How to Make the Perfect Medium Rare Steak Every Time
There’s nothing quite like a perfect medium rare steak—crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside. If you’re like me, you probably want that perfect steak every single time, but getting it just right can feel tricky. After all, there’s nothing worse than spending time cooking only to end up with a steak that’s either too rare or overcooked.
But don’t worry! Grab your meat thermometer, a little knowledge, and the perfect technique, you can nail medium rare every single time. In this post, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know: from understanding what “medium rare” really means, to the tools you need, and the step-by-step methods I swear by.
The Ideal Medium Rare Steak Temperature
First off, let’s talk about what medium rare actually is. For a steak to be medium rare, the internal temperature of the steak needs to be between 130-135°F (54-57°C). At this temperature, the inside of the steak will be tender, juicy, and slightly pink, while the outside will be seared to perfection.
It’s all about balance: The key is making sure the steak doesn’t go beyond that 135°F mark. Anything higher, and you’re in the medium or well-done zone—definitely not what we want.
This is where precision becomes so important. Without the right tools, it’s easy to overcook the steak, which is why I always rely on a meat thermometer to ensure the perfect doneness.
Best Meat Thermometer Perfect Medium Rare Steak Every Time
If you’re serious about cooking perfect steaks every time, I can’t recommend the Typhur Sync Gold wireless meat thermometer enough. This is the best tool for grilling, smoking, or cooking any kind of meat, including your medium rare steak.
Here’s why:
Multiple Probes: The Typhur Sync Gold comes with multiple probes, meaning you can monitor multiple cuts of meat at the same time, and even set different target temperatures for each one. This is perfect if you’re grilling or smoking a variety of meats and want to ensure each piece is cooked to perfection.
Six Sensors per Probe: Each probe is equipped with six sensors (five internal and one ambient). This ensures precise temperature readings, even from different points in the meat. The ambient sensor helps keep track of the grill’s or oven’s temperature, providing the full picture of your cooking environment.
Long Range: With Sub-1GHz technology, you can monitor your steak’s temperature from up to 3000ft in open space or 700ft in closed environments. This is a game-changer when grilling outdoors.
Accuracy: The Sync Gold measures temperature with a stunning precision of ±0.5°F, which is perfect for getting the precise medium rare steak you want every time.
App Control: Monitor the temperature from anywhere using the Typhur app. You can set alarms, track progress, and make adjustments, all without needing to open your grill or smoker.
How to Prepare the Steak
When it comes to steaks, I usually go for ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon, as they’re perfect for medium rare cooking.
- Seasoning: I like to keep it simple with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. You can always get creative with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic, but let the meat’s flavor shine through.
- Room Temperature: Don’t skip this step. I always take my steak out of the fridge about 30-60 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature. This helps with even cooking and prevents the steak from being too cold in the center.
Cooking Methods for Perfect Medium Rare Steak
Pan-Seared Method:
This is my go-to method for perfect medium rare steaks, and it’s super easy.
- Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes. It should be hot enough that a drop of water sizzles on contact.
- Add oil to the pan, then immediately place your steak in the skillet.
- Sear each side for 3-4 minutes, until you have that perfect, golden-brown crust.
- Check the internal temperature: Once the steak hits 130-135°F, remove it from the pan and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the steak to finish cooking.
Grilling Method:
If you’re using a grill, it’s just as simple.
- Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Place your steak on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, checking the temperature with a thermometer.
- Once you reach 130-135°F, remove the steak and let it rest.
Sous Vide Method (Optional):
For perfect consistency, you can try sous vide. Set the temperature to 130°F and cook your steak in the water bath for 1-2 hours. Afterward, sear it in a hot pan for a perfect crust.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make medium rare steak without a thermometer?
While it’s possible, a thermometer is the best way to ensure you hit the exact internal temperature for medium rare. It eliminates guesswork!
Can I use other cuts for medium rare?
Yes, while ribeye and filet mignon are popular, other cuts like New York strip or sirloin can also be cooked to medium rare, as long as they’re thick enough.
Can I store leftover steak?
Yes, store leftover steak in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet to avoid overcooking.
Conclusion
Making the perfect medium rare steak doesn’t have to be difficult. With the right tools, like a wireless meat thermometer or instant read thermometer, and using the right techniques, you can achieve juicy, flavorful steaks every time. Whether you’re using a skillet, grill, or sous vide, the key to perfect medium rare is all about precision.
So, the next time you’re cooking steak, trust your thermometer, rest your steak, and enjoy that delicious, tender piece of meat. Happy cooking!
