How To Cook Steak Medium Well

Cooking a steak to medium well can be a bit of an art. You want that balance of a warm, slightly pink center with a nicely seared outside, without crossing into overcooked territory. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or just craving a steakhouse-quality meal at home and aren’t big on a colorful center, knowing how to hit that perfect medium well is key.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process with expert tips on timing, heat, and the right methods to use. With a little practice, you can expect to cook medium well steaks like a pro in no time.

What Temp is Medium Well?

A medium well steak typically reaches an internal temperature of 150-155°F. At this point, the steak will have just a hint of pink in the center, while the rest is fully cooked through. To achieve this, it’s important to use a reliable meat thermometer to check the temperature as it cooks. Overcooking beyond this point can result in a dry, tough steak, so you’ll need to monitor it closely. 

Remove the steak from the heat when it’s about 5°F below the target temperature to allow for additional cooking during the resting process, which brings it to the perfect medium well finish without getting overcooked.

Steak Temperature Guide

It can be helpful to have a chart as a guide when cooking steak to whatever doneness level you prefer, including medium well. Follow this chart to better understand cooking temperatures for each doneness level.

Doneness Level	Temperature Range	Temperature to Remove from Heat
Rare	120-125°F	115°F
Medium Rare	130-135°F	125°F
Medium	140-145°F	135°F
Medium Well	150-155°F	145°F
Well Done	160°F-165°F	155°F

How to Test a Steak’s Doneness with a Meat Thermometer

Testing a steak’s doneness with a meat thermometer is a reliable way to ensure you cook your steak to the desired medium well level. Start by inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding bone or fat. For the most accurate results, insert the probe from the side rather than the top. Wait a few seconds until the temperature stops changing.

As you cook, check the temperature a couple of times to monitor it. Also, take a reading a few minutes before you expect the steak to be done. Remove the steak from the heat when it’s about 5°F below your target temperature, which would be about 145°F for medium well.

The Hand Test: How to Test a Steak’s Doneness Without a Meat Thermometer

The hand test is another technique you can use to test a steak’s doneness if you don’t have a meat thermometer available. However, it’s not as precise, so you should only use it with caution in a pinch. 

To use this method, gently press the steak with your finger or tongs and compare its firmness to different parts of your hand. A medium well steak should feel similar to the firmness of the base of your thumb when your thumb and ring finger are pressed together. Meanwhile, a medium steak will feel more like the base of your thumb when you touch your thumb and middle finger together. Medium rare resembles the firmness of that area when you touch your thumb and pointer finger together, while a rare steak mimics the softer texture of the thumb’s base when you relax your hand. 

Following this pattern, you can probably guess that a well done steak will feel like the firmness of your thumb’s base when your thumb and pinky touch one another. If your steak gets to this point, you’ve gone a bit too far. Therefore, use caution when you think your steak reaches the firmness of a medium steak. It should only need a short amount of additional cooking time to reach the medium well level of doneness.

Expert Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Medium Well Steak Every Time

Cooking the perfect medium well steak requires precision and a few insider tricks to ensure your steak stays juicy and flavorful. Here are some expert tips to help you achieve that perfect doneness every time:

• Get the right cut of steak: For a medium well steak, opt for cuts like ribeye, strip steak, or filet mignon. These cuts retain moisture and flavor better when cooked longer.
• Rest it at room temperature before cooking: Let your steak sit out for about 30 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook evenly, preventing the outside from overcooking while the inside reaches the desired temperature.
• Season properly: Don’t skimp on seasoning. Salt and pepper are excellent choices, but feel free to add garlic powder, paprika, or herbs for extra flavor. Season both sides of the steak thoroughly. 
• Don’t skip the thermometer: If you have a meat thermometer, use it. For medium well, aim for a final temperature of 150°F. Remove the steak from heat when it reaches about 145°F, as it will continue cooking while resting.
• Rest after cooking: After cooking, let your steak rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and juicy steak.

Methods of Cooking Medium Well Steak

You’re not stuck with one single method of cooking medium well steak. Here are a few of the most popular methods, along with instructions on how to complete each one successfully.

On the Stove

Cooking steak on the stove gives you great control over the temperature and allows for a beautifully seared crust. Plus, it’s a classic way to cook up a delicious steak quickly.

Start by heating a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and adding a small amount of extra virgin olive oil. Season your steak with salt and pepper before placing it in the pan. Sear each side for 3-4 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms, then reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking for another 5-8 minutes. Add butter to the pan after searing the steak and spoon the butter over the steak consistently until it reaches 145°F.

Let the steak rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before slicing or serving.

On the Grill

Grilling adds a smoky flavor to your medium well steak. Preheat the grill to medium heat (around 400°F). Place the steak over direct heat for 3-4 minutes on each side to achieve grill marks. Move the steak to indirect heat and close the grill lid. Cook for another 4-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. As with stovetop cooking, let the steak rest before cutting into it to maintain the juices. 

In the Oven

For an evenly cooked medium well steak, consider using the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Sear the steak on the stove for 2-3 minutes per side to lock in the juices, then transfer it to a baking sheet and place it in the oven on the middle rack. Bake for 5-7 minutes, checking with a thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F. Rest the steak for several minutes before serving.

The Perfect Medium Well Steak Recipe

Learn how to make medium well steak using the following recipe.

Ingredients

• ½ pound of ribeye steak per person
• ½ tsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp butter

Instructions

1. Remove the steaks from the fridge 45 minutes before cooking. Pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Then, salt both sides of the steak generously.
2. Preheat a large skillet with oil over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes.
3. Sprinkle pepper on both sides of the steaks.
4. Transfer the steaks to the skillet and sear on each side for about 3-4 minutes or until a golden brown crust forms.
5. Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter to the skillet. Once it melts, spoon the butter over the steak. Continue spooning the butter over the steaks for another 5-8 minutes, or until the steaks reach 145°F in their thickest part. Use a meat thermometer for an accurate reading.
6. Remove the steaks from the heat and rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes before serving. 

Conclusion: Cooking Steak Medium Well

While medium well steak isn’t a common request in steak restaurants, some people really enjoy this level of doneness more than any other. If that’s you, now you have all the tips and tricks you need to cook a medium well steak in your own kitchen. 

Check out our selection of handpicked, hand-cut, and perfectly aged steaks that you can order and have shipped conveniently to your home.