Knowing how to cook a steak is essential if you want to make a perfect steak. Now we’ll show you the different levels of doneness, from rare to well-done, and share some helpful tips to impress your guests.
Find out what temperature is needed to achieve the different stages and how to get the best result every time!
What are the steak cooking levels?
Cooking a steak is an art, and knowing the different degrees of doneness is essential to achieve a perfect result. The most common grades include rare, medium rare, medium, medium well, and well done. These grades require different internal temperatures and baking times, which are detailed below.
Rare – (bloody)
The inside of a rare steak is very lightly cooked and typically has an internal temperature of 50-52°C. This level is preferred by those who like the natural, meaty taste of steak. The outside of the rare steak is brownish, and the inside is almost raw, red.
Medium Rare – (medium bloody)
The interior of the medium rare steak is at a temperature of 55-57°C and is brown on the outside and pink on the inside. This is the most popular cooking level, as it preserves the softness and juiciness of the meat. Medium rare steak is the ideal choice for those looking for the perfect balance between flavor and texture.
Medium – (medium fried)
The inside of a medium steak is 60-63°C and pink inside. The steak is brown on the outside and pink and slightly firmer on the inside. This level is ideal for those who don’t like too bloody steak, but still want to enjoy juicy meat.
Medium Well – (medium well done)
The internal temperature of medium well steak is 65-68°C. The inside of the meat is light pink, almost completely cooked through, but still retaining some juiciness. This level is chosen by those who want to make sure that the meat is sufficiently cooked, but has not yet lost all its moisture.
Well Done – (well done)
The inside of a well done steak is completely brown and the internal temperature is above 70°C. This level results in meat that is already fully cooked, which can often be drier and tougher. It is recommended for those who want to eat fully cooked meat.
How do we achieve the desired degree of baking?
Below are some general guidelines for achieving different levels of doneness:
- Rare: Fry for 2-3 minutes per side at a high temperature..
- Medium Rare: Fry for 3-4 minutes per side at a medium-high temperature.
- Medium: Fry for 4-5 minutes per side at medium heat.
- Medium Well: Fry for 5-6 minutes per side at a medium-low temperature.
- Well Done: Fry for 6-7 minutes per side at a low temperature.
Seasoning and preparation
At least 20 minutes before cooking the steak, take the meat out of the refrigerator to bring it to room temperature. Before baking, salt and pepper the meat, and you can also add herbs and garlic for an even tastier result. Never pierce the meat with a fork, as this will lose the precious juices, rather turn it with tongs in the pan or on the grill.
Relaxation
After finishing cooking the steak, it is important to let the meat rest. This means letting the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to distribute evenly, keeping the steak juicy and flavorful.
Knowing how to cook a steak is key to making the perfect steak. With the right techniques and some practice, anyone can create a steak that meets their individual tastes and expectations. Don’t be afraid to experiment and enjoy the taste experiences offered by different baking levels!
If you don’t want to experiment with preparing steak at home and would rather enjoy a well-prepared steak in an excellent steakhouse restaurant, then you have no choice but to visit Beerstro14!
This restaurant prepares first-class steaks that will make every steak lover’s heart skip a beat. In addition to the perfectly prepared meats, the restaurant’s elegant surroundings and friendly atmosphere guarantee that everyone will feel at home.
