What Temperature is a Medium Well Steak? A Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction

The perfect medium well steak is something that every home chef strives for. But, how do you know when your steak has reached the optimal temperature for medium well? This article will provide an in-depth look at the definition of a medium well steak, how to identify one, mastering the art of cooking it, and providing a step-by-step guide to grilling the perfect medium well steak.

Definition of Medium Well Steak

A medium well steak is a steak that has been cooked to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, “A medium-well steak should reach 145°F (63°C) before being removed from the heat source.” This means that the steak should be cooked until the center is still slightly pink but is no longer red. The steak should be juicy and tender, with a slight char on the outside.

How to Identify the Perfect Medium Well Steak

When looking for the perfect medium well steak, there are a few things to consider. Color and texture are key indicators of doneness.

Color

When judging by color, look for a light pink hue in the middle of the steak. The edges should be browning and the outside should have a slight char.

Texture

When judging by texture, the steak should have some give when pressed lightly with a finger. It should not feel too soft or too firm.

Mastering the Art of Cooking a Medium Well Steak

Cooking a medium well steak requires a bit of practice and understanding of heat settings and timing.

Understanding Heat Settings

When cooking a steak, it is important to understand the different heat settings. For a medium well steak, the ideal heat setting is medium-high. This allows the steak to cook quickly without burning the outside.

Knowing When to Flip the Steak

Timing is also important when cooking a steak. Generally, the steak should be flipped once after about 4 minutes of cooking. This gives the steak enough time to develop a nice char on the outside while still remaining juicy and tender on the inside.

The Optimal Temperature for a Medium Well Steak

The optimal temperature for a medium well steak is 140°F (60°C). According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, “A medium-well steak should reach 145°F (63°C) before being removed from the heat source.”

Internal Temperature

The internal temperature of the steak can be checked using a digital thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and wait for a few seconds for the temperature to register. If the temperature reads 140°F (60°C), then the steak is medium well.

Use of a Thermometer

It is important to use a digital thermometer when cooking a steak to ensure that it is cooked to the desired temperature. It is also important to make sure that the thermometer is inserted in the thickest part of the steak so that it can accurately measure the internal temperature.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Grilling the Perfect Medium Well Steak

Follow these steps to achieve perfection when grilling a medium well steak:

Preheat Grill

Before cooking the steak, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. This will help the steak to cook quickly and evenly.

Season Steak

Season the steak with salt and pepper to taste. This will help to bring out the flavor of the steak and add a bit of texture to the outside.

Place Steak on Grill

Once the grill is preheated, place the steak on the grill and let it cook for about 4 minutes. This will allow the steak to develop a nice char on the outside.

Flip Steak

After 4 minutes, flip the steak and let it cook for another 4 minutes. This will ensure that the steak is cooked evenly on both sides.

Check Internal Temperature

Using a digital thermometer, check the internal temperature of the steak. If the temperature reads 140°F (60°C), then the steak is medium well.

Remove from Grill

Once the steak has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak and make it even more tender and juicy.

Tips and Tricks for Making a Perfectly Cooked Medium Well Steak

To ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection every time, here are a few tips and tricks:

Use High Quality Meat

Using high quality meat will ensure that your steak is flavorful and tender. Look for grass-fed beef or organic, free-range beef, as these types of beef are known to have the best flavor and texture.

Let the Steak Rest

After removing the steak from the grill, let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak and make it even more tender and juicy.

Use Multiple Heat Sources

For an even cook, use multiple heat sources. Use the direct heat from the grill to cook the steak quickly, then move it to the indirect heat to finish cooking. This will ensure that the steak is evenly cooked and doesn’t burn on the outside.

Understanding the Difference Between Rare, Medium and Medium Well Steaks

It is important to understand the difference between rare, medium and medium well steaks. Here are the main differences between the three:

Rare Steaks

Rare steaks are cooked to an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C). They should be seared on the outside, but the center should still be pink and slightly raw.

Medium Steaks

Medium steaks are cooked to an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C). They should be pink in the center and slightly charred on the outside.

Medium Well Steaks

Medium well steaks are cooked to an internal temperature of 140°F (60°C). They should be slightly pink in the center, but not raw, and the outside should be nicely charred.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the perfect medium well steak is something that every home chef strives for. The ideal temperature for a medium well steak is 140°F (60°C). To achieve perfection, follow the steps outlined in this article: preheat the grill, season the steak, place the steak on the grill, flip the steak, check the internal temperature, and remove from the grill. Additionally, use high quality meat, let the steak rest, and use multiple heat sources for an even cook. Understanding the difference between rare, medium and medium well steaks is also important for achieving the desired doneness.