There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into a perfectly cooked steak. Its tender texture, juicy interior, and delicious flavor are a culinary experience that many of us cherish. Achieving that perfect steak, however, requires a deep understanding of the various Cooked Steak Levels or doneness and the science behind cooking meat to perfection.
In this post, we’ll explore the 6 levels of cooked steak doneness, discuss the methods to reach each level, and provide you with the tips and tricks to become a steak-cooking maestro.
Table of Contents
Steak Doneness Levels
When it comes to steak, doneness refers to how thoroughly the meat has been cooked. Each level of doneness has distinct characteristics that cater to different preferences.
1. Blue Rare
Seared on the outside and cool in the center, with an internal temperature of about 115°F (46°C).
2. Rare
A warm red center, with an internal temperature around 125°F (52°C).
3. Medium Rare
A warm pink center, with an internal temperature of approximately 135°F (57°C).
4. Medium
A pink center that’s slightly less warm than medium rare, with an internal temperature around 145°F (63°C).
5. Medium Well
A slightly pink center, transitioning to light gray, and an internal temperature of about 155°F (68°C).
6. Well Done
Cooked thoroughly with no pinkness, with an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) or higher.
| Steak Doneness | Internal Temperature | Center Color |
| Blue Rare | 115 to 120°F | Deep red |
| Rare | 120 to 125°F | Cool red |
| Medium Rare | 130 to 135°F | Warm red |
| Medium | 140 to 145°F | Warm pink |
| Medium well | 145 to 155°F | Cool pink |
| Well Done | 155 to 165°F | Little or no pink |
When determining the desired doneness level, it’s best to use a meat thermometer to accurately measure the internal temperature.
Cooking Steak To Perfection
The secret to perfectly cooked steak lies in achieving the desired internal temperature while creating a delicious crust on the outside.
To do this, you’ll need to understand the internal temperatures associated with each doneness level and the methods to measure them accurately.
Internal Temperature For Steak
Using a meat thermometer is important to make sure your steak is cooked to the right level of doneness.
The temperatures mentioned earlier serve as general guidelines, but it’s important to note that personal preferences vary.
Remember that the steak’s temperature will rise a few degrees during resting due to residual heat.
How To Measure The Temperature Of Steak
- Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding bones and the pan’s contact area.
- Wait for the temperature reading to stabilize. This might take a few seconds.
- Compare the reading to the desired doneness temperatures to determine if it’s cooked to your liking.
Tips And Tricks For Cooking The Best Steak
- Bring the steak to room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Season the steak with salt and pepper prior to cooking for enhanced flavor.
- Use a high smoke-point oil to prevent sticking and achieve a good sear.
- For thicker cuts, consider reverse-searing: start in the oven and finish with a quick sear.
- Allow the cooked steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
Steak Cooking Temperature
The choice of cooking method plays a significant role in achieving the desired doneness level.
- Grilling: Ideal for larger cuts, grilling provides a smoky flavor and visually appealing grill marks. Preheat the grill to around 450-550°F (232-288°C) for searing. After searing, you can move the steak to a cooler part of the grill to finish cooking.
- Pan-Searing: This method is great for thinner cuts or when a rich crust is desired. A hot skillet is important for creating a flavorful sear. Preheat the skillet or pan to a temperature of 400-450°F (204-232°C) before adding the steak.
- Oven-roasting: This method works well for larger cuts like ribeye, sirloin, and tenderloin. Oven roasting allows for even cooking throughout the meat while creating a flavorful crust on the outside. Preheat the oven to around 400-450°F (204-232°C) before roasting the steak. You can sear the steak on the stovetop first, then transfer it to the oven to finish cooking.
How To Tell When Steak Is Done Cooking
In addition to using a meat thermometer, visual cues can help determine steak doneness.
Observe the color of the meat; red for rare, pink for medium rare, transitioning to brown for medium, and uniformly brown for well done.
You can also use your hand to gauge doneness by comparing the feel of your palm to the steak’s texture.
Grilling Vs. Pan-Searing
Both grilling and pan-searing are excellent methods for cooking steak, each with its unique benefits.
Grilling imparts a smoky flavor and appealing grill marks, while pan-searing creates a delightful crust.
The method you choose depends on your equipment and personal preferences.
How To Serve Steak
Presenting a perfectly cooked steak is an art in itself.
- Place the steak on a warm plate to prevent rapid cooling.
- Slice the steak against the grain to enhance its tenderness.
- Serve with accompaniments like compound butter, sauces, or a side of vegetables to elevate the overall experience.
FAQs
What is the best steak cooking level?
The best steak cooking level is subjective and depends on personal preference. Some enjoy the tenderness and juiciness of medium rare, while others prefer well-done for a more thorough cooking.
What are the 6 levels of steak?
The six levels of steak doneness are blue rare, rare, medium rare, medium, medium well, and well done.
What is before blue rare?
Before Blue Rare, there is a stage called “Extra Rare” or “Seared Rare.” This stage is even rarer than Blue Rare and involves quickly searing the surface of the steak while leaving the interior almost completely raw and cool.
It’s a level of doneness that is not recommended due to safety concerns associated with consuming raw or undercooked meat.
How long to cook steak for different levels?
Cooking times vary based on factors like steak thickness, cooking method, and heat source. Generally, rare takes around 2-3 minutes per side, while well-done may require 5-6 minutes per side.
What are some visual cues for steak doneness?
Visual cues include color changes, firmness, and the amount of juices released.
How long should I rest steak after cooking?
Rest steak for about 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy steak.
Perfect Steak Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ribeye steaks 1-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- steak seasoning to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary chopped
- 2 sprigs fresh thyme
Instructions
- Remove the steaks from the fridge 30 minutes ahead of time.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until very hot.
- Rub the steaks with olive oil and generously season with steak seasoning. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side and transfer to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the steaks reach the desired doneness. The best way to determine if the steak is done is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Remove the steaks from the skillet, loosely tent with foil and let them rest for at least 5 minutes.
- Top the steaks with butter.
- Garnish with rosemary, thyme and serve.
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