Is Medium Well Steak Good? Exploring the Delicious Compromise

I. Introduction

Welcome to the ultimate guide to cooking the perfect steak. In this article, we’ll explore the world of medium well steak and see if it’s worth trying. Our target audience is anyone who enjoys indulging in a good steak and wants to learn more about cooking it to perfection.

Before we dive in, let’s briefly explain what medium well steak is. A medium well steak has a pink center with a slightly browned exterior. It’s not as red as a rare or medium-rare steak but not as well-done as a medium or well-done steak. Cooking steak is an art form, and while many people might have their own opinions on the perfect level of doneness, it all comes down to personal preference.

Let’s start this article by sharing some interesting facts about cooking steak. Did you know that the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction that gives food its browned, delicious flavor, only occurs at temperatures above 310°F (154°C)?

II. The Perfectly Cooked Steak: Exploring the Medium Well Option

Steak aficionados know that the perfect steak is all about the level of doneness. A rare steak should have a bright red center, a medium steak has a warm pink center, and a well-done steak is fully browned inside and out. A medium well steak is a compromise between the warm pink of a medium steak and the fully browned exterior of a well-done steak.

So, what does a medium well steak look and taste like? This type of steak is pink and slightly juicy in the middle, and the exterior has a slightly crispy texture. The taste is a bit more well-rounded than rarer steaks and has a slightly less intense beefy flavor.

When comparing medium well steak with other steak doneness options, it may be less tender than rarer cuts but is still juicy and flavorful. It’s also a safer option than rare steak for those who are concerned about the risk of foodborne illness from undercooked meat.

Some of the most popular cuts of beef for medium well steak include sirloin, ribeye, and porterhouse. These cuts are marbled with fat, which helps keep them juicy and flavorful, even when cooked to a higher level of doneness.

III. The Medium Well Steak: A Tasty Compromise

So why is medium well steak a perfect compromise for many steak lovers? For starters, it’s safer to eat than rare or even medium-rare steak, as it has been cooked to an internal temperature of at least 150°F (65°C). Additionally, medium well steak is still juicy and flavorful, without having a raw taste or texture.

However, there are some criticisms against medium well steak. Some steak purists believe that cooking a steak beyond medium-rare destroys the meat’s natural juices, making it dry and flavorless. Others believe that medium well steak is a sign of a poor-quality cut of meat that needs to be cooked to a higher temperature to be palatable.

IV. Why Medium Well Steak is Surprisingly Delicious

Why stop at medium-rare when you can enjoy a juicy and flavorful medium well steak? The science behind the taste of a medium well steak is fascinating. One reason is that more Maillard reaction takes place during cooking, which adds a delightful savoriness to the beef. Another reason is that the fat in the meat has a chance to melt and release its flavor over a little longer cooking time.

There are also different flavor profiles in a medium well steak, including the savory, meaty taste of the seared exterior and the sweeter notes of the pink center. When seasoned correctly, a medium well steak can be a deliciously complex flavor experience.

Some of the best sauces to serve with your medium well steak include chimichurri, hollandaise, or a simple red wine reduction. When it comes to side dishes, don’t be afraid to try something unconventional, like roasted beets or Brussels sprouts with bacon.

V. The Case for Medium Well Steak – A Juicy and Flavorful Option

If you’re thinking of trying a medium well steak for yourself, here are some tips on how to prepare it perfectly. First, always let your steaks come to room temperature before cooking. Next, season your steak generously with salt and pepper or your favorite steak seasoning.

When it comes to cooking, you have several methods to choose from, including grilling, broiling, or pan-searing. It’s essential to keep an eye on the internal temperature of the steak with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 150°F (65°C).

To ensure that your steak stays as juicy as possible, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to settle back into the meat and not spill out as soon as you start cutting.

VI. How to Cook the Perfect Medium Well Steak

Ready to cook the perfect medium well steak? Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat.
2. Pat your steak dry with a paper towel and season it generously with salt and pepper.
3. Place the steak in the hot pan and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until a crust forms.
4. Transfer the pan to the preheated oven and cook the steak until it reaches an internal temperature of 150°F (65°C) for medium well doneness.
5. Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it.

Some hacks to ensure your steak is perfectly cooked every time include using a meat thermometer, letting the steak rest before slicing, and searing the steak in a cast-iron pan to achieve a crusty exterior. The most common mistakes people make when cooking medium well steak are overcooking it and not letting it rest before slicing, which can result in dry, tough meat.

VII. Medium Well Done: The Science Behind the Optimal Temperature for Steak

The ideal temperature for cooking a medium well steak is 150°F (65°C), but the different cooking methods you use can affect the final temperature of your steak. For example, a steak cooked on a grill may have a slightly lower internal temperature than one cooked in an oven. It’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches the proper temperature every time.

To ensure your steak is cooked at the perfect temperature, let it come to room temperature first, season it well, and monitor the internal cooking temperature with a meat thermometer. With practice, you’ll become a pro at cooking the perfect medium well steak.

VIII. Conclusion

In conclusion, is medium well steak good? We believe that it’s a delicious and juicy option for steak lovers who prefer their meat cooked to a higher temperature. While some steak purists may disagree, we think medium well steak is a tasty compromise that offers a unique flavor and texture profile.

We hope this article has inspired you to try cooking a medium well steak for yourself. With the right techniques and seasonings, you can enjoy a perfectly cooked steak that’s both juicy and full of flavor.