Cooking a delicious and safe steak to perfection starts with understanding steak temperatures. Knowing the appropriate internal temperature to cook your steak depends on your desired level of doneness.
That’s why we created this helpful steak temperature chart as a guide. This article will dive into the ins and outs of cooking steak, including the different doneness levels and corresponding steak temperatures. We’ll also provide tips and techniques for achieving the perfect steak every time. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of steak temperature and feel confident in using our chart as a guide for cooking your next steak dinner.
Table of Contents
Steak Temperature Chart
| Doneness | Temperature | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120-130°F | Bright red, cool center |
| Medium Rare | 130-140°F | Pink in the middle |
| Medium | 140-150°F | Pink and juicy |
| Medium Well | 150-160°F | Cooked through, but still moist |
| Well Done | 160-170°F | Very cooked throughout |
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Rare Steak
This is when the steak is cooked for a very short amount of time and is still very red and cool in the center. If you like your steak with a lot of juice and a cool, almost raw center, this is the level of doneness for you. People who enjoy sushi or carpaccio might also enjoy a rare steak.
Medium Rare Steak
This is when the steak is cooked for a little longer and is pink in the middle. If you like your steak with a little bit of pink in the middle and a lot of juice, this is the level of doneness for you. This is a popular choice for many steak enthusiasts as it balances taste and texture.
Medium Steak
The steak is cooked until it is pink in the middle, with a little bit of juice coming out when you press it. If you like your steak to be cooked through, but still juicy, this is the level of doneness for you. This level might be a good choice for those new to eating steak or looking for a more traditional way of cooking.
Medium Well Steak
This is when the steak is cooked all the way through but still, has some juices coming out when you press it. If you like your steak cooked through but still slightly moist, this is your level of doneness. Some people like this level of doneness as it provides a nice balance between safety and moistness.
Well Done Steak
This is when the steak is cooked entirely through with no pink or red in the middle and no juices coming out when you press it. If you like your steak cooked all the way through, and without any pink, this is your level of doneness. This doneness is often chosen by those who are more comfortable with fully cooked meat.
Health Advisory
It’s important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal steak temperature to ensure it is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Also, remember that the level of doneness you prefer may also vary depending on the steak you’re cooking.
There are also safe internal temperatures for different meats, which are recommended by health authorities. For example, the minimum internal temp for Beef should be at least 145F (63C) or higher. This is to ensure that any harmful bacteria present in the meat have been killed and the steak is safe to eat.
