what temperature should a steak be to be medium well

When 1 orders a steak, that asking is always followed by a question: How would you lot like it cooked? Many of u.s. probably first with what our parents ordered. Eventually, we realize that maybe a porterhouse shouldn't still be red and perhaps well-done doesn't exercise a T-bone justice.

While pros know how to accomplish the perfect level of doneness on any cut of beef, it tin can exist difficult for dwelling cooks to master this skill. How can you really know if a steak is cooked perfectly without cutting into it?

The best way to make sure you're cooking the perfect steak every time is to know how to attain different levels of doneness. According to Gabriel Massip, executive chef at the Orlando steakhouse Capa, information technology all comes downwards to temperature and timing. Hither are his top tips for cooking a steak to the perfect temperature every fourth dimension.

Ever use a meat thermometer

Judging meat doneness but by its color is one of the most common nutrient handling mistakes home cooks make. According to Massip, all home cooks should invest in a meat thermometer.

Judging meat doneness only by its color is one of the most common food handling mistakes home cooks make — use a meat thermometer. — Judging meat doneness only by its color is ane of the most common food handling mistakes home cooks make — use a meat thermometer. Alamy

"Information technology'due south important to not guess meat doneness only past color because it can vary based on the type of meat you are cooking, or the procedure yous are using to cook information technology," Massip told TODAY Nutrient. Another reason to use a thermometer instead of your subjective eyesight? Steak usually isn't a cheap cut of meat and since it can be less forgiving, cooking it requires more than precision.

Temperature for rare steak

A rare steak should be cooked to an internal temperature of 130 degrees. Getty Images

The desired internal temperature for a rare steak should exist 120-125 degrees. For a one-inch thick steak, this volition have about five minutes of cooking on each side. Then permit it residue for at least v minutes before cutting or serving.

Which steaks are best cooked rare? "The lean cuts are ameliorate," brash Massip, who added that the secret to getting a crusty sear on a rare steak starts with paper towels. "Dry your steak, making sure to remove any excess h2o. Season with common salt and pepper, add together grapeseed oil to a really hot pan and then sear."

Temperature for medium-rare steak

A medium-rare steak should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Getty Images

Medium-rare is the most-requested doneness at Capa where Massip's personal favorite is the 12-ounce os-in filet. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of effectually 130 degrees. For a i-inch thick steak, this should take nigh 7 minutes of cooking on each side. Let the meat rest for up to 10 minutes before serving. Massip says stick with bacteria cuts if yous like your steak cooked medium-rare and recommends a hanger or strip steak.

Temperature for medium steak

pan-seared strip steak — Cook steak to an internal temperature of 140 if you similar it medium. Courtesy of the Certified Angus Beef Brand

The internal temperature for a medium steak should be around 140 degrees. This takes near 10 minutes of cooking on each side for a i-inch thick steak. As with a medium-rare steak, let it rest for almost 10 minutes before serving. Massip said a rib-eye is a good option if you like your meat medium since it has a higher fat content and the heat will bring out more flavor from the fatty. Plus, it won't be too dry out.

Temperature for medium-well steak

Like your steak medium-well? Cook it to an internal temperature of 140 to 145 degrees, depending on the meat's thickness. — Like your steak medium-well? Melt information technology to an internal temperature of 140 to 145 degrees, depending on the meat'southward thickness. Getty Images

The internal temperature for a medium-well steak should be around 150 degrees. For a one-inch thick steak, melt each side for most 12 minutes, then let information technology rest for most 10 minutes before serving. Steaks that hold upward well at this level of doneness include rib-centre, os-in strip and any Wagyu cutting. Co-ordinate to Massip, cooking these steaks to medium-well will also prevent them from beingness too dry or too tough to eat as the estrus breaks down the fibers.

Temperature for well-done steak

Well-done steak should be cooked to an internal temperature of about 160 degrees. — Well-washed steak should be cooked to an internal temperature of most 160 degrees. Getty Images

Despite what some steak snobs might say, it is really OK (and not illegal) to similar your steak well done, especially if know the right cut of meat to social club. For a well-done steak, the internal temperature should reach 160 degrees. If yous're cooking a steak that's one-inch thick, this should accept about fifteen minutes on each side. Let it remainder for about 10 minutes before serving. The all-time steaks to cook well-washed are those with the highest fat content, like a porterhouse or rib-eye.

Now that you've mastered the fine art of cooking steak, try these delicious recipes: