How Long to Cook Steak for Medium: Perfect Timing Guide

For a standard 1-inch thick steak, cook for 4-5 minutes per side on a hot grill or skillet to achieve medium doneness (135-145°F internal temperature). Actual cooking time varies significantly based on steak thickness, cut, starting temperature, and cooking method.

Getting the perfect medium steak requires precision timing and understanding how different variables affect your cooking process. Whether you're using a grill, cast-iron skillet, or oven, knowing exactly how long to cook steak for medium doneness prevents overcooking and ensures that ideal pink center with a nicely browned exterior.

The Science Behind Medium Steak Cooking Times

Cooking steak to medium isn't just about timing—it's about heat transfer physics. As Harold McGee explains in On Food and Cooking, "the rate at which heat moves through meat depends on its thickness, not its weight." This explains why a thick ribeye needs dramatically different timing than a thin filet mignon, even when targeting the same internal temperature.

Essential Factors Affecting Your Cooking Time

Before we dive into specific timing, understand these critical variables that determine how long to cook steak for medium results:

• Steak thickness (most crucial factor)
• Cut of meat (ribeye vs. filet vs. sirloin)
• Starting temperature (chilled vs. room temperature)
• Cooking surface temperature (350°F vs. 500°F)
• Cooking method (grill, pan, oven)

Steak Thickness	Grill Time (per side)	Pan Time (per side)	Target Internal Temp
¾ inch	3-4 minutes	3-3.5 minutes	135-145°F
1 inch	4-5 minutes	4-5 minutes	135-145°F
1½ inches	5-6 minutes	5-6 minutes	135-145°F
2 inches	7-8 minutes	6-7 minutes + oven finish	135-145°F

Step-by-Step Medium Steak Cooking Guide

Preparation Phase (5-30 minutes before cooking)

Remove steak from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking for even cooking. Pat completely dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of proper searing. Season generously with coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Cooking Phase (The Critical Timing Window)

Preheat your cooking surface to 400-450°F. For how long to cook steak for medium doneness:

1. Place steak on hot surface at a 45° angle to create attractive grill marks
2. Cook undisturbed for 70% of total time per side (creates proper sear)
3. Rotate 90° and cook remaining 30% of time for cross-hatch marks (optional)
4. Flip only once using tongs (never pierce with a fork)
5. For thicker cuts (>1.5 inches), finish in 350°F oven after searing

Resting Phase (Non-negotiable for juicy results)

Transfer steak to cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Rest for 5-10 minutes (5 minutes for 1-inch steak, 10 minutes for 2-inch). This allows juices to redistribute—skipping this step causes up to 40% juice loss when cutting, according to research from the Culinary Institute of America.

How to Verify Medium Doneness (Beyond Timing)

While timing provides a good starting point, these verification methods ensure perfect results every time:

Thermometer Method (Most Accurate)

Insert instant-read thermometer into thickest part:

• 130-135°F = Medium-rare
• 135-145°F = Medium (remove from heat at 130-135°F as temp will rise 5-10°F while resting)
• 145-155°F = Medium-well

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service confirms that 145°F is the minimum safe temperature for beef, followed by a 3-minute rest period (source).

Touch Test (Traditional Method)

Compare the firmness of your steak to the fleshy part of your palm below the thumb:

• Raw = Relaxed hand (very soft)
• Medium-rare = Thumb to index finger (soft with slight resistance)
• Medium = Thumb to middle finger (moderate resistance)
• Well-done = Thumb to pinky (firm)

Common Medium Steak Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cooks make these critical errors when determining how long to cook steak for medium results:

• Flipping too frequently - Prevents proper crust formation
• Piercing with utensils - Causes precious juices to escape
• Skipping the rest period - Results in dry, overcooked steak
• Using cold meat - Creates uneven cooking (chilled center)
• Relying solely on time - Ignores critical variables like thickness

Special Considerations for Different Cuts

Not all steaks cook the same. Understanding these differences is crucial when determining how long to cook steak for medium results:

• Ribeye: Higher fat content means slightly shorter cooking time (reduce by 30 seconds/side)
• Filet mignon: Leaner cut requires more precise timing to avoid drying out
• Strip steak: Consistent thickness allows for most predictable timing
• Thick-cut steaks: Always finish in oven after searing for even cooking

Perfecting Your Medium Steak Technique

Mastering how long to cook steak for medium requires practice and attention to detail. Start with a 1-inch thick strip steak at room temperature, cook 4 minutes per side on a properly preheated surface, and verify with a thermometer. Keep a cooking log noting variables and results—this builds your personal reference for future cooking.

Remember that environmental factors like altitude and ambient temperature affect cooking times. At elevations above 3,000 feet, cooking times increase by approximately 25% according to Colorado State University Extension research (source).

Conclusion

While the standard guideline for how long to cook steak for medium is 4-5 minutes per side for a 1-inch steak, the real secret lies in understanding the variables that affect your specific cooking situation. Temperature verification, proper resting, and attention to steak characteristics will serve you better than rigid timing alone. With practice and these guidelines, you'll consistently achieve that perfect medium steak with a warm pink center and flavorful crust.

What is the exact internal temperature for medium steak?

Medium steak reaches an internal temperature of 135-145°F (57-63°C). Remove from heat at 130-135°F as the temperature will continue rising 5-10 degrees during the resting period.

How long should I rest a medium steak after cooking?

Rest medium steak for 5-10 minutes depending on thickness. A 1-inch steak needs 5 minutes while 2-inch steaks require 8-10 minutes. Resting allows juices to redistribute, preventing excessive loss when cutting.

Why does my medium steak turn out well-done sometimes?

This typically happens when you don't account for carryover cooking. Remove steak from heat 5-10°F below target temperature as residual heat continues cooking the meat during resting. Also, starting with cold steak causes uneven cooking with an overcooked exterior.

Can I use the same cooking time for all steak cuts at medium doneness?

No, different cuts require adjusted timing. Ribeyes with higher fat content cook slightly faster than leaner filets. Thicker cuts need longer cooking or oven finishing. Always verify with a thermometer rather than relying solely on timing.

Does altitude affect how long to cook steak for medium?

Yes, at elevations above 3,000 feet, cooking times increase by approximately 25% because water boils at lower temperatures. You'll need to cook slightly longer to achieve the same internal temperature as at sea level.