Medium Well Steak Cooking Guide

Medium well steak is cooked through with a slight hint of pink in the center. Follow this guide to cook the perfect medium well steak with a firm texture and just a touch of juiciness.

Internal Temperature for Medium Well Steak

The ideal internal temperature for medium well steak is between 145-155°F (63-68°C). At this temperature, the steak will be mostly cooked through with only a small amount of pink in the center.

How to Cook a Medium Well Steak

• Take the steak out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking.
• Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat (450-500°F / 232-260°C).
• Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Sear the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side, then reduce the heat to medium and cook until the internal temperature reaches 145-155°F (63-68°C).

The Importance of Resting the Steak

Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak.

Carryover Cooking and Medium Well Steak

After removing the steak from the heat, the internal temperature will continue to rise due to carryover cooking. This can increase the temperature by 5-10°F. So, if you remove the steak at 145°F (63°C), it will finish cooking to 150-155°F (65-68°C), achieving the perfect medium well doneness.

Final Tips for Cooking a Medium Well Steak

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches the proper internal temperature of 145-155°F (63-68°C).
• Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
• Be aware of carryover cooking, which will raise the temperature slightly after the steak is removed from heat.

For more tips on cooking steak to different doneness levels, visit our Steak Doneness Guide.

(Source: USDA Safe Thawing Guidelines)