What Temperature to Grill Steak on a Gas Grill

Considered one of the staples in barbecuing, steaks have become a classic meal. A good cut of beef can go perfectly with all sorts of side dishes, whether considering a simple batch of fries and some greens or something far more sophisticated and flavourful. No matter what it’s served with, steaks can be cooked whenever and wherever, leaving many barbecue enthusiasts experimenting with different cuts, smoking chips and levels of doneness to suit their preferences.


However, one of the most important things that every home chef and barbecuer must consider when cooking a steak is what temperature to grill steak on a gas grill. The right temperature can make a great difference. Too high, you end up with something too leathery to eat comfortably. Too low, you run the risk of an upset stomach, which is not appealing to many people. The right temperature allows the steak to be delicious and versatile while fitting into various meal options. 


Read this article to know what temperature to cook steak on BBQ to get that perfect dish. Dickson Barbecue Centre has everything you need to get the perfect steak, so consider checking out our catalogue collection for more.


What’s the right temperature to grill a steak at?


To properly grill a steak, you need to be able to set the grill to just the right temperature. According to many sources, both across the Internet and from other expert barbecuers, the perfect temperature to cook steaks is anywhere between 450 and 500 degrees Fahrenheit. If you plan on cooking thicker cuts of steak, the temperature should be lower.


This is primarily because the heat from the barbecue will sear and cook the outside of the steak first. To ensure that the steak is properly cooked to the level of expected doneness on the inside, the lower temperature setting makes sure that the heat permeates through and cooks the meat at roughly the same speed. Too much heat may leave you with a well-done center but an extremely overdone and leathery outside for a steak. Setting the right temperature to grill steak on a gas grill can give you the perfect dish.


How long should you grill a steak?


If you’re cooking a steak for the first time over a grill, there’s a simple trick that you can use before you begin. The overall thickness of the cut of steak also influences the total time you need to grill each side for, in addition to knowing what temperature to grill steak on a gas grill. Though this tip applies to both one-inch and two-inch steak, thicker cuts frequently need a few more minutes on each side to reach the same level of doneness as a thinner piece.


Place the steaks over direct heat - right over the flames - for roughly three to four minutes before flipping it over and having them sit for another three to four minutes. If your grill has separate burners built into it that you can use, leave one area of your barbecue unlit. Once both sides have been grilled for three to four minutes, move the steaks over to the unlit side, where they’ll be cooked properly via indirect heat. 


How to grill a perfect steak


As usual, a great steak begins with a good cut of meat. However, while most people prefer ribeye or filet-mignon steaks, it’s always better to simply choose the steaks that you prefer. Once you have the steaks you want, put them in the refrigerator to keep cool and prevent bacterial growth while preparing a marinade or a rub. Once the marinade is ready, pierce the steaks with a fork, then rub in your choice of seasoning before putting it back in the fridge to rest for at least 30 minutes. If you like simple flavours, salt and pepper works just fine.


Once you’ve cleaned your grill, turn it on and let the heat build up. If you need to cook quickly, start the grill before preparing and seasoning the steaks. When the grill reaches the ideal temperature, set the steaks on the grill and cook it as we’ve mentioned above. For thicker steak cuts, make sure that steaks are set aside to rest away from the heat for roughly five minutes. After that, all you need to do is serve them up.


What is the best level of doneness for steaks?


Many different culinary and barbecue enthusiasts all have different opinions on what they believe the best levels of doneness are for steaks. Generally, the consensus for the best ones is medium or medium-rare. Medium rare steaks are often somewhat pink on the inside, leaving just enough juice to carry the beef’s flavour and the marinade or rub. 


For people who aren’t as comfortable with their rarer steaks, medium doneness still retains the juiciness that everyone loves. In the end, however, you should always cook your steaks to the level of doneness you prefer. All you need to remember is what temperature you cook steak on a gas grill.


Takeaway


Grilling the perfect steak requires more than knowing the right temperature to grill a steak at, though it can often be an important bit of information. Factors such as different types of seasoning, how well-cooked the steak is and how long it was left on the grill can also affect how delicious the result is. 


If one factor isn’t as carefully considered as the others, your steak can lose what makes it great. Just like adding too much seasoning can overpower a steak, cooking a steak at too high a temperature can negatively affect the final outcome. 


To welcome in a great barbecue season with steaks and other dishes, visit our catalogue for the best grills and accessories for your needs.