The Definitive Guide to Cooking Steak Medium Well

Introduction

Cooking steak is an art form. It takes knowledge, skill, and patience to get it just right. But if you follow the steps carefully and pay attention to the details, you can cook a perfectly cooked steak every time. In this article, we’ll explore how to cook steak medium well, from preparation to finish.

Definition of “Medium Well”

When it comes to steak, there are five levels of doneness: rare, medium rare, medium, medium well, and well done. Medium well is the fourth level of doneness and is considered the ideal state for steak. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), medium well is achieved when the internal temperature of the steak reaches 145°F. At this temperature, the steak will have a pinkish-gray color throughout with a hint of pink in the center.

Overview of the Process

Cooking steak medium well is a two-step process. First, you’ll need to prepare the steak by seasoning it and letting it come to room temperature. Then, you’ll cook the steak over high heat until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Once the steak has reached the desired temperature, you’ll need to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving.

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfectly Cook a Medium Well Steak

Preparing the Steak

Before you begin cooking the steak, you’ll need to prepare it. Start by patting the steak dry with paper towels. This will help the steak to brown more evenly. Next, season the steak generously with salt and pepper. To ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed, use your hands to rub the seasoning into the steak. Finally, let the steak come to room temperature before cooking. This will help to ensure that the steak cooks evenly.

Cooking the Steak

Once the steak is prepared, it’s time to start cooking. Heat a skillet or grill over high heat until it’s very hot. Place the steak in the pan or on the grill and cook it for about 4 minutes per side. This should give you the perfect medium well steak.

Checking the Temperature

To ensure that the steak is cooked to the desired doneness, you’ll need to check the internal temperature. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and wait for the reading to stabilize. When the thermometer reads 145°F, the steak is medium well.

Finishing the Steak

Once the steak is cooked to medium well, it’s time to finish it. Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the steak to reabsorb its juices and become even more flavorful.

Grilling Tips for the Best Medium Well Steak

For the best results, follow these grilling tips when cooking steak medium well:

Choose the Right Cut

When choosing a cut of steak, look for a cut that’s at least one inch thick. Thicker cuts are better for grilling because they will cook more evenly and be less likely to overcook. Popular cuts for grilling include ribeye, strip steak, and porterhouse.

Season the Meat

It’s important to season the steak before cooking to maximize flavor. To do this, liberally season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper. You can also experiment with other herbs and spices to give the steak even more flavor.

Cook at the Right Temperature

To achieve the perfect medium well steak, you’ll need to cook it over high heat. The high heat will help to create a nice crust on the outside while still keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Use an Internal Thermometer

An instant-read thermometer is the best way to check the internal temperature of the steak. This will help you to ensure that the steak is cooked to the desired doneness without having to cut into it.

Let the Steak Rest

Once the steak is cooked to medium well, it’s important to let it rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the steak to reabsorb its juices and become even more flavorful.

How to Achieve the Perfect Medium Well Steak Every Time

If you want to achieve the perfect medium well steak every time, here are some tips to keep in mind:

Follow the Steps Carefully

Cooking steak medium well is a precise process. Be sure to follow each step carefully to ensure the best results.

Don’t Overcook

It’s easy to overcook steak, so be sure to check the internal temperature often. As soon as the steak reaches 145°F, remove it from the heat.

Have Patience

Cooking steak medium well requires patience. Don’t rush the process or you may end up with an overcooked steak.

The Secret to Cooking the Perfect Medium Well Steak

The secret to cooking the perfect medium well steak is to pay attention to time and temperature. Follow the steps carefully and use an internal thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. Use quality ingredients and let the steak rest before serving.

The Definitive Guide to Cooking Steak Medium Well

For the perfect medium well steak every time, follow this definitive guide:

The Basics

Start by patting the steak dry with paper towels and seasoning it generously with salt and pepper. Let the steak come to room temperature before cooking.