Are you ready to take your grilling game up a level? Grilling steak at 400°F might be the way to do it. Sure, you’ve probably grilled before and can make some delicious food, but getting that perfect steak cooked just right is an art form in and of itself. In this blog post, we’ll explore how long to grill steak at 400F for the ideal result – juicy on the inside but nice and caramelized on the outside. We’ll also explain different temperature variations if you’re looking for something other than searing hot! So gear up your grill and follow along as we take a look into how long to cook that perfectly grilled steak.
About Steak & Grill Steak
Steak [1] is a term used to describe any cut of meat that is suitable for grilling. So many cuts of meat called “steak”. It usually refers to beef, but it can also be pork, lamb, or even fish and chicken! There are a variety of cuts that fall under the umbrella of steak such as strip steak, ribeye, and filet mignon.
The cut of steak you choose for grilling will be largely determined by your personal preference. Some cuts are more tender than others, and some have more fat which helps give them their juicy texture. Choose from cuts like Strip Steak, Ribeye, Sirloin, Filet Mignon or Bavette (a lesser known cut) for a delicious and flavorful result!
* What is bavette steak?
Bavette steak is a lean cut of meat taken from the flank area of the cow. It has a distinct flavor, and it’s known to be more tender than other cuts when cooked correctly. This type of steak should be grilled at a moderate temperature for about 10 minutes for optimal results – slow-cooked and sear.
Is 400F suitable for grilling Steak?
Yes, 400F is an ideal temperature for grilling steak and will likely produce the best results. This temperature ensures the steak is cooked to perfection while caramelizing on the outside.
Factors Affecting the Grilling Time Per Steak
There are a few factors that can affect the grilling time per steak like equipment, steak type, thickness, doneness, temperature, preheating time.
- The type of equipment you’re using to grill your steak makes a difference – an indoor electric grill or charcoal grill will have different cooking times than an outdoor gas grill.
- The type of steak also plays a role in determining cooking time – certain cuts of steak cook faster or slower than others.
- The thickness of your steak and desired doneness can have an effect on cooking time.
- Finally, preheating your grill for a few minutes before grilling will also help your steak cook more quickly and evenly.
How long to grill steak at 400F?
For the ideal result when grilling a steak, we recommend cooking it over direct heat on your grill at 400°F. Depending on the thickness of your steak, cooking time will vary from 6 minutes (1-inch thick) up to 10 minutes (2-inch thick). For an even more in-depth look, the chart below shows recommended cooking times for various steak thicknesses.
Grilling Time at 400F by Thickness
When grilling steak, it’s important to consider the thickness of your steak and desired doneness.
- 1 inch: 6 minutes
- 1.5 inches: 8 minutes
- 2 inches: 10 minutes
Note: Flipping every 2 minutes for even cooking. Be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak is cooked perfectly.
Grilling Time at 400F by Favorite Steak Doneness
The amount of time a steak needs to grill varies depending on the desired doneness. How long to grill a steak at 400:
- Rare Steak: Cook for 6 minutes at 400F, flipping every 2 minutes
- Medium-Rare Steak: Cook for 8 minutes at 400F, flipping every 2 minutes
- Medium Steak: Cook for 10 minutes at 400F, flipping every 2 minutes
- Well-Done Steak: Cook for 12 minutes at 400F, flipping every 2 minutes.
Grilling Time at 400F by Equipment
If you’re using an indoor grill or cooking over indirect heat, you’ll want to adjust the temperature accordingly and cook for a longer period of time.
- Gas Grill: 6-10 minutes
- Charcoal Grill: 8-12 minutes
- Indoor Electric Grill: 10-15 minutes
- Sous Vide (Water Bath): 45 minutes – 1 hour
- Stove/Oven: 10-15 minutes
- Air Fryer: Not recommended for steak, as it will dry out
Grilling Time at 400F by Type of Steak
Different types of steak have slightly different cooking times. For a 1-inch thick steak:
- Filet Mignon should be grilled for 6 minutes
- New York Strip for 8 minutes
- Ribeye for 8 minutes
- Sirloin for 7 minutes
- Bavette steak for 10 minutes.
