Cooking steak on a gas grill can seem intimidating, but with the correct technique and a few simple steps, anyone can master how to cook a steak on a gas grill—even if you’re just starting. Whether cooking for your family or hosting a small gathering, a perfectly grilled steak can be the meal’s star. Gas grills are great for home cooks because they’re easy to use, provide consistent heat, and allow you to cook steak quickly and efficiently. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the proper cut of meat to grilling it to perfection. Now, let’s get started.
Recommended Tools to Make
To ensure you achieve the perfect steak, here are some helpful tools:
- Meat Thermometer: A must-have for checking the internal temperature of the steak.
- Grill Brush: Keeps your grates clean to prevent sticking and ensure perfect grill marks.
- Tongs: Essential for flipping your steak without piercing it and losing juices.
- Instant-Read Thermometer: Ensures your steak is grilled to your preferred doneness.
- Gas Grill: A reliable gas grill like the Weber Spirit II E-310 ensures consistent heat and ample space for cooking multiple patties. Or you can refer to the ovens below:
- Camp Chef Flat Top Grill
- Why It’s Great: This flat-top grill provides a large cooking surface and even heating, making it ideal for grilling steak with consistent searing across the entire surface. The flat top design allows for versatile cooking, including preparing sides like vegetables or potatoes.
- Best For: Home cooks who love versatility and want to grill multiple items, including steaks, all at once.
- Cuisinart CGG-7400 Full-Size Gas Grill
- Why It’s Great: The Cuisinart CGG-7400 offers four powerful burners, cast iron grates, and an affordable price point. Its even heat distribution and 11,000 BTUs per burner are perfect for achieving a well-seared steak.
- Best For: Budget-conscious steak lovers who need a full-sized gas grill with ample space and consistent heat.
- Monument Grills 4-Burner Stainless Steel Gas Grill
- Why It’s Great: Featuring a stainless steel build, this grill has four main burners and a side burner, giving you more flexibility while grilling steaks and preparing side dishes. It also includes an LED control panel for nighttime grilling.
- Best For: Home cooks who want durability, sleek design, and extra features for an elevated grilling experience.
- Z Grills 450B Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker
- Why It’s Great: While technically a pellet grill, the Z Grills 450B offers an excellent option for anyone who wants to experiment with both grilling and smoking steak. It provides consistent temperature control and an added smoky flavor that gas grills typically can’t match.
- Best For: Steak lovers looking to combine grilling and smoking for enhanced flavor with the convenience of set-it-and-forget-it technology.
- or the best gas grills under $1000, as I mentioned.
- Camp Chef Flat Top Grill
Ingredients for Grilled Steak
Let’s start by gathering the ingredients. A few simple items can make all the difference regarding flavor and tenderness.
For the steak:
- 1-2 steaks of your choice (such as ribeye, New York strip, or porterhouse), about 1 to 1.5 inches thick
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon salt (kosher or sea salt is ideal)
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: garlic powder or your favorite beef rub
For serving:
- Butter (optional)
- Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary (optional)
Instructions
Now that we’ve got the ingredients let’s dive into the step-by-step process of grilling your steak to perfection. Here’s how to do it, with simple instructions that are easy to follow, even if it’s your first time.
1. Choose the Right Cut of Steak
The first step to a great grilled steak is selecting the proper cut. Several types of steak work well on a gas grill, each offering a different flavor and texture. Here are some of the best options for grilling:
– Ribeye: This is a steak lover’s dream, known for its marbling and rich, beefy flavor. The fat melts as it grills, keeping the meat juicy.
– New York Strip: This cut is leaner than ribeye but has excellent flavor and texture. It’s easy to cook and a crowd favorite.
– Porterhouse or T-bone: If you’re feeding a group or love variety, these cuts offer a little bit of both—the tenderloin on one side and the strip on the other.
Choose steaks that are at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker steaks cook better on the grill because they give you time to develop a crust without overcooking the inside.
2. Prepare the Steak
Once you’ve chosen your steak, let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling. This helps the meat cook more evenly.
– Season generously: Brush the steak with olive oil, then season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy—steaks are thick and need a lot of seasoning to enhance their natural flavor. You can add some garlic powder or use your favorite beef rub for extra flavor.
Quick Tip: For even better flavor, try dry-brining your steak. This means seasoning it with salt and letting it rest in the refrigerator for 24 hours. This process helps to tenderize the meat and bring out deeper flavors.
