How Long To Cook Steak For Medium Rare?

Cooking the perfect steak can be daunting, especially if you want to achieve the perfect level of doneness. For many steak enthusiasts, medium-rare is the ideal level of doneness that strikes the perfect balance between a tender and juicy interior with a flavor-laden and seared exterior. But how long should you cook a steak to achieve a perfect medium-rare? 

The cooking time for medium rare steak depends on several factors, such as the size, the type of steak, and several other factors. The general cooking time for medium rare and other rare and medium steaks are given below:

• Medium Rare: For a medium-rare steak, cook until the internal temperature reaches 130-135°F. This will take about 3-4 minutes per side for a 1-inch thick steak.
• Rare: For a rare steak, cook until the internal temperature reaches 120-125°F. This will take 2-3 minutes per side for a 1-inch thick steak.
• Medium: For a medium steak, cook until the internal temperature reaches 135-145°F. This will take about 4-5 minutes per side for a 1-inch thick steak. 
• Medium-Well: For a medium-well steak, cook until the internal temperature reaches 145-155°F. This will take about 5-6 minutes per side for a 1-inch thick steak. 

How Long Should I Cook Medium Rare Steak 

When cooking a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 130-135°F. However, the cooking time can vary depending on several factors, such as the size and thickness of the steak, the cooking method, the desired level of char or crust, and personal preferences. Here are some factors to consider when determining how long to cook a medium-rare steak:

• Size and Thickness: The size and thickness of the steak can affect the cooking time. A 1-inch thick steak will take less time to cook than a 2-inch thick steak. As a general rule of thumb, a medium-rare steak should be cooked for 3-4 minutes per side for a 1-inch thick steak but may require an additional minute or two per side for thicker cuts.
• Cooking Method: Different cooking methods can also affect the cooking time for a medium-rare steak. For example, grilling a steak will cook it faster than pan-searing or broiling. It is important to adjust the cooking time based on the cooking method to ensure the steak is cooked to the desired level of doneness.
• Recipe: Your recipe can also affect the cooking time for a medium-rare steak. Some recipes may call for marinating the steak, increasing the cooking time, while others may require basting the steak with butter or herbs, decreasing the cooking time.
• Family Size: The size of your family or the number of people you cook for can also impact the cooking time. If you are cooking multiple steaks at once, you may need to adjust the cooking time to ensure all the steaks are cooked evenly.
• Diet: The type of diet you are following may also impact the cooking time for a medium-rare steak. For example, if you are on a low-carb or keto diet, you may want to cook the steak for a shorter time to avoid overcooking and drying it out.

Cooking Time For The Perfect Cooked Medium Rare Steak

Cooking the perfect medium-rare steak can be challenging but achievable with the right temperature and timing. The cooking time and temperature for a medium-rare steak depend on several factors, such as the thickness of the steak, the type of cut, and the cooking method. To help you achieve the perfect medium-rare steak every time, here is a table of different cuts of steak and their corresponding cooking time, cooking temperature, and internal temperature:

It is important to remember that the cooking time may vary based on individual preferences and the thickness of the steak. To ensure the steak is cooked to the desired level of doneness, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 130-135°F. 

Doneness Level For The Perfect Cooked Medium Rare Steak 

Cooking a steak to the perfect medium-rare level can be a bit tricky. However, with the right knowledge, anyone can do it like a pro. One key aspect to consider is the level of doneness that you prefer. Here is a table showing the doneness level of different types of medium-rare steak:

Note that the cooking time varies based on the thickness and type of steak. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For a medium-rare steak, the internal temperature should be between 130-135°F.

Medium Rare Cooked Steak Recipe: How to cook Medium Rare steak 

Cooking a medium-rare steak can be tricky, but with the right technique, you can always achieve a perfectly cooked steak. Here’s a recipe for cooking a medium-rare steak:

Ingredients:

• 1-2 steaks (filet mignon, ribeye, or New York strip)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil
• Garlic (optional)
• Butter (optional)

Instructions:

• Take the steaks out of the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil over high heat in a skillet until it’s hot.
• Add the steaks to the skillet and cook on each side for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
• Optional: Add some crushed garlic and a tablespoon of butter to the skillet, and spoon the mixture over the steaks as they cook.
• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook the steak for 5-7 minutes for a 1-inch thick steak. Cook longer if the steak is thicker.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the temperature should be between 130-135°F.
• Remove the skillet from the oven and let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Additional tips:

• Always let the steak rest after cooking to avoid losing the juices.
• Marinate a more flavorful steak for a few hours before cooking.
• Experiment with different seasonings and spices to add more flavor to your steak.

Video of Cooking Medium Rare Steak 

Watch this video to have a practical experience of how to cook a steak to medium rare. 

How long should I cook a 1-inch thick steak for medium-rare?

You should cook a 1-inch thick steak on each side for 3-4 minutes and then let it rest for 5-8 minutes.

How long should I cook a 2-inch thick steak for medium-rare?

You should cook a 2-inch thick steak on each side for 5-6 minutes and then let it rest for 5-10 minutes.

What temperature should I cook a medium-rare steak?

For medium-rare, the internal temperature of the steak should be between 130-135°F. This temperature is ideal for the best doneness for medium rare steak. 

Can I cook a steak to medium rare in the oven?

Yes, you can cook a steak to medium rare in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F, sear the steak on both sides in a skillet and then transfer the skillet to the oven to finish cooking.

Check the steak’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Can I cook a medium-rare steak on a grill?

Yes, you can cook a medium-rare steak on a grill. Preheat the grill to high heat, season the steak with salt and pepper, and then grill it for 3-4 minutes on each side.

Check the steak’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s cooked to your desired level of doneness.

Cooking Steak For Medium Rare Recipe

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Ingredients

  

• 1-2 steaks (filet mignon, ribeye, or New York strip)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil
• Garlic (optional)
• Butter (optional)

Instructions

 

• Take the steaks out of the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F.
• Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper.
• Heat olive oil over high heat in a skillet until it’s hot.
• Add the steaks to the skillet and cook on each side for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms.
• Optional: Add some crushed garlic and a tablespoon of butter to the skillet, and spoon the mixture over the steaks as they cook.
• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and cook the steak for 5-7 minutes for a 1-inch thick steak. Cook longer if the steak is thicker.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak. For medium-rare, the temperature should be between 130-135°F.
• Remove the skillet from the oven and let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Video

Notes

• Always let the steak rest after cooking to avoid losing the juices.
• Marinate a more flavorful steak for a few hours before cooking.
• Experiment with different seasonings and spices to add more flavor to your steak.

Keyword black pepper, butter, cooked steak, extra virgin olive oil

Conclusion

Cooking the perfect medium-rare steak is about finding the right balance between time, temperature, and technique. While there are general guidelines for how long to cook steak for medium-rare, it’s important to consider factors such as the thickness of the steak, the cooking method, and personal preference, as we have discussed.

Using a meat thermometer and the finger test, you can ensure that your steak is cooked to medium rare every time. With a little practice and experimentation, you’ll be able to master the art of cooking a juicy and flavoury medium-rare steak that will impress many steak lovers.