Grilling your steak to perfection takes practice and patience. With the right equipment, a good quality steak, and some careful timing you can enjoy a delicious grilled steak that is cooked to your liking.
>> See more:
- How long to grill Pork Steaks at 350, 400
- How long to smoke Tri Tip at 225
- How long to Bake Salmon at 375
When will grill steak at 400 done?
The best way to measure the doneness of your steak is to check the internal temperature by a thermometer.
- Rare steak: 120-130F
- Medium-Rare steak: 135-145F
- Medium steak: 150-160F
- Well done steak: 165°F and above.
It’s important to remember that steaks will continue to cook after being removed from the heat, so be sure to pull them off a few degrees before reaching your desired temperature.
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can also measure the doneness of your steak by pressing it with your finger – Measure Steak Doneness by Touch. This method is less accurate than using a digital thermometer, but still helpful in gauging the doneness of your steak.
Rare: The steak should be soft to the touch and easily indent when pressed.
- Medium-Rare: The steak should feel slightly firm and spring back when lightly touched.
- Medium: The steak should be slightly firm with very little give.
- Well done: The steak should be quite firm and not yield at all when pressed.
Expert Tips to Cook Perfect Steak at 400F
• Preheat the grill to 400F before putting your steak on.
• Use a digital thermometer to accurately measure the internal temperature of your steak and avoid overcooking it.
• Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking, so that any juices that were released during cooking can be reabsorbed by the steak.
• If you’re grilling multiple steaks, start with the thicker ones first and then move on to the thinner ones.
• Add a flavorful rub or marinade to your steak before cooking for extra flavor.
• Use tongs or spatulas to turn the steak, never use a fork as this will release the juices from the steak.
• Let your steak come to room temperature before grilling for even cooking.
• For an extra-juicy steak, baste it with butter or oil during cooking.
• Never wrap steak in aluminum foil when grilling because the high heat will cause the foil to melt.
Tips for choosing the Perfect Steak for Grilling
When shopping for steak, look for steaks that are at least 1-inch thick and have a nice amount of fat marbling throughout. The fat will help keep the steak juicy while grilling and you’ll be able to get just the right doneness. Depending on your budget and preference, some great steaks for grilling include:
- Ribeye: This steak is well-marbled and has a lot of flavor. It’s also one of the pricier steaks, so it’s a good choice if you’re looking to splurge.
- New York Strip: A leaner cut of steak, this one is great for grilling as it has enough fat to keep it juicy without being overly fatty.
- Sirloin: This steak has a good amount of marbling and great flavor. It’s also usually the most affordable steak option, making it a great choice for everyday grilling.
- Filet Mignon: This steak is lean and tender, making it perfect for grilling. It’s also a pricier cut of steak, so it’s a great choice if you want to treat yourself.
No matter what type of steak you choose, with the right technique and temperature you can make a delicious grilled steak that everyone will enjoy.
Tips for preserving and reheating steaks
If you want to save some steak for later, it’s important to properly store and reheat it. To store cooked steaks, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and place them in the refrigerator for up to four days. When reheating, be sure to use an oven or stovetop set at medium heat so that the steak doesn’t dry out. You can also use the microwave, but be sure to cover the steak with a damp paper towel and heat in short intervals so that it doesn’t dry out.
>> See more:
- How long to smoke Tri Tip at 225
- How long to smoke a Brisket at 225
- How long to grill Hot Dogs
- How long to Microwave a Hot Pocket
FAQs How long to Grill Steak at 400F?
How long to grill at bone steak?
It depends on the thickness of the steak, but generally 4-6 minutes per side will get you a medium-rare steak. For a 1-inch thick bone-in steak, cook it for 8-10 minutes total.
How long does it take to grill a 2 inch thick steak?
For a 2-inch thick steak, cook it for 8-10 minutes per side for a medium-rare steak. If you prefer your steak more well done, add an additional 2 minutes per side.
