Introduction
Steak is one of the most popular dishes in many countries. For steak lovers, it is important to know how to cook a medium well steak perfectly. A medium well steak is cooked on the outside, but still has a warm pink center. It’s not as rare as a medium rare steak, nor as well done as a well done steak. It’s the perfect balance between juicy tenderness and cooked-through doneness.
But what does it take to make the perfect medium well steak? In this article we’ll discuss what a medium well steak is, why you should cook it, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to cook the perfect medium well steak. We’ll also provide some tips and tricks from professional chefs to help you master the art of cooking a medium well steak at home.
What is a Medium Well Steak?
A medium well steak is a steak that has been cooked until the center is slightly pink. The outside will be lightly browned and the inside will be warm but still slightly pink. According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a medium well steak’s internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
The USDA further states that when a steak is cooked to a medium-well state, it should have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) or higher. At this temperature, the steak will be cooked through, but still retain some of its juices. Most chefs recommend cooking steaks to a medium-well doneness for maximum flavor and juiciness.
Why Should You Cook a Medium Well Steak?
Cooking a medium well steak is ideal for those who want to enjoy a juicy steak without the risk of undercooking the meat. Unlike a rare steak, which is served with a cool red center, a medium well steak is cooked through and safe to eat. Additionally, a medium well steak will still retain some of its natural juices, giving it a more flavorful taste than a well done steak.
Chef Mark Bittman, author of “How to Cook Everything”, explains, “When cooked to medium-well doneness, [steak] has enough time to develop flavor and texture, but retains enough moisture to remain tender and juicy.” This makes it the perfect choice for those who want to enjoy a flavorful steak without sacrificing the tenderness of the meat.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Cook the Perfect Medium Well Steak
Cooking a medium well steak isn’t hard, but it does require attention to detail. Follow these steps to ensure your steak turns out perfectly every time.
Preparation
Before you start cooking, there are a few things you need to do to prepare the steak.
Selecting the Right Cut of Steak
When choosing a steak, look for cuts that are thick and tender, such as ribeye, New York strip, or T-bone. Avoid thin, tough cuts like flank steak or skirt steak. These cuts will be difficult to cook to a medium-well doneness without drying out the steak.
Prepping the Steak
Once you’ve selected your steak, it’s time to prep it. Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper. If desired, you can also add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning. Let the steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
Cooking
Now it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re using a grill or a stovetop, these steps will help you achieve the perfect medium-well steak.
Heat the Pan/Grill
Heat the pan or grill over high heat. If using a stovetop, use a cast-iron skillet for best results. If using a grill, preheat it for 10 minutes before adding the steak.
Add Oil and Seasonings
Add oil to the pan or spray the grill grates with cooking spray. Then, add any additional seasonings you desire. Once the oil is hot, place the steak in the pan or on the grill.
Flip the Steak
Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes, then flip it over and cook for another 3-4 minutes. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the steak.
Check the Doneness
To check the doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the steak. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C) or higher. If the steak isn’t cooked to your desired doneness, continue cooking for 1-2 minutes and check again.
Let the Steak Rest
Once the steak has reached the desired doneness, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful steak.
Serve
Once the steak has rested, it’s time to serve! Slice the steak against the grain and plate it. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
A Beginner’s Guide to Cooking a Delicious Medium Well Steak
If you’re new to cooking steak, here are some tips to help ensure your steak turns out perfectly every time.
Preparing the Steak
Before cooking, pat the steak dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper. Let the steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
Seasoning the Steak
In addition to salt and pepper, you can add other seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning. Experiment with different seasonings to find the flavor combination that works best for you.
Knowing When to Flip the Steak
It’s important to flip the steak at the right time. Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip it over and cook for another 3-4 minutes. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the steak.
Checking the Doneness
To check the doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the steak. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C) or higher. If the steak isn’t cooked to your desired doneness, continue cooking for 1-2 minutes and check again.
Resting the Steak
Once the steak has reached the desired doneness, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful steak.
Serving the Steak
Once the steak has rested, slice it against the grain and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Pro Tips for Cooking a Restaurant-Quality Medium Well Steak at Home
Following the steps above will help you achieve a delicious medium well steak, but if you really want to take your steak game to the next level, try these pro tips from professional chefs.
Choose High-Quality, Grass-Fed Beef
High-quality, grass-fed beef will produce a more flavorful and tender steak. Look for grass-fed beef at your local butcher or farmers market.
Use a Meat Thermometer
Using a meat thermometer is the best way to ensure your steak is cooked to the perfect doneness. Insert the thermometer into the center of the steak and check the internal temperature. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C) or higher.
Let the Steak Rest Before Serving
Letting the steak rest before serving allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful steak. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Use a Cast-Iron Skillet
For best results, use a cast-iron skillet to cook your steak. The cast-iron skillet will heat evenly and create a nice sear on the steak.
Master the Art of Medium Well Steak with These Tips and Tricks
Cooking a medium well steak requires attention to detail and practice. Here are some tips and tricks to help you perfect your steak-cooking skills.
Choose the Right Cut of Steak
When selecting a steak, look for cuts that are thick and tender, such as ribeye, New York strip, or T-bone. Avoid thin, tough cuts like flank steak or skirt steak. These cuts will be difficult to cook to a medium-well doneness without drying out the steak.
Start with a Hot Pan
For best results, start with a hot pan. Heat the pan or grill over high heat. If using a stovetop, use a cast-iron skillet for best results. If using a grill, preheat it for 10 minutes before adding the steak.
Use a Timer
Set a timer when cooking the steak to ensure it’s cooked to the desired doneness. Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes on one side, then flip it over and cook for another 3-4 minutes. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the steak.
Let it Rest
Once the steak has reached the desired doneness, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful steak.
Get it Right Every Time: The Best Way to Cook a Medium Well Steak
Cooking a medium well steak is easy when you follow these simple steps.
Select the Best Steak
When choosing a steak, look for cuts that are thick and tender, such as ribeye, New York strip, or T-bone. Avoid thin, tough cuts like flank steak or skirt steak.
Prepare the Steak Properly
Pat the steak dry with paper towels and season it generously with salt and pepper. Let the steak sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.
Heat the Pan/Grill Correctly
Heat the pan or grill over high heat. If using a stovetop, use a cast-iron skillet for best results. If using a grill, preheat it for 10 minutes before adding the steak.
Flip the Steak at the Right Time
Cook the steak for 3-4 minutes, then flip it over and cook for another 3-4 minutes. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the steak.
Use a Thermometer to Check the Doneness
To check the doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the center of the steak. The internal temperature should be 145°F (63°C) or higher. If the steak isn’t cooked to your desired doneness, continue cooking for 1-2 minutes and check again.
Let the Steak Rest
Once the steak has reached the desired doneness, remove it from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a juicier, more flavorful steak.
Serve the Steak
Once the steak has rested, slice it against the grain and serve with your favorite sides. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Cooking the perfect medium well steak doesn’t have to be intimidating. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily achieve restaurant-quality results at home. Remember to select the right cut of steak, prepare the steak properly, heat the pan/grill correctly, flip the steak at the right time, use a thermometer to check the doneness, let the steak rest, and serve the steak. With these tips and tricks, you can master the art of cooking a delicious medium well steak.
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