Steak is a delicious and popular meal, but it can be tricky to cook, especially thin steaks. Overcooking results in dry, tough meat, while undercooking leaves it unsafe to eat and raw tasting. So how long should you cook a thin steak for perfect results every time? There are a few key factors to consider.
What is Considered a Thin Steak?
In general, steaks under 1 inch thick are considered thin steaks. This includes popular cuts like:
- Strip steaks
- Ribeye steaks
- Flank steaks
- Skirt steaks
- Hanger steaks
Thicker steaks, such as porterhouse, T-bone, and filet mignon, are usually 1 inch or thicker.
Cook Time Depends on Doneness
The length of time you cook a thin steak depends entirely on how done you want it. Here are approximate cook times for different doneness levels:
| Doneness | Cook Time Per Side |
|---|---|
| Rare | 2-3 minutes |
| Medium Rare | 3-4 minutes |
| Medium | 4-6 minutes |
| Medium Well | 6-8 minutes |
| Well Done | 8-10 minutes |
For a 1-inch thick steak, double the cook times. Thinner steaks under 1 inch may need slightly less time. The best way to tell when they’re done is by using an instant-read thermometer. Here are the ideal internal temperatures:
- Rare: 120-125°F
- Medium Rare: 130-135°F
- Medium: 140-145°F
- Medium Well: 150-155°F
- Well Done: 160°F and above
Factors That Affect Cook Time
While the times above are a good starting point, the exact cook time can vary depending on several factors:
Steak Thickness
The thinner the steak, the less time it needs. An extremely thin steak may only need 1-2 minutes per side. Check for doneness early and often.
Steak Temperature
Letting steak come to room temperature before cooking means less cook time. Steak straight from the fridge takes longer to finish.
Cooking Method
High heat methods like grilling or broiling cook steak faster, while more gradual heat from a pan or oven takes longer.
Preparation
Marinades and rubs can affect cook time. Acidic marinades like wine or citrus may shorten it, while oils may extend it.
Bone vs Boneless
Bone-in steaks take a little longer since the bones insulate the meat. Plan for an extra 2-3 minutes per side if cooking bone-in.
Resting Time
Don’t forget to let steak rest after cooking! Resting allows juices to redistribute evenly. Rest thin steaks 5-10 minutes before slicing and eating.
Cooking Methods for Thin Steak
Choosing the right cooking method can help you achieve the perfect doneness on a thin steak. Here are some top options:
Grilling
The high dry heat of the grill sears the outside while leaving the inside juicy. Use direct high heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Let rest before serving.
Broiling
Similar to grilling, broiling uses intense overhead heat to quickly cook thin steaks. Place steaks on a broiler pan 4-6 inches from heat.
Pan Searing
Get a nice brown crust in a hot pan like cast iron or stainless steel. Use just 1-2 teaspoons oil. Flip steak every minute for even cooking.
Stir Frying
Cut steak into thin strips for quick cooking in a hot stir fry. Slice across the grain and stir fry just 1-2 minutes to desired doneness.
Tips for Cooking Thin Steak
Use these handy tips for cooking picture-perfect thin steaks:
- Pat steaks dry before cooking for better browning.
- Preheat grill, broiler, or pan before adding steak.
- Use tongs instead of a fork to avoid piercing and losing juices.
- Flip steak only once during cooking unless cut into strips.
- Add herbs, spices, or sauces the last 2 minutes only.
- Check for doneness 2-3 minutes before expected time.
- Let steak rest 5-10 minutes before slicing across the grain.
Common Mistakes
It’s easy to over or undercook thin steaks. Avoid these mistakes:
- Not preheating grill or pan enough – leads to overcooking
- Cooking too long without checking doneness – leads to overcooking
- Cutting to check doneness – loses juices
- Moving or flipping steak too much – loses heat and juices
- Letting steak cook too long after reaching desired doneness – raises temperature
- Forgetting to rest steak – juices spill out when cut
Cooking Times for Other Cuts
While this article focuses on standard thin steaks under 1 inch thick, cooking times also depend on the particular cut. Here are estimated cook times for a few other common cuts:
Flank Steak
Flank steak is very thin, so cooking time is short. Grill or pan sear just 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare doneness. Let rest at least 5 minutes.
Skirt Steak
This thin steak needs quick cooking too. Aim for 6-8 minutes total in a hot pan or on the grill. Slice across the prominent grain after resting.
Hanger Steak
Hanger steak is usually under 1 inch thick. Cook 4-7 minutes per side for medium rare, less for rare. Rest at least 5 minutes before slicing.
Flat Iron Steak
This shoulder cut is about 3/4 inch thick. Grill or pan sear 6-8 minutes per side based on thickness. Let rest 5 minutes then slice on the bias.
Conclusion
Cooking times for thin steaks can vary based on the cut, thickness, preparation method, and desired doneness. For steaks under 1 inch thick, estimate 2-3 minutes per side for rare, 3-4 minutes for medium rare, and 4-6 minutes for medium. Always check for doneness early with an instant-read thermometer. Rest steaks at least 5 minutes after cooking for tender, juicy results. With the right techniques, you can achieve the perfect thin steak every time.