Introduction
When it comes to enjoying a juicy steak dinner, the level of doneness can make or break the meal. Medium-well steak is a favorite among many steak lovers; it provides a juicy interior with just a hint of pink, while still maintaining a firm exterior. But how do you get the perfect medium-well steak? In this article, we’ll explore what temp is medium-well steak and provide a guide to cooking the perfect steak to that level of doneness.
What is a Medium-Well Steak?
A medium-well steak is a steak cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 145F (63C). At this temperature, the steak will be slightly pink in the center and will have a lightly charred crust on the outside. This type of steak is typically favored by those who want to enjoy a juicy steak without compromising on texture.
Overview of the Perfect Temperature for a Medium-Well Steak
The optimal temperature for a medium-well steak is 145F (63C). According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), steaks should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145F (63C) to ensure food safety. Additionally, the USDA states that steaks cooked to this temperature are considered safe to eat. However, it is important to note that the steak will continue to cook even after it has been removed from the heat source, so you should take that into consideration when determining your desired level of doneness.
How to Cook a Medium-Well Steak to Perfection
Cooking a medium-well steak to perfection requires a few key steps: prepping the steak, cooking the steak, and checking the internal temperature. Here’s how to do each step:
Prepping the Steak
Before you begin cooking, it’s important to properly prepare the steak. Start by patting the steak dry with a paper towel. This will help the steak develop a nice, crispy crust when cooking. Next, season the steak with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder or onion powder, to give your steak more flavor.
Cooking the Steak
Once the steak is seasoned, it’s time to start cooking. You can either use a grill or a cast iron skillet to cook the steak. If using a grill, make sure to preheat the grill to a high temperature. If using a skillet, heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Once the heat source is hot, place the steak on the grill or in the skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes per side. This will depend on the thickness of the steak, so pay close attention to the steak as it cooks.
Checking the Internal Temperature
To ensure the steak is cooked to the desired doneness, it’s important to check the internal temperature of the steak. The best way to do this is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and wait for the thermometer to read 145F (63C). Once it does, the steak is done!
What Is the Ideal Temperature for a Medium-Well Steak?
As mentioned above, the ideal temperature for a medium-well steak is 145F (63C). At this temperature, the steak will be slightly pink in the center and will have a lightly charred crust on the outside. It is important to note that the steak will continue to cook even after it has been removed from the heat source, so you should take that into consideration when determining your desired level of doneness.
The Recommended Temperature
The USDA recommends that steaks be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145F (63C) to ensure food safety. This temperature ensures that the steak is cooked through and any bacteria present in the meat has been killed. Additionally, this temperature will result in a steak that is slightly pink in the center, with a lightly charred crust on the outside.
Determining Doneness
The easiest way to determine the doneness of a steak is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and wait for the thermometer to read 145F (63C). Once it does, the steak is done! Alternatively, you can also use the touch test to determine doneness. Gently press your finger to the center of the steak. If the steak feels soft and gives easily, it is rare. If the steak feels slightly resistant, it is medium-rare. And if the steak feels firm and gives very little, it is medium-well.
A Guide to Cooking the Perfect Medium-Well Steak
Cooking the perfect medium-well steak is easy when you follow these steps:
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
The first step in cooking the perfect steak is choosing the right cut of meat. Look for steaks that have a good amount of marbling – the fat that runs through the muscle fibers – as this will help keep the steak juicy and flavorful. Ribeye steak, strip steak, and filet mignon are all good choices for a medium-well steak.
Seasoning the Steak
Once you’ve chosen the right cut of meat, it’s time to season the steak. Generously season the steak with salt and pepper. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder or onion powder, to give your steak more flavor. Let the steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
Preparing the Grill or Pan
If you’re using a grill, make sure to preheat the grill to a high temperature. If using a skillet, heat the skillet over medium-high heat. Once the heat source is hot, lightly oil the grill or pan with olive oil or vegetable oil to prevent the steak from sticking.
Cooking the Steak
Place the steak on the grill or in the skillet and cook for 4-6 minutes per side. This will depend on the thickness of the steak, so pay close attention to the steak as it cooks. Once the steak is done cooking, remove it from the heat source.
Testing the Internal Temperature
To ensure the steak is cooked to the desired doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and wait for the thermometer to read 145F (63C). Once it does, the steak is done.
The Ideal Internal Temperature for a Medium-Well Steak
The ideal internal temperature for a medium-well steak is 145F (63C). At this temperature, the steak will be slightly pink in the center and will have a lightly charred crust on the outside.
The Recommended Temperature
The USDA recommends that steaks be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145F (63C) to ensure food safety. This temperature ensures that the steak is cooked through and any bacteria present in the meat has been killed. Additionally, this temperature will result in a steak that is slightly pink in the center, with a lightly charred crust on the outside.
Factors that Affect the Temperature
It is important to note that the temperature of the steak can vary depending on the size and thickness of the steak, as well as the type of heat source used. A thicker steak will take longer to cook, while a thinner steak will cook faster. Additionally, a lower heat source will take longer to cook the steak than a higher heat source. As such, it is important to monitor the steak closely while cooking and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Tips for Preparing the Perfect Medium-Well Steak
Here are some tips to help you prepare the perfect medium-well steak:
Invest in a Quality Thermometer
Using a quality thermometer is the best way to ensure that your steak is cooked to the desired doneness. Invest in a good quality digital thermometer that is accurate and easy to use. This will make it easier to monitor the internal temperature of the steak while it cooks.
Let the Steak Rest After Cooking
Once the steak is done cooking, it’s important to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, ensuring a juicier and more flavorful steak.
Take Notes on Your Cooking Process
Taking notes on your cooking process is a great way to track your progress and make adjustments as needed. Write down the type of steak you used, the heat source, the cooking time, and the internal temperature. This will help you replicate the same results the next time you cook a steak.
The Best Way to Achieve a Medium-Well Steak
The best way to achieve a perfect medium-well steak is to follow the steps laid out above. Choose the right cut of steak, season it generously, and cook it over a medium-high heat source. Monitor the internal temperature of the steak while cooking and remove it from the heat once it reaches an internal temperature of 145F (63C). Finally, let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.
Follow the Steps Laid Out Above
Following the steps outlined above will help you achieve the perfect medium-well steak every time. Pay close attention to the heat source, cooking time, and internal temperature of the steak and make adjustments as needed.
Practice Makes Perfect
Cooking the perfect steak takes practice, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right the first time. Take notes on your cooking process and adjust as needed. With enough practice, you’ll be able to cook the perfect medium-well steak every time.
Consider Using a Sous Vide
For an even more precise result, consider investing in a sous vide machine. This device will help you achieve a perfectly cooked steak every time, as it uses precise temperature control to ensure the steak is cooked to the desired doneness.
Conclusion
Cooking the perfect medium-well steak is easy when you follow the steps outlined in this article. Choose the right cut of steak, season it generously, and cook it over a medium-high heat source. Monitor the internal temperature of the steak while cooking and remove it from the heat once it reaches an internal temperature of 145F (63C). Finally, let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. With practice, you’ll be able to master the art of cooking the perfect medium-well steak.
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