A medium rare steak requires letting the meat rest at room temperature before hitting a screaming hot pan. If you want to know how to cook a medium rare steak, you have come to the right place. This guide will walk you through every step, from picking the right cut to serving a perfectly pink center.
How To Cook A Medium Rare Steak
Getting a steak medium rare is about temperature and timing. You need a good cut, a hot pan, and a reliable thermometer. Let us break down the process so you can do it at home.
Choose The Right Cut Of Steak
Not every steak is ideal for medium rare. Some cuts need slow cooking to be tender. For medium rare, you want a tender cut that cooks quickly.
- Ribeye – Lots of marbling, very forgiving.
- New York Strip – Leaner but still tender.
- Filet Mignon – Very lean and buttery soft.
- Sirloin – A budget-friendly option that works well.
Aim for steaks at least 1 inch thick. Thinner steaks cook too fast and are hard to get medium rare.
Bring The Steak To Room Temperature
Take your steak out of the fridge 30 to 45 minutes before cooking. This step is crucial. A cold steak will cook unevenly. The outside will burn before the inside reaches medium rare.
Pat the steak dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Dry meat browns better.
Season Generously
Season the steak right before cooking. Use a lot of coarse salt and fresh black pepper. Do not be shy. Salt draws out moisture, so if you salt too early, the surface gets wet again.
For extra flavor, add garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme. Keep it simple though. A good steak does not need much.
Preheat Your Pan Or Grill
You need high heat. For a pan, use cast iron or stainless steel. These materials hold heat well. Place the pan on high heat for at least 5 minutes. It should be smoking hot.
If using a grill, get it to high heat, around 450°F to 500°F. The goal is a fast, deep sear.
Add Oil With A High Smoke Point
Use an oil that can take high heat without burning. Good options are:
- Avocado oil
- Canola oil
- Grapeseed oil
Add a thin layer to the pan. Do not use olive oil or butter for the initial sear. They will burn and taste bitter.
Sear The Steak
Place the steak in the hot pan. It should sizzle loudly. Do not move it. Let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes. This creates a brown crust.
Flip the steak using tongs. Do not use a fork. Piercing the meat lets juices escape. Sear the second side for another 3 to 4 minutes.
Check The Internal Temperature
Use an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak. For medium rare, you want 130°F to 135°F. Remember, the temperature will rise a bit while resting.
If you do not have a thermometer, use the finger test. Touch the steak and compare it to the fleshy part of your palm below your thumb. A medium rare steak feels like that area when your thumb touches your index finger.
Add Butter And Aromatics (Optional)
In the last minute of cooking, add a tablespoon of butter, crushed garlic cloves, and fresh thyme or rosemary. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steak. This adds richness and flavor.
Be careful not to burn the butter. Keep the heat medium-high, not full high.
Rest The Steak
This step is non-negotiable. Transfer the steak to a cutting board or plate. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm.
Resting allows the juices to redistribute. If you cut into it too soon, all the juice will run out. The steak will be dry.
Slice Against The Grain
After resting, slice the steak against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the muscle fibers. It makes the meat more tender.
Slice at a slight angle for wider pieces. Serve immediately.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Even experienced cooks make errors. Here are the most common ones:
- Using a cold steak – Leads to uneven cooking.
- Overcrowding the pan – Lowers the temperature and steams the meat.
- Flipping too often – Prevents a good crust from forming.
- Not resting – Dry, tough steak.
- Cutting with a dull knife – Tears the meat instead of slicing cleanly.
What If The Steak Is Too Rare?
If your steak is undercooked, you can fix it. Return it to the hot pan for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Or put it in a 400°F oven for a few minutes. Check the temperature often.
What If The Steak Is Overcooked?
Unfortunately, you cannot reverse overcooking. You can try to salvage it by slicing thin and serving with a sauce. But prevention is best. Use a thermometer and pull the steak off the heat 5°F below your target.
Different Cooking Methods For Medium Rare
Pan-searing is the most common method, but there are others. Each has its own steps.
Reverse Sear Method
This method is great for thick steaks (1.5 inches or more). You cook the steak low and slow first, then sear it at the end.
- Season the steak and place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Cook in a 250°F oven until the internal temperature reaches 115°F to 120°F.
- Remove from the oven and sear in a hot pan for 1 to 2 minutes per side.
- Rest and serve.
The reverse sear gives you a very even doneness from edge to edge.
Grilling Method
Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Follow these steps:
- Preheat the grill to high heat.
- Oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Sear the steak for 3 to 4 minutes per side.
- Move to a cooler part of the grill if the steak is thick.
- Cook until the internal temperature reaches 130°F.
- Rest and slice.
Sous Vide Method
Sous vide gives perfect results every time. You need a sous vide machine and a vacuum-sealed bag.
- Season the steak and seal it in a bag.
- Set the sous vide to 130°F for medium rare.
- Cook for 1 to 2 hours.
- Remove from the bag and pat dry.
- Sear in a hot pan for 30 to 60 seconds per side.
- Serve immediately.
This method is foolproof but takes more time.
How To Tell If A Steak Is Medium Rare Without A Thermometer
If you do not have a thermometer, use the hand test. It is not exact, but it works.
- Rare – Touch your thumb to your index finger. Feel the fleshy part of your palm below your thumb. That is how rare feels.
- Medium Rare – Touch your thumb to your middle finger. The palm feels firmer. That is medium rare.
- Medium – Thumb to ring finger. The palm is firmer still.
- Well Done – Thumb to pinky. The palm is very firm.
Practice this test a few times. It gets easier.
What To Serve With A Medium Rare Steak
A good steak deserves good sides. Keep it simple so the steak stays the star.
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Crusty bread with butter
For sauce, consider a red wine reduction, chimichurri, or a classic béarnaise. But a perfectly cooked medium rare steak needs no sauce at all.
Storing And Reheating Leftover Steak
If you have leftover steak, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for 3 to 4 days.
To reheat, do not use the microwave. It will overcook the meat. Instead:
- Slice the steak thin and reheat in a hot pan for 30 seconds per side.
- Or place it in a 300°F oven for 5 to 10 minutes.
Leftover steak is great on salads, sandwiches, or in tacos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Pan For Cooking A Medium Rare Steak?
Cast iron is the best. It holds heat well and gives a great sear. Stainless steel also works. Avoid non-stick pans for searing.
Can I Cook A Medium Rare Steak From Frozen?
Yes, but it is harder. You need to cook it longer on lower heat first, then sear. A thermometer is essential. Thawing first is easier.
How Long Should I Rest A Medium Rare Steak?
Rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Thicker steaks need more time. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
What Temperature Is Medium Rare On A Grill?
The same as in a pan: 130°F to 135°F. Use a thermometer to check. Grill times vary based on heat and thickness.
Why Is My Medium Rare Steak Tough?
Toughness usually comes from the cut or overcooking. Choose tender cuts like ribeye or filet. Also, slice against the grain for a more tender bite.
Final Tips For Perfect Medium Rare Steak
Practice makes perfect. Do not get discouraged if your first steak is not ideal. Each time you cook, you learn.
Always use a thermometer. It takes the guesswork out. And remember to rest the steak. That short wait makes a big difference.
Now you know how to cook a medium rare steak. Go ahead and try it. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your dinner will be worth the effort.