How to Cook a Perfect Medium Well Steak: A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

Cooking a steak to a medium well doneness can be tricky. It’s a fine balance between undercooking and overcooking, and it takes skill, patience, and practice to get it just right. But if you follow the right techniques and use the right tools, you can achieve a perfectly cooked steak every time.

So what exactly is “medium well”? This term refers to a steak that has been cooked to an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C). At this temperature, the steak will be slightly pink in the center, but still juicy and tender. It’s important to note that this temperature should only be used as a guideline; some people prefer their steak more or less cooked than others.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Cooking a Medium Well Steak

Follow these steps for perfectly cooked medium well steak:

Prepping the Steak

The first step is to prepare the steak. Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will help the steak cook evenly and reduce the chances of it drying out. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel, then season it with salt and pepper (or any other seasonings of your choice).

Getting the Pan Ready

Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the steak to the pan.

Sealing in the Flavor and Juices

Let the steak cook for about two minutes on each side, or until it’s nicely browned. Use tongs to flip the steak, as this will help preserve the flavor and juices. Once both sides are browned, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan with a lid.

Finishing Touches

Allow the steak to cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C). To check the temperature, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. If the steak isn’t quite done, cover the pan again and let it cook for a few more minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Achieving the Perfect Medium Well Steak

Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect medium well steak:

Temperature Matters

The key to cooking a medium well steak is controlling the temperature of the pan. If the pan is too hot, the steak will overcook and become dry. If the pan is too cool, the steak won’t cook evenly and may even remain raw in the center. Aim for a temperature of around medium-low.

Don’t Overcook!

When cooking a medium well steak, it’s important not to overcook it. Check the temperature after 4-6 minutes of cooking and remove the steak from the heat once it reaches 155°F (68°C). If you let the steak cook for too long, it will become dry and tough.

Letting the Steak Rest

Once the steak is cooked, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful cut of meat.

The Art of Cooking Steak – How to Achieve a Perfect Medium Well

Cooking a steak to perfection requires practice, skill, and knowledge. Here are some tips to help you master the art of cooking steak:

Understanding Your Cut of Meat

Different cuts of steak require different cooking times and methods. For example, a thin cut of steak like flank steak will cook quickly and should be cooked over high heat. Thicker cuts, like ribeye, require lower temperatures and longer cooking times.

Choosing the Right Seasonings

Seasonings can make all the difference when it comes to steak. Salt and pepper are classic seasonings, but you can also experiment with other herbs and spices. Just remember to season the steak generously to bring out its natural flavors.

Knowing When to Flip

It’s important to know when to flip the steak in order to avoid overcooking it. Generally, you should flip the steak after about two minutes of cooking. If it starts to stick to the pan, it’s ready to be flipped.

Time is of the Essence: Cooking the Perfect Medium Well Steak

Timing is everything when cooking a steak. To ensure your steak is cooked to perfection, it’s important to keep a close eye on the clock. Here are some tips to help you master the timing:

Timing is Everything

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to pay attention to the timing when cooking a steak. Different cuts of steak require different cooking times, so make sure to research the specific cut you’re using. In general, a 1-inch thick steak should take about 4-6 minutes per side to reach medium well doneness.

Checking for Doneness

The best way to check for doneness is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and look for an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C). If the steak isn’t quite done, cover the pan and cook for a few more minutes.

Maximizing Flavor and Texture – How to Cook a Medium Well Steak

To maximize flavor and texture, there are a few things you can do. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect medium well steak:

Adding Fat to Enhance Taste

Using fat when cooking steak adds flavor and helps keep the steak moist. Try adding a tablespoon of butter or oil to the pan before cooking the steak. This will help the steak brown nicely and give it an extra boost of flavor.

Keeping an Eye on the Heat

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to control the temperature of the pan. Keep the heat at medium-low and monitor the steak closely. If the steak starts to smoke, reduce the heat and add a little more oil to the pan.

Taking Advantage of Natural Juices

When cooking a steak, you want to take advantage of its natural juices. To do this, let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful cut of meat.

Quick and Easy Guide to Cooking a Medium Well Steak

Cooking a medium well steak doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s a quick and easy guide to help you achieve the perfect steak:

Preparing the Steak

Remove the steak from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel, then season it with salt and pepper (or any other seasonings of your choice).

Searing the Meat

Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, and swirl it around to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the steak to the pan. Let the steak cook for about two minutes on each side, or until it’s nicely browned. Use tongs to flip the steak, as this will help preserve the flavor and juices.

Finishing It Off

Once both sides are browned, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan with a lid. Allow the steak to cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C). To check the temperature, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. Once the steak is cooked, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion

Cooking a steak to a medium well doneness can be tricky, but with the right techniques and tools, you can achieve a perfectly cooked steak every time. Follow the steps outlined in this article, and you’ll be on your way to mastering the art of cooking steak.