How Long To Cook A Steak To Medium Well

Save

Introduction

The quest for a perfectly cooked steak is a culinary pursuit shared by many. Among the various degrees of doneness, medium-well occupies a unique space, appealing to those who prefer a steak with just a hint of pink and a fully cooked center. It’s a popular choice for those who appreciate the flavor of steak but prefer it cooked through, offering a balance between tenderness and well-done textures. Achieving medium-well perfection requires understanding cooking times, temperatures, and techniques. Many opt for this level of doneness to eliminate concerns about undercooked meat while still retaining some of the steak’s juiciness and flavor.

Ingredients

The star of the show is, of course, the steak. The best cuts for medium-well include:

• Ribeye: Offers excellent marbling and flavor, remaining relatively tender even when cooked to medium-well.
• New York Strip: A leaner cut with a good balance of flavor and texture.
• Sirloin: A more economical choice, but can be slightly tougher if overcooked, so careful attention to cooking time is crucial.

Beyond the steak, simple ingredients are key:

• Salt: Kosher salt is recommended for seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground for the best flavor.
• Oil or Butter: For searing and adding richness. High smoke point oils like avocado or canola oil are suitable for high-heat searing.

Optional additions:

• Garlic: Adds aromatic flavor, often added in the last few minutes of cooking.
• Fresh Herbs: Thyme, rosemary, or oregano complement the beef flavor beautifully.

Preparation Steps

Proper preparation is crucial for a successful steak.

• Thawing: If frozen, thaw the steak completely in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours. This ensures even cooking.
• Bringing to Room Temperature: Remove the steak from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before cooking, ideally up to an hour. This allows for more even cooking.
• Patting Dry: Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the steak dry. A dry surface promotes a better sear.
• Seasoning: Generously season the steak with salt and pepper on both sides. Don’t be afraid to use a lot of salt; it helps to enhance the flavor and create a crust.

Cooking Instructions

Achieving a medium-well steak requires careful attention to cooking method, temperature, and timing. Here are a few methods:

• Pan-Seared and Oven-Finished:
  1. Preheat a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal) over high heat until smoking hot.
  2. Add oil to the skillet until it shimmers.
  3. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, creating a deep brown crust.
  4. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375F (190C).
  5. Cook for an additional 4-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 155-160F (68-71C) for medium-well. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
  6. Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
• Grilling:
  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Grill the steak for 4-6 minutes per side, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking.
  3. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Aim for 155-160F (68-71C) for medium-well.
  4. Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
• Reverse Sear:
  1. Preheat oven to 275F (135C).
  2. Place seasoned steak on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
  3. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 125-130F (52-54C).
  4. Heat a skillet with oil over high heat until smoking hot.
  5. Sear the steak for 1-2 minutes per side, creating a deep brown crust.
  6. Let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Recommended Internal Temperatures: Medium-Well: 155-160F (68-71C)

Serving Suggestions

A perfectly cooked medium-well steak is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides:

• Classic Sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots), creamed spinach.
• Sauces: Barnaise sauce, peppercorn sauce, mushroom sauce, chimichurri.
• Starches: Rice pilaf, quinoa, roasted potatoes.
• Salads: A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
• Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the steak well.

Consider slicing the steak against the grain for optimal tenderness and presentation.

Tips and Common Mistakes

Here are some useful tips and common mistakes to avoid when cooking a steak to medium-well:

• Don’t Overcook: The most common mistake is overcooking the steak, resulting in a dry and tough texture. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
• Don’t Skip the Rest: Resting the steak allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
• Use High Heat: Searing requires high heat to create a good crust.
• Don’t Crowd the Pan: If pan-searing multiple steaks, do it in batches to avoid lowering the pan temperature.
• Pat the Steak Dry: A dry surface promotes a better sear.
• Don’t be Afraid to Season: Season generously with salt and pepper.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Mastering the art of cooking a steak to medium-well unlocks a world of flavorful and satisfying meals. Its balanced texture and cooked-through center make it a popular choice for many. Understanding the techniques, temperatures, and timing involved ensures a delicious result every time. This versatile dish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients and careful execution. Now that mastery over cooking steak medium-well has been acquired, venture out to explore more cooking guides at foodrecipestory.com!