The rule of 3 for grilling is also known as the 3-3-3 rule, which is a steak grilling technique that is designed to make a perfectly seared, medium rare steak on 1 to 1.5 inch thick cuts of steak.
The rule of 3 for grilling or the 3-3-3 rule for grilling involves searing each side of the steak on the grill for 3 minutes over direct heat, then you move the steak to indirect heat on the grill for 3 minutes over direct heat.
Then you move the steak to indirect heat for 3 minutes per side and then followed by a 3 minute rest of the steak.
The instructions to use the rule of 3 for grilling steak is.
On direct heat, which is for searing, you sear the steak for 3 minutes on side one, then flip and then sear the steak for 3 minutes on side 2.
Then on indirect heat, you move the steak to indirect heat on the grill for 3 minutes per side.
Then finally you allow the steak to rest for at least 3 minutes or for better results, you should allow the steak to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
There's also another variation of the 3-3-3 rule for grilling steak, which is the 3-3-2-2 rule.
Similar to the 3-3-3 rule, the 3-3-2-2 rule involves 3 minutes of grilling the steak on each side over high heat, then followed by the 2 minutes on each side over lower heat to finish.
For best results, you should heat your grill to at least 325 F to 450 F.
Then allow the steak to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before placing them on the preheated grill to cook.
The 3-3-3 rule and the 3-3-2-2 rule works best for thick steaks that are 1 inch to 1.5 inch thick.
Thinner steaks may need less time to cook on the grill, and thicker 2 inch steaks may also need extra cooking time on the indirect side.
And you should also resist moving, poking or flipping the steak during the 3 minute searing phases to ensure you have a good crust.
Using these methods for grilling steaks, helps avoid overcooking the steaks and ensures you get a consistent, tender and properly browned steak.