How to Grill a Tenderloin Steak to Perfection
Tenderloin steak is a delicious and versatile cut of meat that can be grilled to perfection in a matter of minutes. But how long should you grill a tenderloin steak to ensure that it is cooked to perfection? In this article, we will discuss the ideal cooking time for tenderloin steak, as well as provide tips for grilling the perfect steak every time.
How Long To Grill A Tenderloin Steak?
| Steak Thickness | Grill Time | Temperature |
| ————- | ——— | ——— |
| 1 inch | 4-6 minutes per side | Medium-high (450-500 degrees F) |
| 1.5 inches | 6-8 minutes per side | Medium (400-450 degrees F) |
| 2 inches | 8-10 minutes per side | Medium-low (350-400 degrees F) |
Tips:
- To check if the steak is done, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. The steak is done when the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F for medium-rare or 160 degrees F for medium.
- Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the steak to be more tender.
- Serve the steak with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
Factors Affecting Grilling Time
There are a number of factors that can affect the grilling time of a tenderloin steak, including:
- Meat thickness: The thicker the steak, the longer it will take to cook. A 1-inch thick steak will take about 10 minutes per side to cook, while a 2-inch thick steak will take about 15 minutes per side.
- Meat temperature: The temperature of the meat before grilling will also affect the grilling time. A steak that is cold from the refrigerator will take longer to cook than a steak that is room temperature.
- Grill temperature: The temperature of the grill will also affect the grilling time. A hot grill will cook the steak faster than a cooler grill.
- Grill type: The type of grill you are using will also affect the grilling time. A charcoal grill will cook the steak faster than a gas grill.
- Marinade: If you are marinating the steak, this will also affect the grilling time. A marinated steak will take longer to cook than a steak that is not marinated.
- Cooking method: The cooking method you use will also affect the grilling time. A steak that is grilled directly over the heat will cook faster than a steak that is grilled on a rotisserie.
Recommended Grilling Times
The following are recommended grilling times for tenderloin steak, based on the desired doneness:
- For rare steak: 3-4 minutes per side
- For medium-rare steak: 4-5 minutes per side
- For medium steak: 5-6 minutes per side
- For medium-well steak: 6-7 minutes per side
- For well-done steak: 7-8 minutes per side
Tips for Grilling Tenderloin Steak
To ensure that you cook your tenderloin steak to perfection, follow these tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. The USDA recommends cooking steaks to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare and 160 degrees Fahrenheit for medium.
- Don’t overcrowd the grill. Grilling too many steaks at once will cause the temperature of the grill to drop, which will result in uneven cooking.
- Grill the steak over direct heat for the first few minutes, then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking. This will help to sear the outside of the steak and cook it evenly through.
- Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy steak.
Grilling tenderloin steak is a great way to cook a delicious and flavorful steak. By following these tips, you can ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection every time.
How Long To Grill A Tenderloin Steak?
Tenderloin steak is a lean, flavorful cut of beef that is perfect for grilling. It is also one of the most expensive cuts of beef, so it is important to cook it properly to ensure that you get the most out of it.
The cooking time for a tenderloin steak will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired doneness. A general rule of thumb is to cook a tenderloin steak for 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 7 minutes per side for medium. However, it is always best to check the internal temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer to ensure that it is cooked to your desired doneness.
To grill a tenderloin steak, you will need:
- A tenderloin steak
- A grill
- Oil
- A meat thermometer
Instructions:
1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Oil the grill grates.
3. Place the steak on the grill and sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned.
4. Move the steak to the cooler side of the grill and continue to cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
5. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Grilling Tenderloin Steak
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This will help to sear the steak and create a nice crust.
- Oil the grill grates. This will help to prevent the steak from sticking.
- Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until browned. This will help to lock in the juices.
- Move the steak to the cooler side of the grill and continue to cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
- Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it more flavorful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the steak. Tenderloin steak is a delicate cut of beef, so it is important to not overcook it. Overcooked steak will be tough and dry.
- Not letting the steak rest before slicing. When you cut into a steak that is still hot, the juices will run out, making the steak dry. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak.
- Using too much marinade. Marinating a steak for too long can result in a mushy, flavorless steak. Marinate the steak for no more than 24 hours.
- Grilling the steak over direct heat. Grilling a steak over direct heat will cause the steak to cook too quickly and unevenly. Grill the steak over indirect heat for the best results.
Grilling a tenderloin steak is a great way to enjoy this delicious cut of beef. By following these tips, you can ensure that your steak is cooked perfectly and is full of flavor.
How long do I grill a tenderloin steak?
The cooking time for a tenderloin steak will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired doneness. For a 1-inch thick steak, cook for 10-12 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 12-14 minutes per side for medium.
What is the best way to grill a tenderloin steak?
The best way to grill a tenderloin steak is to start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the steak with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, or 7-9 minutes per side for medium. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
What temperature should I grill a tenderloin steak to?
The ideal temperature for a tenderloin steak is 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare, or 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak before removing it from the grill.
How do I know when a tenderloin steak is done?
There are a few ways to tell when a tenderloin steak is done. The first is to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The second is to press down on the steak with your finger. If the steak feels firm, it is done. The third is to cut into the steak and look at the color of the meat. The meat should be pink in the center for medium-rare, or brown for medium.
What are some tips for grilling a tenderloin steak?
Here are a few tips for grilling a tenderloin steak:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the steak is cooked to the desired doneness.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Serve the steak with your favorite sides, such as grilled vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice.
What are some common mistakes people make when grilling a tenderloin steak?
Here are a few common mistakes people make when grilling a tenderloin steak:
- Overcooking the steak.
- Not letting the steak rest before slicing.
- Serving the steak with the wrong sides.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that you cook a delicious and juicy tenderloin steak every time.
grilling a tenderloin steak is a relatively simple process, but there are a few key things to keep in mind to ensure that you end up with a perfectly cooked steak. First, make sure to choose a high-quality steak and let it come to room temperature before grilling. Second, season the steak liberally with salt and pepper, and sear it over high heat for a few minutes per side. Finally, finish the steak by grilling it over indirect heat until it reaches your desired doneness. With a little practice, you’ll be able to grill tenderloin steaks like a pro!
Here are some key takeaways to remember when grilling tenderloin steak:
- Choose a high-quality steak and let it come to room temperature before grilling.
- Season the steak liberally with salt and pepper, and sear it over high heat for a few minutes per side.
- Finish the steak by grilling it over indirect heat until it reaches your desired doneness.
- Rest the steak for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Author Profile
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With over 30 years experience, Lucks Caterers is a second generation family owned and operated business. We are committed to maintaining our family tradition of outstanding quality, excellence and reliability.
Our European trained head chef develops beautiful and delicious foods to catch the eye and satisfy the palate. Lucks provides you with imaginative and affordable menu selections.
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