slightly.
- Relying only on time without checking temperature can land steaks on the wrong side of done. Use a thermometer.
- Cutting immediately after cooking leaks juices and reduces juiciness. Always rest.
Pro tips from my experience:
- Use a thermometer probe clipped to the grate to monitor ambient grill temp.
- For better crust, brush oil on the steak, not the grill.
- If flare-ups occur, move steak to indirect heat and fan flames down with lid closed as much as possible.
Resting, checking doneness, and serving
Resting is part of how long to grill steaks on a gas grill because the internal temp rises after you remove the steak from heat. Plan a short rest.
- Rest times: 5 minutes for thin steaks, 7 to 10 minutes for thicker cuts.
- Check doneness by thermometer or finger test if experienced. Internal temps: 125°F rare, 135°F medium-rare, 145°F medium.
- Slice against the grain and serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
I slice one steak to test the results before serving the whole batch. That small check has saved many meals.
Frequently Asked Questions of how long to grill steaks on a gas grill
How long to grill steaks on a gas grill for medium-rare?
For medium-rare, grill most 1-inch steaks about 4 minutes per side on high heat and check with an instant-read thermometer for 135°F. Thicker steaks need searing then indirect heating until the probe reads 135°F.
How long to grill steaks on a gas grill for well-done?
Well-done usually takes longer and risks dryness; expect about 6 to 8 minutes per side for 1-inch steaks, or sear then finish on indirect heat until the internal temp reaches 160°F. Use lower heat to avoid burning the exterior.
How long to grill steaks on a gas grill from frozen?
Grilling from frozen adds time and reduces evenness; start with a gentle sear then finish at lower heat and plan for at least 50% more cooking time. For best results, thaw overnight before grilling.
How long to grill steaks on a gas grill without a thermometer?
Without a thermometer, rely on timing and the finger test: 3 to 5 minutes per side for common thicknesses for medium-rare, and press the center to compare firmness to your hand. A thermometer is safer and more reliable.
How long to grill steaks on a gas grill to get a good sear?
Sear on high heat for 2 to 4 minutes per side to form a crust, depending on thickness. After searing, move thicker steaks to indirect heat to reach the target internal temp.
Does resting affect how long to grill steaks on a gas grill?
Yes. Resting stops the cooking process slightly and allows juices to redistribute, effectively raising internal temp by a few degrees. Rest thin steaks 5 minutes and thick steaks 7 to 10 minutes.
Conclusion
Perfect steaks come from combining a clear plan for how long to grill steaks on a gas grill with proper grill setup, simple seasoning, and using a thermometer. Follow the timing charts, use two-zone cooking for thick cuts, rest your steaks, and adjust based on your grill’s behaviour. Try these tips at your next cookout, and share what worked or any tweaks you made. Leave a comment, subscribe for more grilling guides, or ask a question below.
