Steak medium well offers a perfect balance of tenderness and structure. This doneness level cooks the steak to an internal temperature of 150-155°F, leaving only a hint of pink in the center. Whether you prefer grilling, pan-searing, or using a meat thermometer, mastering medium well steak is easier than you think.
Key Takeaways
- Medium well steak cooks to 150-155°F internal temperature with a small pink center
- Use a reliable meat thermometer to hit the exact doneness every time
- Rest your steak for 5-10 minutes after cooking to lock in juices
- Cast iron skillets and grills both deliver excellent results for medium well
- Season simply with salt, pepper, and garlic for the best flavor
- Thicker cuts work best for medium well doneness
- Pair your steak with clean water or a good drink to complement the meal
📑 Table of Contents
What Is Steak Medium Well?
Steak medium well is a popular cooking preference that sits between medium and well done. When you order or cook a steak medium well, the internal temperature reaches around 150 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit. At this point, the steak has very little pink left in the center. The meat feels firm but still retains some moisture.
Many steak lovers choose medium well because it offers a happy middle ground. You get a good steak crust on the outside while keeping the inside mostly cooked through. It is not as dry as well done, but it is more cooked than a medium steak. This doneness level appeals to people who want their steak cooked through but still juicy.
If you are new to cooking steak at home, medium well is a great place to start. It is forgiving. Even if you overshoot the temperature slightly, the steak still tastes great. Understanding steak doneness levels helps you cook with confidence every single time.
Why Cook Steak Medium Well?
There are several reasons why medium well steak has become a favorite among home cooks and restaurant diners alike. Let us explore some of the key benefits.
Food Safety and Peace of Mind
Cooking steak to medium well reduces the risk of foodborne illness. The higher internal temperature ensures harmful bacteria are destroyed. This matters especially if you are serving steak to children, elderly family members, or anyone with a sensitive stomach. A meat thermometer makes this process simple and reliable.
Texture and Flavor Balance
Medium well steak has a firmer bite compared to medium or medium rare. Some people prefer this texture because it feels more substantial. The steak crust develops beautifully at this level, creating a contrast between the caramelized exterior and the cooked-through interior. You still get a juicy steak without the rare center that some diners find uncomfortable.
Versatility with Cuts
Many steak cuts work wonderfully at medium well. Thicker cuts like ribeye, strip steak, and filet mignon all shine at this temperature. Even leaner cuts like sirloin benefit from the medium well approach because the extra cooking time helps break down tough fibers. If you enjoy grill steak or pan seared steak, medium well gives you great flexibility.
How to Cook Steak Medium Well
Cooking a steak medium well at home is straightforward. You do not need fancy equipment or years of experience. Follow these steps for consistent results every time.
Step 1: Choose the Right Cut
Start with a steak that is at least 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thinner cuts tend to overcook quickly, making it hard to reach medium well without drying out the meat. Good choices include:
- Ribeye – Great marbling keeps it juicy
- New York Strip – Firm texture with rich flavor
- Filet Mignon – Tender and lean
- T-Bone – Combines two steaks in one
Step 2: Season Your Steak
Keep it simple for the best results. A generous layer of coarse salt and freshly cracked black pepper works wonders. Let the seasoned steak sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps the steak cook more evenly from edge to center.
Step 3: Preheat Your Cooking Surface
Whether you use a grill or a cast iron skillet, make sure it is ripping hot. For pan searing, add a high smoke point oil like avocado oil or grapeseed oil. For grilling, clean the grates and oil them before placing the steak on. A hot surface creates that beautiful steak char you want.
Step 4: Cook to Temperature
Place the steak on the heat source and cook without moving it for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak. Remove the steak from heat when it reaches 145 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature will rise a few degrees during resting.
If you want to try a different approach, check out our wagyu steak cooking tips for advanced techniques that also apply to regular steak. These methods work beautifully for achieving the perfect medium well doneness on any cut.
Step 5: Rest the Steak
This step is non-negotiable. Let your steak rest on a cutting board for at least 5 to 10 minutes. During resting, the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Cutting too early causes those juices to run out, leaving you with a drier steak. Patience here makes a real difference.
Best Cooking Methods for Medium Well Steak
Different cooking methods bring out different qualities in a medium well steak. Here are the best approaches you can try at home.
Cast Iron Skillet Method
This is the go-to method for many steak lovers. A cast iron skillet holds heat incredibly well, giving you an even sear. Preheat the skillet on medium high heat for about 5 minutes. Add oil, then place the steak in the pan. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side. Finish with a knob of butter and fresh garlic for extra flavor.
Grill Method
Grilling adds a smoky flavor that is hard to beat. Preheat your grill to high heat. Sear the steak over direct heat for about 4 minutes per side. Then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking to medium well temperature. This two-zone grilling approach gives you control over the final doneness.
Oven Finish Method
For thicker cuts, start on the stovetop and finish in the oven. Sear the steak in a hot cast iron skillet for 2 minutes per side. Then transfer the entire skillet to a 400 degree Fahrenheit oven. Cook for about 5 to 8 minutes until the internal steak temperature reaches 150 to 155 degrees. This method works great for bone-in cuts.
For more detailed guidance on cooking techniques and temperature control, also check out our second guide on wagyu steak cooking tips which covers additional methods and insider tricks.