3. Preheat Your Gas Grill
Preheat your gas grill by turning all the burners high and closing the lid. Let the grill heat up for 10-15 minutes or until it reaches around 500ºF. Preheating is essential because you want the grates to be hot enough to sear the steak and create those beautiful grill marks.
Once the grill is preheated, lower the burners to medium-high heat. This range—around 450ºF to 500ºF—is perfect for cooking steak. A hot grill will help sear the outside of the steak, locking in the juices and creating a delicious crust.
4. Grill the Steak
Place the steak on the grill directly over the heat. Close the lid and let the steak cook for 2-4 minutes, depending on its thickness. Start with the steak at a 45-degree angle to the grates for those beautiful crosshatch grill marks. After about 2 minutes, rotate it 90 degrees to get the crosshatch pattern.
Flip the steak and cook for another 2-4 minutes on the other side. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. Here’s a quick guide for doneness:
- Rare: 120-125ºF
- Medium-rare: 130-135ºF
- Medium: 135-145ºF
- Medium-well: 145-155ºF
- Well done: 160ºF and above
Quick Tip: Always use an instant-read thermometer to check the steak’s temperature. Cooking times can vary depending on the steak’s thickness and the grill’s heat, so depending on temperature ensures your steak is cooked just how you like it.
5. Sear for Extra Flavor (Optional)
If you want an extra sear, move the steak to a hotter part of the grill or turn up the heat for the last minute of cooking. Searing adds a delicious caramelized crust that enhances the flavor of the steak.
For thicker cuts of steak, you can also try the reverse sear method. Start by cooking the steak on the cooler side of the grill (indirect heat) until it reaches an internal temperature of about 110-115ºF. Then, move it to direct heat to sear each side for a minute or two. This method lets you control the internal doneness while getting a crispy crust.
6. Let the Steak Rest
Once the steak reaches your desired temperature, please remove it from the grill and place it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat so they don’t spill out when you cut into it.
Quick Tip: While the steak rests, you can top it with a pat of butter or a dollop of herb butter. The butter will melt into the steak, adding extra flavor and richness.
7. Slice and Serve
After resting, it’s time to slice and serve. Use a sharp knife to slice the steak against the grain. Cutting against the grain makes each bite more tender and easier to chew. Serve your perfectly grilled steak with your favorite sides, like a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or a baked potato.
Quick Tips for Grilling Steak on a Gas Grill:
- Preheat your grill: Always preheat your grill to high heat before cooking. This ensures a good sear and prevents sticking.
- Use a meat thermometer: Checking the internal temperature is the most accurate way to get the doneness you want.
- Two-zone cooking: Create two heat zones on your grill by keeping one side hotter for searing and the other cooler for slower cooking. This is especially helpful for thicker steaks.
- Don’t press the steak: Avoid pressing the steak with your spatula, as this squeezes out the juices and makes the steak drier.
- Let it rest: Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to lock in all the juices and flavors.
Final Thoughts
Grilling steak on a gas grill is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality meal at home. You can achieve a perfectly grilled steak with a juicy interior and flavorful crust by choosing the proper cut of meat, seasoning it properly, and paying attention to temperature and timing. Whether you prefer rare, medium, or well-done steak, the process is simple enough for beginners yet satisfying for any home cook. Plus, using a gas grill makes it quick and convenient to enjoy a great steak, even on busy weeknights.
Happy grilling!
FAQs
1. What is the best temperature to cook steak on a gas grill?
For most steaks, the ideal grill temperature is between 450°F and 500°F. This high heat is perfect for searing the steak, which helps to create a flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy. Preheat the grill for 10-15 minutes before adding your steaks.
2. How long should I grill my steak on a gas grill?
The cooking time depends on the thickness of your steak and your preferred level of doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, grill over high heat for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature:
– Rare: 120-125°F
– Medium-rare: 130-135°F
– Medium: 135-145°F
– Medium-well: 145-155°F
– Well-done: 160°F+
3. Should I close the grill lid when cooking steak on a gas grill?
Yes, closing the grill lid helps to maintain a consistent temperature and cooks the steak more evenly. Keeping the lid closed traps the heat inside, which is especially important for thicker steaks and helps achieve the perfect sear.
4. Do I need to let the steak rest after grilling?
Absolutely! Let your steak rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the grill. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making the steak more tender and flavorful when you slice it.
5. Can I cook a steak on a gas grill without a meat thermometer?
While possible, using a meat thermometer is highly recommended for accuracy. Without one, you can test doneness by feeling: a rare steak feels soft, a medium feels slightly firm, and a well-done feels very firm when you press it. However, a thermometer ensures you achieve the level of doneness you prefer.