How to cook steak to the perfect level of doneness

Sliced steak on a black board, showing different levels of doneness.

How to cook steak to the perfect level of doneness

Knowing how to cook steak so it turns out juicy and tender can seem daunting but it's easier than you think! Follow these simple steps for achieving the ideal level of doneness, whether you prefer it rare, medium-rare, medium, or well-done.

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Global

Total Time 8

Servings

Calories 353.8kcal

Author Eliza

Ingredients

6-8 oz steak 1 inch/ 2cm thick
Salt and pepper
Cooking oil

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Remove steak from the fridge ahead of time, and allow it to reach room temperature.
Mix salt and pepper together on a plate. Oil the steak on both sides.
Heat a skillet, frying pan, or barbecue grill until very hot.
Press the steak into the salt and pepper on both sides, and place the steak into the hot pan. It should sizzle when added to the pan.
Cook steak over a medium-high heat, turning only once until it is done to your liking. See notes for estimated cooking times.
Check the internal temperature and remove of the heat when it is a few degrees below the desired doneness (it will continue cooking while resting).
Remove the steak from the pan and allow it to rest for five minutes.

Notes

Rare: cook 2 minutes each side, 4 minutes total cooking time. Internal temp 120°F/ 49°C.
Medium-rare: cook 3½ minutes each side, total 7 minutes cooking time. Internal temp 130°F/ 55°C.
Medium: cook 4 minutes each side, 8 minutes in total. Internal temp 140°F/ 60°C.
Medium-well: cook 5 minutes each side, 10 minutes total cooking time. 150°F/ 66°C.
Well-done: cook 6 minutes each side, for a total cooking time of 12 minutes. 160°F/ 71°C.

Nutrition