Steak searing on a hot BBQ grill with grill marks
    2 min read Planning Guide

    How Long to Grill a 2 Inch Steak?

    Short answer

    Reverse sear it: about 53 minutes on the cool side, then 60–90 seconds per side over high heat for medium-rare, and a 10-minute rest. Pull it at 125°F (52°C).

    Quick guide

    Grilled steak

    1 h 20 min Easy 1 steak per person
    Thickness
    Doneness
    Pull at (medium-rare)52°C / 125°F

    You need

    • 1 steak per person (ribeye, sirloin or strip)
    • Coarse salt
    • Black pepper (optional, after searing)
    • A little high-smoke-point oil
    1. Salt it

      Salt both sides with coarse salt at least 40 minutes ahead, or right before cooking — not in between. Pat dry just before it goes on.

    2. Set up two zones

      Coals or burners on one side only. Aim for 110–120°C / 230–250°F on the cool side.

    3. Slow phase

      Cook on the cool side, lid closed, until the centre reads 44°C / 110°F — about 50 min.

    4. Sear

      Move it over the hottest part: 60–90 seconds per side (and the fat edge) until deeply browned. Pull at 52°C / 125°F.

    5. Rest

      Rest 10 min — it finishes around 54°C / 130°F. Slice against the grain.

    Rare48 min · pull at 46°C / 115°F
    Medium rare53 min · pull at 52°C / 125°F
    Medium58 min · pull at 57°C / 135°F
    Medium well63 min · pull at 63°C / 145°F
    Well done68 min · pull at 68°C / 155°F

    Grill times for a 2-inch (5 cm) steak at every doneness, with the temperatures to pull it at. At this thickness a reverse sear gives you even doneness from edge to edge and a better crust.

    Grill Times for a 2-Inch Steak

    Reverse sear: cool side at 225–250°F (110–120°C), then a hot sear. Cooking time excludes preheating and the rest.

    DonenessCook timePull at
    Rare48 min46°C / 115°F
    Medium rare53 min52°C / 125°F
    Medium58 min57°C / 135°F
    Medium well63 min63°C / 145°F
    Well done68 min68°C / 155°F

    Times vary with the grill and how cold the steak is, so trust the thermometer, not the clock.

    Why Reverse Sear at This Thickness

    Over direct heat, a 2-inch steak burns outside before the centre is done, leaving a thick grey band. Cooking it gently first and searing at the end gives even pink from edge to edge.

    Want to skip the guesswork?

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long do you grill a 2 inch steak for medium-rare?

    About 53 minutes of cooking with a reverse sear, pulled at 125°F (52°C), then rested.

    How long to grill a 2 inch steak for medium?

    About 58 minutes, pulled at 57°C / 135°F.

    How long should a steak rest?

    About 10 minutes for a thick steak.

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