Steak Temperature Chart – Perfect Steak Every Time

Published October 22, 2024 | By ChefCrown

picture of Steak Temperature Chartwith different doneness levels for different beef and cuts

Steak Doneness and Temperature Chart

Cooking steak isn’t hard. But getting it right? That comes down to temperature. And here’s where the Steak Temperature Chart will help you.

It’s not about how long it’s on the grill or in the pan. It’s about what’s happening inside the steak.

This is what makes it rare, medium, or well-done. If you want steak that’s juicy and tender, you need the right temp.

Here’s why it matters. A rare steak feels soft and cool in the middle.

Medium-rare gives you a warm center that’s still juicy.

Well-done makes it firm with less juice. Each level of doneness gives you a different taste and feel. The temperature makes that happen.

Don’t worry, though. You don’t have to guess.

A steak temperature chart shows you what to aim for. Use a thermometer and check as you cook.

Want an easy way to get it right every time? Download our free steak temperature chart PDF. Keep it close when you cook. It’ll help you get your steak perfect, no matter what.

Doneness Levels and Ideal Internal Temperatures

Let’s talk steak doneness. You want to know when your steak is just right?

It’s all about the temperature inside. That’s what makes it rare, medium, or well-done.

Each doneness level has a different taste and feel.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

Rare (120-125°F): The middle is cool and red. Soft and very juicy.
Medium-Rare (130-135°F): The center is warm and red. Still juicy.
Medium (140-145°F): Pink in the center. It’s a little firmer but still has juice.
Medium-Well (150-155°F): Slightly pink inside. Firm and not as juicy.
Well-Done (160°F+): No pink. It’s firm and dry.

Always use a meat thermometer. It helps you know exactly when your steak is done. Just stick it into the thickest part of the steak and check.

Want this guide on hand while you cook? Download our steak temperature chart PDF. It makes everything easier!

How to Use a Meat Thermometer Correctly

Using a meat thermometer makes cooking steak simple. No guessing. You’ll know exactly when it’s done.

Here’s how. Stick the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak.

Make sure you avoid any bone or fat, as they can give you the wrong reading.

You want to measure the temperature of the meat itself.

Once you get a reading, you’ll know what to do.

For example, if you’re aiming for medium-rare, take the steak off the heat when the thermometer shows 130-135°F.

Don’t wait too long, though. Temperatures can rise fast.

After you pull the steak off the heat, let it rest for at least 5 minutes. This step matters.

The temperature will go up by a few degrees, and the juices will settle back into the meat.

This makes your steak taste juicier and more tender.

To make things even easier, download our steak temperature chart PDF. Use it with your thermometer to make sure you always get the perfect steak!

Best Steak Cuts and Ideal Temperatures

Not all steaks are the same. Different cuts need different temperatures to taste just right.

Let’s look at some popular cuts and the best temps for each.

Ribeye: This cut has a lot of marbling (fat). For that juicy, melt-in-your-mouth bite, aim for medium-rare at 130-135°F. If you like it a bit more done, medium at 140-145°F still works well.
Filet Mignon: Super tender with less fat. It’s best cooked medium-rare at 130-135°F to keep that soft texture. If you go higher, it might lose some of its tenderness.
Sirloin: Leaner but still tasty. For a perfect balance, aim for medium at 140-145°F. You can go to medium-well if you prefer it firmer.
New York Strip: This one’s juicy with a good chew. For the best flavor, go for medium-rare at 130-135°F or medium at 140-145°F.

Each cut has its sweet spot, and knowing the right temp makes all the difference.

Want to get it perfect every time? Download our steak temperature chart PDF. It’s got all the details you need to cook every cut just right!

Cooking Tips for Perfectly Cooked Steak Every Time

Cooking steak right can feel tricky, but it’s easy if you avoid a few common mistakes.

First off, don’t overcook or undercook your steak. It can be hard to know when it’s done just by looking at it.

That’s why a thermometer is your best friend. You can check the temperature and get it perfect every time.

Another mistake? Not letting your steak rest.

Once you pull it off the heat, leave it for 5 minutes. This helps the juices stay in the steak, making it more tender and flavorful.

Now, let’s talk about cooking methods.

If you’re grilling, use high heat to get a nice sear, then move it to a cooler spot to finish cooking.

For pan-searing, start with a hot pan to get that crispy outside, then lower the heat.

No matter what method you use, check the internal temp to hit the right doneness.

Whether you’re grilling or pan-searing, you need the right temp. Download our steak temperature chart PDF to get the perfect doneness every time. Keep it handy while cooking!

Bonus: Advanced Steak Cooking Methods

Ever heard of the reverse sear?

It’s one of the easiest ways to cook steak perfectly, especially when you’re working with thicker cuts.

Here’s how it works. First, cook your steak slowly at a low temperature.

You can do this in the oven or on the cooler side of your grill. This keeps the inside cooking evenly.

When the steak hits the right temperature, finish it off with a quick, hot sear.

This gives you that perfect crispy outside while keeping the inside juicy.

The reverse sear works best with thick steaks like ribeye or New York strip.

It helps you avoid drying out the edges while making sure the inside cooks evenly.

Make sure to check the temperature using our chart so you know the exact moment to sear.

Want to dive deeper into techniques like this?

We’ve got more resources to help you master them.

Download our free steak temperature chart and explore methods like the reverse sear.

You’ll love how simple it is to get the perfect steak every time!

Final Thoughts + Download the Steak Temperature Chart

Cooking steak is easy when you know the right temperature. A steak temperature chart helps you get it right, no matter if you like it rare, medium, or well-done.

It takes the guesswork out.

With the chart, you’ll always know when to pull the steak off the heat.

No more guessing, no cutting too soon. Just perfect steak every time. It works for grilling, pan-searing, or even baking.

Want to cook steak perfectly every time?

Download our free steak temperature chart PDF. Keep it handy, and you’ll never wonder if your steak is done again!