Reverse Sear Method
The reverse sear is a favorite among steak enthusiasts. Start by placing the steak in a low oven at 250 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook slowly until the internal temperature reaches about 130 degrees. Then sear on a blazing hot cast iron skillet for 1 to 2 minutes per side. This method gives you an edge-to-edge medium well doneness with a perfect crust.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced cooks make mistakes when preparing steak medium well. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
Not Using a Meat Thermometer
Guessing the doneness of your steak leads to inconsistent results. A digital meat thermometer is the single best tool for cooking steak. It removes all the guesswork and takes the stress out of the process. Invest in a good one and use it every single time.
Skipping the Resting Period
Cutting into your steak immediately after cooking is the fastest way to lose juices. The resting period allows the muscle fibers to relax and reabsorb moisture. Five to ten minutes might feel like a long wait, but your taste buds will thank you.
Using a Thin Cut
Thin steaks cook too fast for medium well. By the time you get a good sear, the inside is already overcooked. Stick with cuts that are at least 1 inch thick for the best results with this doneness level.
Over-Salting Too Early
Salt draws moisture out of the meat. If you season too far in advance, the steak can become damp, which prevents a good sear. Salt your steak about 40 minutes before cooking or right before it hits the heat.
Pairing and Serving Tips
Serving a medium well steak is about more than just the meat itself. The right sides and drinks elevate the entire meal.
Best Side Dishes
Pair your steak with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh garden salad. A baked potato with butter and sour cream is a classic choice that never disappoints. The key is to balance the richness of the steak with lighter, fresher sides.
Drink Pairings
A bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec complements medium well steak beautifully. If wine is not your thing, a cold beer or even sparkling water with lemon works great too. For those who prioritize clean hydration alongside their meal, having a reliable pitcher water filter for well water at home ensures you always have fresh, clean water to pair with your steak dinners.
Sauces and Toppings
While a great steak needs little more than salt and pepper, a simple compound butter or chimichurri adds a nice touch. Garlic herb butter melts beautifully over a hot medium well steak. Just remember that the steak itself should be the star of the plate.
Temperature Guide for Steak Doneness
Understanding steak temperatures helps you cook exactly the way you like it. Here is a quick reference guide for all doneness levels:
- Rare: 120-125°F – Very red center, soft texture
- Medium Rare: 130-135°F – Red center, juicy and tender
- Medium: 140-145°F – Pink center, balanced moisture
- Medium Well: 150-155°F – Slight pink hint, firm but juicy
- Well Done: 160°F+ – Little to no pink, fully cooked through
The medium well steak range of 150 to 155 degrees gives you a mostly cooked-through steak with just a touch of pink remaining. This is the sweet spot for many people who want safety and flavor without sacrificing too much moisture.
Remember that the temperature will rise about 5 degrees after you remove the steak from heat. This is called carryover cooking. Pulling your steak off the heat at 145 to 150 degrees means it will reach the perfect medium well range during resting. This simple tip transforms your cooking results.
Expert Tips for the Perfect Medium Well Steak
Here are some insider tips from experienced cooks and chefs that will take your medium well steak to the next level.
- Bring the steak to room temperature before cooking for even heat distribution
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels before seasoning for a better crust
- Do not overcrowd the pan – cook one steak at a time for best results
- Baste with butter during the last minute of cooking for added richness
- Let the steak rest loosely tented with foil for 5 to 10 minutes
- Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness when serving
With practice and attention to temperature, you will be cooking perfect medium well steak like a pro. The process becomes second nature after a few attempts. Trust your thermometer, be patient with the resting period, and enjoy the process.
Conclusion
Cooking steak medium well is a skill anyone can learn. It sits in a wonderful spot between too rare and too well done, giving you a steak that is flavorful, juicy, and satisfying. Use a meat thermometer, choose the right cut, and follow the steps outlined in this guide. You will be amazed at how consistent and delicious your results can be.
The key to a great medium well steak is patience and attention to detail. Do not rush the cooking process, do not skip the resting period, and always let the quality of the meat speak for itself. Whether you fire up the grill or heat up your cast iron skillet, you now have everything you need to cook a fantastic steak.
Start with these techniques, experiment with different cuts and seasonings, and soon you will be cooking steak medium well like a seasoned pro. Your family and guests will notice the difference. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature is steak medium well?
Steak medium well is cooked to an internal temperature of 150 to 155 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature, the steak has very little pink in the center and feels firm to the touch. Always use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results.
Is medium well steak juicy?
Yes, medium well steak can still be juicy. While it has less moisture than medium or medium rare, a properly cooked medium well steak retains good flavor and tenderness. The key is not to overcook it and to let it rest properly after cooking.
What is the best cut for medium well steak?
Thick cuts with good marbling work best for medium well. Ribeye, New York strip, and filet mignon are excellent choices. The extra fat and thickness help the steak stay moist even at the higher internal temperature of medium well doneness.
How long should I rest a medium well steak?
Let your medium well steak rest for 5 to 10 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Cutting too early causes the juices to escape, resulting in a drier steak. Use this time to prepare your sides.
Can I cook a thin steak to medium well?
It is challenging but possible. Thin steaks cook very quickly, so you need to monitor the temperature closely. A thin steak may reach medium well before you get a good crust. For best results, choose cuts that are at least 1 inch thick.
How is medium well different from medium?
The main difference is the internal temperature and amount of pink. Medium steak cooks to 140-145 degrees with a pink center, while medium well reaches 150-155 degrees with only a slight hint of pink. Medium well steak has a firmer texture and less moisture than medium steak.