How Long To Cook Medium Steak On Blackstone

ByLily

How Long To Cook Medium Steak On Blackstone

Cooking a medium steak on a Blackstone griddle relies on high heat and quick timing to hit that pink center. If your wondering how long to cook medium steak on blackstone, the answer is usually 4 to 6 minutes total. That range depends on thickness, starting temp, and how hot your surface really is.

This guide gives you exact times, temps, and a simple process. You will also learn how to tell when the steak is done without guessing.

What Medium Steak Means And Why It Matters

A medium steak has a warm pink center and a lightly browned crust. The internal temperature should read 140°F to 145°F after resting. It is not red like rare, and not mostly gray like well done.

On a Blackstone griddle, you get a flat cooking surface. That means more contact, faster searing, and less time than a grill in some cases. The flat top also helps render fat evenly.

Target Internal Temperatures For Steak Doneness

  • Rare: 120°F to 125°F
  • Medium rare: 130°F to 135°F
  • Medium: 140°F to 145°F
  • Medium well: 150°F to 155°F
  • Well done: 160°F and above

Always pull your steak 5°F before your target. Carryover cooking will raise the temp while it rests.

Factors That Change Cooking Time

No single time works for every steak. These variables matter more than most people think.

Steak Thickness

A 1-inch steak cooks faster than a 1.5-inch steak. For medium, a 1-inch ribeye may take 4 to 5 minutes total. A 1.5-inch strip may take 6 to 8 minutes.

Griddle Temperature

You want the Blackstone between 450°F and 500°F for a good sear. If it is only 350°F, the steak will cook slower and may dry out before it browns.

Steak Cut And Fat Content

Fattier cuts like ribeye handle high heat well. Lean cuts like sirloin can toughen if cooked too long. Adjust time down slightly for lean cuts.

Starting Temperature

A cold steak from the fridge needs more time than a room temp steak. Let your steak sit out for 20 to 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.

Step By Step: Cooking A Medium Steak On Blackstone

Follow these steps for consistent results every time.

  1. Preheat your Blackstone on high for 10 to 15 minutes. Aim for 450°F to 500°F.
  2. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Moisture steams the meat instead of searing it.
  3. Season both sides with salt and pepper. You can add garlic powder or a steak rub if you like.
  4. Add a thin layer of high smoke point oil to the griddle. Avocado oil or canola oil works well.
  5. Place the steak on the hot surface. Do not move it for 2 to 3 minutes.
  6. Flip once. Cook another 2 to 3 minutes for a 1-inch steak.
  7. Check the internal temp with a meat thermometer. Pull at 135°F to 138°F for medium.
  8. Rest the steak on a cutting board for 5 to 10 minutes. This locks in juices.
  9. Slice against the grain and serve.

For a 1.5-inch steak, add 1 to 2 minutes per side. For a thin steak under 1 inch, reduce to 1.5 to 2 minutes per side.

Using A Thermometer Is Non Negotiable

Time is a guide. Temperature is the truth. A quick read thermometer takes the guesswork out. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak, away from bone and fat.

How Long To Cook Medium Steak On Blackstone By Thickness

Here is a quick reference you can use at the griddle.

  • 1 inch thick: 2 to 2.5 minutes per side
  • 1.25 inches thick: 2.5 to 3 minutes per side
  • 1.5 inches thick: 3 to 4 minutes per side
  • 2 inches thick: 4 to 5 minutes per side, then finish in a 400°F oven if needed

These times assume a preheated griddle at 450°F to 500°F. If your griddle runs cooler, add 30 to 60 seconds per side.

Tips For A Perfect Medium Steak On Blackstone

Small details make a big difference. Keep these in mind.

  • Do not overcrowd the griddle. Leave space between steaks so they sear, not steam.
  • Use a press or spatula to get full contact if the steak curls.
  • Add butter and herbs in the last 30 seconds for extra flavor.
  • Let the griddle recover heat between batches. Give it 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Rest the steak before slicing. Cutting too early loses juice.

Should You Close The Lid

You can close the lid on a Blackstone to help cook thicker steaks. It traps heat and speeds up the center cooking. For thin steaks, leave it open to avoid overcooking.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Not preheating long enough
  • Moving the steak too often
  • Skipping the rest time
  • Using low heat and cooking too long
  • Not drying the steak before it hits the griddle

Resting And Serving Your Steak

Resting is part of the cooking time. A 1-inch steak needs about 5 minutes. A thicker steak needs 8 to 10 minutes. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.

After resting, the final temp should land right at 140°F to 145°F for medium. Slice against the grain for the most tender bite.

Serve with simple sides like grilled onions, mushrooms, or a baked potato. The flat top makes it easy to cook everything in one place.

Final Timing Recap

For most 1-inch steaks on a hot Blackstone, 4 to 5 minutes total gets you a solid medium. Use 2 to 2.5 minutes per side as your baseline. Adjust up for thicker cuts and down for thinner ones. Always check with a thermometer and pull at 135°F to 138°F. With a little practice, you will hit that pink center every single time.

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