What Is Medium Well? A Comprehensive Guide to Perfectly Cooking Steak

Introduction

Cooking steak is an art form, requiring skill and practice to achieve the desired degree of doneness. From rare to well done, each level of doneness has its own unique flavor, texture, and appeal. One of the most popular levels of doneness for steak is “medium well”. But what does it mean to cook a steak to medium well? In this article, we will explore what it means to cook a steak to medium well, as well as provide tips and techniques for achieving the perfect medium well steak.

What is Medium Well?

Medium well refers to a level of doneness for steak that is slightly less cooked than well done but more cooked than medium-rare. It has some pink in the middle, but the center is mostly gray with no visible signs of redness. The internal temperature of a medium well steak is between 145°F (63°C) and 155°F (68°C). At this temperature, the steak is tender and juicy, yet still slightly firm.

Overview of Different Types of Doneness

Before delving into the specifics of cooking a medium well steak, let’s first take a look at the different types of doneness for steak. These are:

• Rare – Internal temperature of 120°F (49°C). Red throughout with no browning on the edges.
• Medium Rare – Internal temperature of 125°F (52°C). Pink in the middle with a hint of red.
• Medium – Internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). Pink in the middle with no visible red.
• Medium Well – Internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Gray in the middle with no visible red.
• Well Done – Internal temperature of 155°F (68°C). Gray throughout with no visible red or pink.

Cooking Steak to Perfection: A Guide to Understanding Medium Well

Now that we have a general understanding of the different types of doneness for steak, let’s discuss how to cook the perfect medium well steak. There are several factors to consider when cooking steak to achieve the desired level of doneness. These include the thickness of the steak, the temperature of the grill, and the cooking time.

Factors to Consider When Cooking Steak

The thickness of the steak is one of the most important factors to consider when cooking steak. A thicker steak will require a longer cooking time to reach the desired level of doneness. For medium well steaks, aim for a thickness of 1-1.5 inches (2.5-3.8 cm). Thin steaks may overcook before they reach the desired level of doneness.

The temperature of the grill also plays an important role in cooking steak. A hot grill will sear the outside of the steak, giving it a nice crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Aim for a grill temperature of 400°F (204°C). This will ensure that the steak cooks quickly and evenly.

Finally, the cooking time is crucial for achieving the desired level of doneness. For medium well steaks, aim for a cooking time of 6-8 minutes per side. This will ensure that the steak is cooked through without becoming overdone.

Techniques for Achieving the Perfect Medium Well Steak

Once you have the correct thickness, temperature, and cooking time, there are several techniques you can use to make sure your steak is cooked to perfection. First, make sure to preheat your grill before you begin cooking. This will ensure that the steak cooks quickly and evenly.

Second, make sure to season your steak generously with salt and pepper before cooking. This will help to enhance the flavor of the steak and add a nice crust to the outside.

Third, use tongs to turn the steak rather than a fork. Piercing the steak with a fork will cause the juices to escape, resulting in a dry steak. Tongs will allow you to flip the steak without puncturing it.

Finally, use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. This will ensure that the steak is cooked to the desired level of doneness without becoming overdone.

How to Cook the Perfect Medium Well Steak

Now that we have discussed the factors to consider and techniques for achieving the perfect medium well steak, let’s discuss how to actually cook it. The key steps for cooking the perfect medium well steak are as follows:

1. Preheat your grill to 400°F (204°C).
2. Generously season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper.
3. Place the steak on the grill and cook for 6-8 minutes per side.
4. Use tongs to flip the steak and avoid piercing it with a fork.
5. Check the internal temperature of the steak with a thermometer.
6. Remove the steak from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
7. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Mastering the Art of Grilling: Tips for Achieving the Perfect Medium Well Steak

Cooking the perfect medium well steak requires skill and practice. Here are some key tips to help you master the art of grilling:

• Make sure to preheat the grill before cooking.
• Season the steak generously with salt and pepper.
• Use tongs to flip the steak and avoid piercing it.
• Check the internal temperature of the steak with a thermometer.
• Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before serving.

It’s also important to avoid common mistakes when cooking steak. Overcooking the steak will result in a tough and dry steak, so make sure to remove the steak from the grill when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Also, avoid flipping the steak too often, as this will cause it to lose its juices and become dry.

Conclusion

Cooking the perfect medium well steak requires patience and practice. By following the tips outlined in this article, you should be able to master the art of grilling and cook the perfect steak every time. Remember to preheat the grill, season the steak generously, use tongs to flip the steak, and check the internal temperature with a thermometer. With a little practice and these simple tips, you’ll be cooking the perfect medium well steak in no time!

Summary of Article

This article explored what it means to cook a steak to medium well, as well as provided tips and techniques for achieving the perfect medium well steak. We discussed the factors to consider when cooking steak, the techniques for achieving the perfect medium well steak, and how to cook the perfect medium well steak. Finally, we provided key tips for mastering the art of grilling and avoiding common mistakes when cooking steak.

Final Words of Advice

Cooking the perfect medium well steak requires patience and practice. Follow the tips outlined in this article to master the art of grilling and cook the perfect steak every time.