what temp is a medium rare steak
A medium rare steak is typically cooked to an internal temperature of 130–135°F (54–57°C) at the thickest part of the meat.
Quick Scoop: Perfect Medium Rare
- Target internal temp: 130–135°F (54–57°C) for medium rare.
- Pull the steak from the heat at about 125–130°F , then let it rest; carryover heat usually brings it into the medium rare zone.
- Center should be warm and pink/red, juicy but not bloody.
Simple Step‑By‑Step Guide
- Pat steak dry and season with salt and pepper (or your favorite rub). This helps browning and flavor.
- Sear over high heat (cast iron or grill) for a good crust on both sides.
- Insert an instant‑read thermometer into the thickest part, avoiding bone and big fat pockets.
- Once it hits around 125–130°F , remove from heat for medium rare.
- Rest 5–10 minutes so juices redistribute and temp rises a few degrees.
Quick example: If you like a ribeye medium rare, you might grill it 3–4 minutes per side on high heat, start checking at around 120°F, and pull it no later than 130°F before resting.
Extra Tips & Different Viewpoints
- Many chefs and steakhouse guides agree on 130–135°F as the “classic” medium rare window.
- Some home cooks prefer the lower end (130°F) for a redder center, others the upper end (135°F) for slightly more set texture.
- Official food‑safety advice often recommends at least 145°F (medium) for steak, but many steak lovers knowingly accept the lower temp for flavor and tenderness.
Handy Temperature Table (HTML)
Here’s a quick doneness chart you can reuse:
| Doneness | Internal temperature (°F) | Internal temperature (°C) | Center description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120–125°F | [5][7]49–52°C | Cool to warm, deep red center, very juicy | [7]
| Medium rare | 130–135°F | [1][3][5][7]54–57°C | [3]Warm red/pink center, very juicy and tender | [8][3]
| Medium | 140–145°F | [5][7]60–63°C | Warm pink center, slightly firmer | [7]
| Medium well | 150–155°F | [5][7]66–68°C | Slight blush of pink, much firmer | [9][7]
| Well done | 160–165°F | [7][5]71–74°C | Brown throughout, least juicy | [7]
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.