What is the best way to check if a steak is done?
The best way to check if a steak is done is to use a digital thermometer and check the internal temperature of the steak. The ideal internal temperature for a medium-rare steak is 125F-130F. If it’s over 130F, your steak will be more well done.
How long do you cook a steak on each side?
For a 1-inch thick steak, cook it for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare. For a thicker steak, add an additional 2 minutes per side.
Do you grill steak with the grill lid open or closed?
It depends on the type of grill you’re using. For charcoal grills, it’s best to keep the lid open as this will help create an even heat and cook your steak more evenly. For gas grills, it’s better to keep the lid closed so that you can control the temperature easier.
How do you keep steak from drying out?
The best way to keep your steak from drying out while grilling is to baste it with butter or oil during cooking. This will help keep the steak juicy and flavorful. Also, be sure to not overcook your steak and use a digital thermometer to check for doneness.
Can you grill frozen steak?
It is not recommended that you grill frozen steak as this can lead to uneven cooking and potential food safety issues. To ensure proper cooking, be sure to thaw your steak overnight in the refrigerator before grilling.
Can you cook steak on a gas grill?
Yes, you can definitely cook steak on a gas grill. To do so, preheat the grill for at least 15 minutes and then set it to medium heat. From there, brush the steak with oil and place it on the grates. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side for a 1-inch thick steak or 8-10 minutes per side for a thicker steak. Be sure to use a digital thermometer to check for doneness.
What is the ideal steak grilling temperature?
The ideal steak grilling temperature for a gas grill is medium heat, around 350F-400F. For charcoal grills, the ideal temperature is slightly higher, between 350F-450F. Be sure to adjust your grill’s settings accordingly before putting your steak on the grates.
What type of steak is best for grilling?
The best type of steak for grilling is a ribeye, as it has the perfect balance of fat and flavor. Other great cuts include sirloin, flatiron, and New York Strip steaks.
What is the difference between grilling and broiling steak?
Grilling is when you cook the steak over direct heat, usually on a gas or charcoal grill. Broiling is when you cook the steak in an oven under intense high-heat. Both methods can yield delicious steak, but grilling tends to give it more of a smoky flavor due to the smoke from the charcoal or wood chips.
How long to grill 1.5 inck steak at 400?
For a 1.5-inch thick steak, cook it for 8-10 minutes per side for a medium-rare steak. If you prefer your steak more well done, add an additional 2 minutes per side.
How long to cook steak on pellet grill at 400?
For a 1-inch thick steak, cook it for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare. For a thicker steak, add an additional 2 minutes per side. Be sure to keep the lid closed while cooking on a pellet grill to maintain temperature control.
How do you sear a steak on the grill?
To get that perfectly seared steak, preheat the grill to high heat (around 450-500F) and brush the steak with oil. Place it on the grates and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. This should create a nice golden-brown crust without overcooking the steak.
Conclusion
How long to grill steak at 400F for the Best Taste and Texture? Grilling steak at 400°F is the perfect way to get that juicy steak you’ve been craving. For the ideal steak, cook it for around 6-8 minutes on each side. This should leave you with a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak – juicy on the inside and caramelized on the outside. For medium-well, cook 8-10 minutes per side and for well done, 10-12 minutes per side. Be sure to keep an eye on it, as steak can cook quickly!
If you’re looking for a different temperature variation, like medium-rare or well done, be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly. For medium-rare, reduce the cooking time by 1 minute per side and for well done increase the cooking time by an extra 2 minutes per side.
Once you’re done with your steak, it’s important to let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to settle and create an even juicier steak. Enjoy your perfectly grilled steak!
Leslie Fowler is the founder of Rhythm Cafe, a barbecue restaurant with over 15 years of experience. Leslie is an exceptional pitmaster and grill expert, specializing in smoking briskets and pork shoulders on charcoal, wood, or propane grills/smokers. Leslie has also tried out almost every model of kitchen appliance available on the market, making her an authority on grills and smokers.