how long to cook steak on infrared grill

Daniel Parker

3 min read

·

04-02-2025

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Infrared grills offer a unique cooking experience, delivering intense heat that sears steaks beautifully. But this intense heat also means precision is key to avoid overcooking. This guide will help you achieve perfectly cooked steak every time on your infrared grill, no matter your preferred doneness.

Understanding Infrared Grilling

Infrared grills use radiant heat to cook food, transferring energy directly to the surface. This results in faster cooking times and a characteristically intense sear. Unlike traditional gas or charcoal grills, which rely on convection, infrared grills penetrate the food more quickly, leading to a juicy interior and a delicious crust. This is why mastering cooking times is crucial.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

Several factors influence how long your steak needs to cook on an infrared grill:

• Steak Thickness: A thicker steak will naturally require more cooking time than a thinner one.
• Desired Doneness: Rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, and well-done all require different cooking times.
• Steak Cut: Different cuts of steak have varying levels of marbling and thickness, impacting cooking time. A ribeye, for example, will often cook differently than a sirloin.
• Infrared Grill Type & BTU Output: The intensity of your infrared grill's heat will affect cooking speed. Higher BTU grills will cook faster.
• Initial Steak Temperature: Starting with a cold steak will extend cooking time. Allowing your steak to come to room temperature before grilling is recommended.

How to Determine Steak Doneness

Knowing how to check for doneness is crucial. Here are a few methods:

1. Using a Meat Thermometer: The Most Accurate Method

A meat thermometer provides the most accurate reading. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding the bone. Here's a temperature guide:

• Rare: 125-130°F (52-54°C)
• Medium-Rare: 130-135°F (54-57°C)
• Medium: 135-140°F (57-60°C)
• Medium-Well: 140-150°F (60-66°C)
• Well-Done: 150°F+ (66°C+)

2. The Finger Test: A Less Precise Method

This method relies on feeling the steak's firmness. It's less precise than a thermometer but can be useful as a secondary check. Compare the feel of the steak to the firmness of different parts of your hand:

• Rare: Feels very soft, like your cheek.
• Medium-Rare: Feels slightly firmer, like your forehead.
• Medium: Feels firmer still, like your chin.
• Medium-Well: Feels quite firm, like your nose.
• Well-Done: Feels very firm, like your hand.

Cooking Time Guide for Different Doneness Levels (Approximate)

These times are approximations and might need adjusting based on the factors listed earlier. Always use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results.

Note: These are for steaks roughly 1-inch thick. Adjust cooking time for thicker or thinner cuts.

Mastering the Infrared Grill: Tips for Success

• Preheat Your Grill: Allow your infrared grill to preheat thoroughly before placing the steak on the grates. This ensures a proper sear.
• Oil the Grates: Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
• Don't Move the Steak Too Often: Let the steak sear undisturbed for a few minutes before flipping. Avoid constantly moving it. This prevents sticking and helps create those beautiful grill marks.
• Rest Your Steak: After grilling, allow your steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.

Conclusion: Perfect Steak Every Time

Cooking steak on an infrared grill can be a rewarding experience. By understanding the factors that affect cooking time and using a meat thermometer, you can consistently achieve perfectly cooked steak to your liking. Remember to preheat your grill, oil the grates, avoid over-handling, and let your steak rest – and enjoy!