Cooking a steak to a perfect medium doneness results in a warm pink center with a slightly firmer texture compared to medium rare. Follow this guide to achieve the ideal medium steak.
Internal Temperature for Medium Steak
The ideal internal temperature for a medium steak is 135-145°F (57-63°C). At this temperature, the steak has a warm pink center, with more cooked edges compared to medium rare.
How to Cook a Medium Steak
- Take your steak out of the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before cooking. This helps with even cooking.
- Preheat your grill, oven, or skillet to medium-high heat (around 450-500°F / 232-260°C).
- Season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for a 1-inch steak, depending on thickness, using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Once the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F (54-57°C), remove the steak from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes.
Why Let the Steak Rest?
Letting the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it juicier and more flavorful. Skipping this step may cause the juices to escape when cutting into the steak.
Carryover Cooking and Medium Steak
After removing the steak from the heat, the internal temperature will continue to rise by 5-10°F due to carryover cooking. This means that if you remove the steak from the heat when it reaches 130°F (54°C), it will finish cooking to around 135-140°F (57-60°C), which is perfect for medium doneness.
Final Tips for Cooking Medium Steak
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and ensure accuracy. For medium steak, aim for 135-145°F (57-63°C).
- Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it.
- Remember, the steak will continue to cook after being removed from heat, so plan accordingly.
For more tips on cooking steak to different doneness levels, visit our Steak Doneness Guide.
(Source: USDA Safe Thawing Guidelines)
Thawing Guides for Medium Steak Preparation
To cook a medium steak perfectly, start with properly thawed meat to ensure even cooking and a juicy center. Here are some thawing guides to help you:
- How to Thaw Steak – Step-by-step instructions for thawing your steak safely and evenly.
- How to Thaw Hamburger Meat – Useful if you are preparing other beef dishes alongside your steak.
- How to Thaw Chicken – Perfect for preparing chicken dishes cooked to medium or higher doneness.