Contents
From Rare to Well-Done: Steak Cooking Temperatures Made Easy
Are you a steak lover but struggle with cooking it to the perfect temperature every time? Look no further! In this guide, we will walk you through the different steak cooking temperatures from rare to well-done, making it easy for you to achieve the desired doneness for your steak.
Introduction
Steak is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. One of the key factors in cooking the perfect steak is getting the temperature just right. From rare to well-done, there are specific temperatures that you should aim for to achieve the desired level of doneness. In this blog post, we will break down the different steak cooking temperatures and how to achieve them.
Rare Steak
Rare steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 120-130°F (49-54°C). At this temperature, the steak will be red and cool in the center, with a warm exterior. To achieve a rare steak, cook the steak for a short amount of time on high heat, flipping only once.
Recommended Link:
Certified Angus Beef – How to cook a rare steak
Medium-Rare Steak
Medium-rare steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C). At this temperature, the steak will have a warm red center with some pink throughout. To achieve a medium-rare steak, cook the steak slightly longer than rare, but still on high heat.
Recommended Link:
The Kitchn – How to Cook the Perfect Medium-Rare Steak
Medium Steak
Medium steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 135-145°F (57-63°C). At this temperature, the steak will have a pink center with little to no red. To achieve a medium steak, cook the steak for a longer amount of time on medium-high heat.
Recommended Link:
Food Network – Pan-Fried Rib-Eye Steaks Recipe
Medium-Well Steak
Medium-well steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 145-155°F (63-68°C). At this temperature, the steak will have a slightly pink center but will be mostly brown throughout. To achieve a medium-well steak, cook the steak for a longer amount of time on medium heat.
Recommended Link:
Allrecipes – Barbequed Marinated Flank Steak
Well-Done Steak
Well-done steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) and above. At this temperature, the steak will be browned throughout with no pink in the center. To achieve a well-done steak, cook the steak for a longer amount of time on low heat.
Recommended Link:
Jamie Oliver – The Best Steak and Chips Recipe
Understanding Steak Cooking Temperatures
When it comes to cooking steak, getting the temperature just right can make all the difference in the taste and texture of the meat. Whether you prefer your steak rare, medium rare, medium, or well done, knowing the temperatures for each level of doneness is key to achieving the perfect steak every time.
Rare Steak
Rare steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 125°F (51°C). The steak will have a cool red center and will be very juicy.
Medium Rare Steak
Medium rare steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). The steak will have a warm red center and a slightly firmer texture than rare steak.
Medium Steak
Medium steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The steak will have a pink center and a slightly firmer texture.
Well Done Steak
Well done steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or higher. The steak will be completely browned throughout and will be very firm.
For more information on steak cooking temperatures, you can visit Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ideal cooking temperatures for different levels of steak doneness?
For rare steak, the internal temperature should be around 120-125°F. For medium-rare, aim for 130-135°F. A medium steak should be cooked to 140-145°F, while a medium-well steak will reach 150-155°F. Well-done steak should have an internal temperature of 160°F or higher.
How can I tell when my steak has reached the desired temperature?
Investing in a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check the internal temperature of your steak. Alternatively, you can use the touch method: Rare steak will feel soft and squishy, while well-done steak will be firm to the touch.
Why is it important to cook steak to the correct temperature?
Cooking steak to the correct temperature ensures that it is safe to eat while also maximizing flavor and tenderness. Overcooking can result in a tough and dry steak, while undercooking can pose a health risk.
How does the thickness of the steak affect cooking temperatures?
Thicker steaks will require longer cooking times to reach the desired internal temperature. It’s essential to adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the steak to ensure even cooking.
Summary: From Rare to Well-Done
- Rare: 120-130°F – cool red center
- Medium Rare: 130-135°F – warm red center
- Medium: 135-145°F – pink center
- Medium Well: 145-155°F – slightly pink center
- Well Done: 155°F and above – no pink, fully cooked
