How to Grill the Perfect Steak Every Time: Temperatures, Timing & Seasoning

There's nothing quite like a perfectly grilled steak. A flavorful crust on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, and just the right amount of smoky flavor from the grill.

But grilling steak can also be intimidating. How hot should the grill be? How long should you cook each side? And how do you know when your steak is done?

The good news? Grilling a great steak doesn't have to be complicated.

With a good cut of beef, the right seasoning, and a few simple techniques, you can grill a steak that rivals your favorite steakhouse.

Today, we're keeping things simple with a juicy ribeye seasoned with Burn Pit BBQ Ground Pounder Garlic Seasoning.

Perfect Grilled Ribeye Steak Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8–15 minutes
Rest Time: 5–10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 25–35 minutes
Servings: 2
Difficulty: Easy
Cooking Method: Gas or charcoal grill

Ingredients

• 2 ribeye steaks (1–1.5 inches thick, approximately 12–16 oz each)
• 2–3 teaspoons Burn Pit BBQ Ground Pounder Garlic Seasoning or to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for finishing)
• Fresh rosemary or thyme (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Steaks

Remove the steaks from the refrigerator while you preheat your grill, about 15–20 minutes.

Pat both sides dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps create that flavorful crust when the steak hits the hot grill.

Lightly coat each steak with olive oil, then generously season both sides with Ground Pounder Garlic Seasoning

Step 2: Preheat Your Grill

Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to approximately 450–500°F over direct heat.

Set up a two-zone cooking area:

• Direct heat: The hot side for searing your steaks.
• Indirect heat: A cooler side where you can finish cooking without burning the outside.

For a gas grill, leave one burner off or on low. For charcoal, arrange most of your coals on one side.

Step 3: Sear the Steaks

Place the steaks directly over the hot side of the grill.

Sear for approximately 3–4 minutes per side, depending on thickness and grill temperature.

Flip the steaks using tongs to develop a nice crust on both sides.

Avoid pressing down on the steaks with your spatula. You want to keep those flavorful juices inside the meat!

Step 4: Finish Cooking to Your Preferred Doneness

After searing, check the internal temperature using an instant-read meat thermometer.

If the outside has developed a nice crust but the inside needs more time, move the steaks to the indirect heat side of the grill.

Close the lid and continue cooking until they approach your desired temperature.

Remember, steaks continue cooking after being removed from the grill, so account for a few degrees of carryover cooking.

Step 5: Rest, Slice & Serve

Remove the steaks from the grill and transfer them to a cutting board.

Add a small pat of butter and fresh herbs if desired.

Allow the steaks to rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

Slice against the grain when appropriate, serve, and enjoy!

 

How Long Should You Grill a Steak?

One of the most common questions about grilling steak is how long it takes.

The answer depends on the thickness of your steak, grill temperature, and preferred doneness.

Here is a general guide for a 1-inch steak grilled over medium-high to high heat.

Doneness	Approximate Total Grill Time	Final Internal Temperature
Rare	4–6 minutes	125°F
Medium Rare	6–8 minutes	135°F
Medium	8–10 minutes	145°F
Medium Well	10–12 minutes	150–155°F
Well Done	12–15 minutes	160°F+

 

Important: These are approximate times, not guarantees. Steak thickness, grill conditions, and carryover cooking all affect the results. Always use a meat thermometer. The USDA recommends cooking whole-cut beef steaks to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F followed by a 3-minute rest for food safety.

For thicker steaks, plan on additional cooking time over indirect heat.

What's the Best Temperature for Grilling Steak?

For most steaks, we recommend preheating your grill to 450–500°F.

This high heat helps create a flavorful seared crust while keeping the inside juicy.

If you're grilling a thicker steak, especially one over 1.5 inches, use the two-zone method.

Start over direct heat to develop the crust, then move the steak to indirect heat to finish cooking.

This gives you more control and helps prevent a burnt outside with an undercooked center.

Why We Love Ground Pounder Garlic Seasoning on Steak

A great steak doesn't need a complicated marinade or a long list of ingredients.

Sometimes, simple is better.

Our Burn Pit BBQ Ground Pounder Garlic Seasoning brings bold garlic flavor and savory seasoning that complements the natural richness of beef.

It's an easy way to add flavor without spending hours preparing a marinade.

And it's not just for steak. Try it on burgers, pork chops, roasted potatoes, or vegetables.

Shop Ground Pounder Garlic Seasoning

Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Steak

How long do you grill a steak on each side?

For a 1-inch steak over high heat, start with approximately 3–4 minutes per side for medium rare, then check the internal temperature. Thicker steaks generally require more time, often with an indirect-heat finish.

Should you grill steak with the lid open or closed?

For a quick sear over direct heat, you can grill with the lid open. When cooking thicker steaks or finishing over indirect heat, closing the lid helps maintain consistent temperatures.

Should you put oil on steak before grilling?

A light coating of high-smoke-point cooking oil can help seasoning adhere and promote even browning. You don't need much. Be sure to pat the steak dry first.

How do you keep steak juicy on the grill?

Start with a quality cut, avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer, and let your steak rest before slicing. Cooking thicker steaks with a two-zone fire also helps prevent the outside from overcooking.

What's the best cut of steak for grilling?

Ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon, and sirloin are all excellent choices.

Ribeye is one of our favorites because its marbling delivers great flavor and tenderness.

Do you need to flip steak more than once?

Not necessarily. Flipping once works well, but flipping more frequently can also help cook a steak evenly. The important thing is monitoring the crust and internal temperature.

Final Thoughts: Great Steak Doesn't Have to Be Complicated

You don't need expensive equipment or fancy techniques to grill a great steak.

Start with a good cut of beef, season it well, get your grill hot, and pay attention to the internal temperature.

That's it.

Whether you're grilling for a weeknight dinner, a backyard gathering, or just because you're craving a good steak, these simple tips will help you get great results.

And when you need an easy way to add flavor, reach for Burn Pit BBQ Ground Pounder Garlic Rub.

Fire up the grill, grab a steak, and enjoy!

From our backyard to yours — Burn Pit BBQ.