Cooking Steak to Perfection: A Guide to Medium Well Steaks

Introduction

A perfectly cooked steak is an art form. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro, achieving the perfect medium well steak can be tricky. With the right knowledge and technique, however, it’s possible to cook a delicious, juicy medium well steak that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. In this article, we’ll explore what it takes to make the perfect medium well steak, from selecting the right cut of steak to mastering cooking techniques.

Overview of the Perfect Medium Well Steak

The perfect medium well steak should have a hint of pink in the center and should be juicy and flavorful. The outside should be nicely seared with a crisp, golden-brown crust. It should be tender enough to cut easily with a fork and should not be overcooked or dry.

Benefits of Cooking a Perfect Medium Well Steak

Cooking a perfect medium well steak offers numerous benefits. Not only is it more flavorful than a well-done steak, but it also provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins. Additionally, according to a Journal of the American Dietetic Association study, consuming lean beef cuts like steak can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Cooked Steak to Medium Well

Cooking the perfect medium well steak requires patience and precision. Follow these steps to ensure that your steak turns out perfectly cooked every time.

Select the Right Cut of Steak

The first step to making the perfect medium well steak is selecting the right cut of meat. Choose a cut that is at least 1 inch thick and has plenty of fat marbling. For example, ribeye, strip steak, top sirloin, or filet mignon are all excellent choices. If you’re unsure which cut to choose, ask your butcher for advice.

Seasoning and Marinating

Once you’ve selected the right cut of steak, it’s time to season and marinate it. Start by patting the steak dry with a paper towel and then sprinkle it generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You can also add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika. Then, if desired, you can marinate the steak in a mixture of oil, herbs, and spices for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Preheating the Pan

Once you’ve seasoned and marinated the steak, it’s time to preheat the pan. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat for at least 5 minutes before adding the steak. This will ensure that the steak sears properly and creates a nice crust.

Understanding Temperature Levels

It’s important to understand the different temperature levels when cooking steak. For a medium well steak, the internal temperature should reach between 145°F (63°C) and 150°F (66°C). To check the temperature, use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak.

Cooking Times

Once the pan is hot, place the steak in the center of the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side. Don’t move the steak around the pan—let it sit and sear until it’s browned. Once each side is browned, flip the steak and repeat on the other side. When the steak has reached the desired internal temperature, remove it from the pan and let it rest for at least 5 minutes.

How to Master the Art of Cooking a Medium Well Steak

Cooking the perfect medium well steak requires practice and patience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you master the art of cooking a medium well steak.

Patience is Key

When cooking steak, it’s important to be patient. Don’t rush the process—take your time and let the steak cook slowly and evenly. Rushing through the process could result in an overcooked, dry steak.

Patting Dry

Before seasoning and marinating the steak, make sure to pat it dry with a paper towel. This will help the steak to achieve a nice, crispy crust when seared.

Measuring Internal Temperatures

To ensure that the steak is cooked to the desired temperature, use an instant-read thermometer to measure the internal temperature. This will help you avoid overcooking the steak, resulting in a perfectly cooked steak every time.

Timing is Everything

Timing is key when cooking steak. Don’t walk away from the stove while the steak is cooking—it’s important to keep an eye on the steak and check the internal temperature regularly to avoid overcooking.

Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Medium Well Steak

Making the perfect medium well steak takes practice. Here are some tips and tricks to help you get started.

Start with Quality Meat

The quality of the meat you use is key to achieving the perfect medium well steak. Choose a high-quality cut of steak from a reputable butcher shop or grocery store.

Use the Right Cooking Utensils

Using the right cooking utensils is essential to making the perfect medium well steak. A cast iron skillet is ideal for searing the steak, as it retains heat better than other types of pans. Additionally, an instant-read thermometer is necessary for checking the internal temperature of the steak.

Don’t Overcook

It’s easy to overcook steak, so it’s important to pay attention to the internal temperature and remove the steak from the heat once it reaches the desired temperature. Don’t guess—use an instant-read thermometer to make sure the steak is cooked to the desired level.

Let it Rest

Once the steak is cooked, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, resulting in a juicy, flavorful steak.

The Perfect Medium Well Steak: An Easy-to-Follow Recipe

Try this easy-to-follow recipe for the perfect medium well steak.

Ingredients

• 1 (1-inch thick) ribeye steak
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Directions

1. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel.
2. Sprinkle the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
3. Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat for 5 minutes.
4. Add the olive oil to the skillet and swirl to coat.
5. Add the steak to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side.
6. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the butter, garlic, and thyme to the skillet.
7. Baste the steak with the butter mixture for 2 minutes per side.
8. Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes.
9. Slice the steak against the grain and serve immediately.

Achieving Perfection with Medium Well Steaks: Tips and Techniques

Following these tips and techniques can help you achieve perfection with medium well steaks.

Choose the Right Cut

Choosing the right cut of steak is essential for achieving the perfect medium well steak. Ribeye, strip steak, top sirloin, or filet mignon are all excellent choices.

Prepare the Steak

Before cooking, make sure to pat the steak dry with a paper towel and season it generously with salt and pepper. You can also marinate the steak in a mixture of oil, herbs, and spices for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.

Cooking Techniques

When cooking the steak, preheat the pan over high heat and cook the steak for 3-4 minutes per side. Once the steak is cooked, reduce the heat to medium-low and baste the steak with butter, garlic, and thyme for 2 minutes per side. Finally, let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Final Touches

For the final touches, use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak—it should reach between 145°F (63°C) and 150°F (66°C). Additionally, let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

Conclusion

Cooking the perfect medium well steak requires patience and precision. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can learn how to select the right cut of steak, season and marinate it, preheat your pan, understand temperature levels, and master the art of cooking a medium well steak. With practice, you’ll soon be able to create the perfect medium well steak every time.

To recap, here are some tips and techniques for achieving perfection with medium well steaks: choose the right cut, prepare the steak, use the right cooking techniques, and let it rest. With these tips, you’ll be able to cook the perfect medium well steak every time.