Introduction
Cooking a perfect steak is an art form that many people struggle with. The optimal doneness for steak depends on personal preference, but many people prefer their steak cooked to medium well. But what temperature should you cook your steak at in order to achieve medium well?
Medium well steak is defined as a steak that is cooked until the center has just a hint of pink, but is mostly brown throughout. It is still juicy and tender, but not as rare as a medium rare steak.
The problem for many home cooks is that they don’t know how to accurately gauge when the steak has reached the right temperature. Too often, they overcook the steak and end up with a dry, tough piece of meat.
Tips for Cooking the Perfect Medium Well Steak
In order to cook the perfect medium well steak, there are a few key tips to keep in mind.
Choose the Right Cut of Meat
When choosing the right cut of meat for your steak, look for cuts that are well-marbled and have plenty of fat. Fat helps to keep the steak moist and tender during cooking, which is essential for achieving medium well doneness. Ribeye, strip steak, and filet mignon are all excellent choices for medium well steak.
Let the Steak Rest Before Cooking
It’s important to let the steak rest before cooking. Allowing the steak to come to room temperature before cooking helps to ensure even cooking throughout. This will help to avoid overcooking one side of the steak while the other remains undercooked.
Use the Right Temperature
Using the right temperature is key to achieving the perfect medium well steak. You want to use a temperature that is hot enough to quickly cook the steak, but not too hot that the outside is overcooked before the inside reaches the desired doneness.
The Science Behind Getting Medium Well Steak Right
In order to understand the science behind cooking a medium well steak, it’s important to understand a few key concepts.
Internal Temperature of Medium Well Steak
The internal temperature of a medium well steak should be between 145°F and 150°F (63°C and 66°C). At this temperature, the steak will be cooked through, but still juicy and tender.
Maillard Reaction and Why It’s Important
The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction that occurs between amino acids and reducing sugars when food is heated. This reaction is what gives steak its distinctive flavor and browned exterior. If the steak is cooked at too high of a temperature, the Maillard reaction will occur too quickly and the steak will be overcooked.
Understanding Doneness Levels
It’s also important to understand the different doneness levels for steak, from rare to well done. Rare steak has an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C), medium rare is 130°F (54°C), medium is 140°F (60°C), and well done is 160°F (71°C). Medium well falls in between medium and well done, at 145°F to 150°F (63°C to 66°C).
What Temperature is Best to Achieve Medium Well Steak?
The best temperature to achieve a medium well steak is between 375°F and 400°F (190°C and 205°C). This is hot enough to quickly cook the steak without burning the outside before the inside is cooked.
Recommended Internal Temperature
As mentioned earlier, the recommended internal temperature for a medium well steak is 145°F to 150°F (63°C to 66°C). To achieve this temperature, the steak should be cooked at 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 205°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes per side.
Tips for Monitoring Internal Temperature
To ensure that the steak is cooked to the correct temperature, it’s important to use a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and check the temperature after 5 minutes of cooking. If the temperature is below 145°F (63°C), continue cooking for a few more minutes.
A Guide to Medium Well Steak: Temperature and Techniques
Now that we’ve discussed the temperature needed to achieve medium well steak, let’s take a look at some tips and techniques for cooking the perfect steak.
Seasoning the Steak
Seasoning the steak is an important step in achieving the perfect steak. Salt and pepper are the classic seasonings, but feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to add flavor.
Choosing the Right Tools
When cooking steak, it’s important to use the right tools. A cast iron skillet is ideal for searing the steak and giving it a nice crust. A thermometer is also essential for monitoring the internal temperature of the steak.
Using a Thermometer
Using a thermometer is the only way to accurately determine the doneness of a steak. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and wait a few minutes before checking the temperature. Once the steak reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and let it rest.
Cooking Time Guidelines
As a general guideline, a 1-inch thick steak should be cooked at 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 205°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes per side for medium well. Depending on the thickness of the steak and the desired doneness, the cooking time may vary.
How to Master Medium Well Steak in Your Own Kitchen
Cooking the perfect medium well steak takes practice. Here are a few tips to help you master medium well steak in your own kitchen.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to learn how to cook a perfect medium well steak is to practice. Start by following recipes and then experiment with different seasonings and techniques to find what works best for you.
Experiment With Different Recipes
There are endless recipes out there for steak, so don’t be afraid to try something new. Experiment with different marinades, sauces, and seasonings to find the perfect combination for your taste.
Learn the Art of Cooking Medium Well Steak at Home
If you’re serious about learning how to cook the perfect medium well steak, there are a few resources available to help.
Take Classes or Watch Videos
Many cooking schools offer classes on grilling and steak cooking. Taking a class or watching videos online can give you valuable insight into the art of cooking steak.
Learn From Others
Learning from experienced chefs is another great way to hone your skills. If you know someone who is a great cook, ask them for advice and tips on cooking steak.
Conclusion
Cooking the perfect medium well steak doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By understanding the science behind cooking steak and using the right temperature and techniques, you can easily achieve the perfect medium well steak in your own kitchen.
When cooking a medium well steak, use a temperature of 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 205°C) and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Use a thermometer to monitor the internal temperature and make sure it reaches 145°F to 150°F (63°C to 66°C). Season the steak generously and let it rest before serving. With a little practice, you’ll be able to master the art of cooking medium well steak in no time.
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