Introduction
Cooking the perfect steak is an art form. It requires precision and practice to get it just right. One of the most popular steak doneness levels is medium well. But what exactly is medium well steak, and why is it important to cook it correctly? Let’s take a look.
What is Medium Well Steak?
Medium well steak is one of the most popular doneness levels for steak. It’s cooked until the outside is caramelized and the inside is slightly pink, but not quite rare. The internal temperature of a medium well steak should be between 145°F and 150°F (63°C and 66°C).
Why is it Important to Cook the Perfect Medium Well Steak?
When it comes to preparing steak, you want to ensure that it’s cooked to perfection. If the steak is overcooked, it can become dry and tough. On the other hand, if the steak is undercooked, it can be unsafe to eat. Cooking a medium well steak ensures that the steak is cooked through and still juicy and tender.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking the Perfect Medium Well Steak
Now that you know what medium well steak is and why it’s important to cook it correctly, let’s dive into the steps on how to achieve a delicious medium well steak every time.
Preparing the Steak
Before you start cooking, you need to properly prepare the steak. Here are the steps to take before you begin cooking.
Choosing the Right Cut of Meat
The first step in preparing steak is to choose the right cut of meat. You want to look for a steak that has good marbling, which is the fat running through the muscle of the steak. This will help keep the steak moist and flavorful when it’s cooked. Look for cuts like ribeye, strip steak, or filet mignon.
Prepping the Steak
Once you have chosen your steak, you need to prep it for cooking. Start by patting the steak dry with paper towels. This will help the steak sear better and prevent it from sticking to the pan. Next, brush the steak lightly with oil on both sides. This will help to create a nice golden crust when the steak is cooked.
Seasoning the Steak
Finally, season the steak with salt and pepper. Be generous with the seasoning, as this will help to enhance the flavor of the steak. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, or paprika.
Cooking the Steak
Once you have prepared the steak, it’s time to start cooking. Here are the steps to follow to achieve a perfect medium well steak.
Heat the Pan
Start by heating a heavy bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan and wait until the oil is hot and shimmering. You can check if the oil is ready by flicking a few drops of water into the pan. If the water sizzles, the oil is ready.
Place the Steak in the Pan
Carefully place the steak in the hot skillet. Make sure the steak is not touching each other so that they can cook evenly. Let the steak cook for 3 minutes, then flip it over and cook for another 3 minutes.
Flip the Steak
After the steak has cooked for 3 minutes on each side, it’s time to flip it over. Make sure to use a pair of tongs to flip the steak so that you don’t burn yourself. Once the steak is flipped, let it cook for another 3 minutes.
Check the Temperature
After the steak has cooked for 6 minutes total, it’s time to check the temperature. Insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. If the temperature reads between 145°F and 150°F (63°C and 66°C), the steak is done.
Remove the Steak from the Heat
Once the steak has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a plate. Cover the steak loosely with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes. This will help the steak retain its juices and ensure that it is perfectly cooked.
Tips and Tricks for Achieving a Medium Well Steak Every Time
If you want to achieve a perfectly cooked medium well steak every time, there are a few tips and tricks you can follow.
Choose the Right Cut of Meat
As mentioned above, choosing the right cut of meat is key to achieving a delicious steak. Look for steaks with good marbling and avoid leaner cuts, such as flank steak or skirt steak.
Use the Right Type of Pan
It’s important to use a heavy bottomed skillet or cast iron pan when cooking steak. This type of pan will help to evenly distribute the heat and ensure that the steak cooks evenly.
Know the Temperature
The internal temperature of a medium well steak should be between 145°F and 150°F (63°C and 66°C). It’s important to use an instant read thermometer to check the temperature of the steak to ensure that it’s cooked to perfection.
Let the Steak Rest
Once the steak has reached the desired temperature, it’s important to let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This will allow the steak to retain its juices and ensure that it is perfectly cooked.
The Beginner’s Guide to Cooking a Medium Well Steak
If you’re new to cooking steak, here is an easy guide to follow to achieve a delicious medium well steak.
Get Familiar with Your Equipment
The first step in cooking steak is to familiarize yourself with your equipment. Make sure you have a heavy bottomed skillet or cast iron pan, as well as an instant read thermometer.
Prepare the Steak
Next, prepare the steak by patting it dry with paper towels, brushing it lightly with oil, and seasoning it with salt and pepper.
Follow the Steps Above
Once the steak is prepared, follow the steps outlined above to cook the steak. Make sure to pay close attention to the temperature and to flip the steak every 3 minutes.
Monitor the Temperature
Insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to monitor the temperature. Once the steak has reached a temperature of 145°F to 150°F (63°C to 66°C), it is done.
Let the Steak Rest
Once the steak has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a plate. Loosely cover the steak with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Grill a Medium Well Steak to Perfection
Grilling is another great way to cook a delicious medium well steak. Here’s how to do it.
Preheat the Grill
Start by preheating the grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is preheated, brush the grates with oil to prevent the steak from sticking.
Place the Steak on the Grill
Carefully place the steak on the grill and let it cook for 3 minutes. Flip the steak over and cook for another 3 minutes.
Flip the Steak
After the steak has cooked for 3 minutes on each side, it’s time to flip it over. Make sure to use a pair of tongs to flip the steak so that you don’t burn yourself.
Monitor the Temperature
Check the temperature of the steak after it has cooked for 6 minutes total. Insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the steak. If the temperature reads between 145°F and 150°F (63°C and 66°C), the steak is done.
Remove from Heat and Let Rest
Once the steak has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and transfer it to a plate. Cover the steak loosely with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes.
An Easy Guide to Preparing a Delicious Medium Well Steak
Here’s an easy guide to follow to achieve a delicious medium well steak.
Choose the Right Cut of Meat
To start, choose the right cut of meat. Look for a steak that has good marbling, such as ribeye, strip steak, or filet mignon.
Season the Steak
Once you have chosen your steak, season it with salt and pepper. Be generous with the seasoning, as this will help to enhance the flavor of the steak.
Follow the Steps Above
Now that the steak is prepared, follow the steps outlined above to cook the steak. Make sure to monitor the temperature of the steak and to let it rest once it has reached the desired temperature.
Let the Steak Rest
Finally, let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help the steak retain its juices and ensure that it is perfectly cooked.
Conclusion
Cooking the perfect medium well steak isn’t difficult, but it does require precision and practice. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve a delicious, juicy steak every time.
(Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? Do you have knowledge or insights to share? Unlock new opportunities and expand your reach by joining our authors team. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.)