What are the different levels of steak doneness based on internal temperature?

Steak Temperatures and Doneness Levels

Medium Doneness: Steak reaches medium doneness at 160°F. At this temperature, the steak is generally lightly pink in the center.

Medium-Well Doneness: Steak approaches medium-well at 170°F. At this point, there is barely any pink coloration remaining in the steak.

Well-Done Doneness: Steak is considered well-done at 180°F to 190°F. The meat is fully cooked and may be drier due to the loss of moisture.

Explanation

When cooking steak, the internal temperature is used as a reliable measure of doneness. Different levels of doneness are achieved based on the specific internal temperature reached during cooking.

It's important to note that while these temperature ranges determine the levels of doneness, they may not necessarily align with the best flavor and texture for enjoying a steak.

For optimal enjoyment, connoisseurs often recommend cooking steak to medium-rare to medium, which translates to an internal temperature of about 130°F to 150°F. This range allows for juicier and more flavorful meat.

However, for safety reasons, the USDA recommends cooking whole cuts of beef to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F to ensure any harmful bacteria are destroyed. It's also essential to let the steak rest for at least three minutes before carving or consuming.