Use this temperature guide for steaks to know exactly how long to cook your steak, whether it's a ribeye, sirloin, or filet mignon. Save it to your phone or print it out and take the guesswork out of cooking steaks!
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We all have preferences when it comes to how we like our steak. Some prefer a rare, juicy, tender steak, while others enjoy a well-done, charred, and crispy one. However, getting the perfect doneness for your steak can be tricky, especially if you're unfamiliar with cooking temperatures and times.
That's why I've created this steak temperature guide. It's the perfect reference for me to use when cooking steak. Keep it somewhere handy, like your phone or kitchen cabinet, and start cooking your steaks like a pro! It's quick and easy to follow and ideal if you're hosting a dinner party or cooking for a special occasion.
Follow my steak chart below, and you'll have perfectly cooked steaks every time - guaranteed!
How long does it take to cook steak?
Steak is a pretty broad term, as many different cuts of steak are available. Each cut can have a different cooking time and temperature range.
Knowing how long to cook your steak can be overwhelming, especially if you're not familiar with the cut.
Here are some factors that can alter cooking times for steak:
- Cut of steak
- Thickness of steak
- Starting temperature of the steak (cold or room temperature)
- Cooking method (grilling, broiling, pan-frying, etc.)
The best way to know what doneness your steak is is by using a meat thermometer, which we'll discuss more in the next section.
But as a general guideline, here's how long it takes to cook steak in a pan:
- Rare: 1.5 minutes (each side)
- Medium Rare: 2 minutes (each side)
- Medium: 3 minutes (each side)
- Well Done: 4 minutes (each side)
Steak Temperature Guide
While there are various methods to test the doneness of your steak, using a meat thermometer will give you the most accurate results. It's also the easiest way to avoid overcooking your steak! Just insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak (avoiding any bones or fat) and check the temperature against the guide below.
It's important to note that your steak will keep cooking for a few degrees after it has been removed from the heat. I stop cooking my steak when the internal temperature reads 5°F below the desired level of doneness.
What temp is rare steak?
A rare steak has an internal temperature of 125°F (51°C) but should be removed from the heat at 120°F (49°C) for the perfect doneness. The outside should be lightly seared and the center should be bright red and juicy.
There's a fine line between rare and medium-rare, so don't leave your steak on the heat for too long if you prefer a rare steak!
What temp is medium rare steak?
If you asked 10 people what their ideal steak temperature is, chances are most of them would say medium rare. This is the most popular doneness for steak, as it allows for a juicy and tender steak without being too pink in the middle.
A medium-rare steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C). Stop cooking it at 130°F (54°C) for the perfect medium rare steak.
What temp is medium steak?
A medium steak will have a slightly pink center and an internal temperature of 140°F (63°C). Once the thermometer reaches 135°F (60°F), take your steak off the heat for the ideal medium doneness.
What temp is medium-well steak?
This is the doneness for those who don't want any pink in their steak but still want it to be pretty juicy. A medium-well steak has an internal temperature of 155°F (68°C). Stop cooking it at 150°F (65°C) to avoid overdoing it.
What temp is well-done steak?
A well-done steak has an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) but is removed from the heat at 155°F (68°C). This is the best option for someone who doesn't want any signs of pink in their steak. A well-done steak can easily become dry and tough, so be careful not to overcook it!
Steak Internal Temp Chart
Use this steak temp guide to cook your steak to perfection every time! Just keep in mind thicker cuts of steak will need a few minutes longer on the heat to reach your desired doneness. Always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to cook your steak exactly how you like it.
Steak Temps FAQs
The answer to this question is subjective and depends on personal preference. Some people prefer a rare or medium rare steak, while others enjoy a more well-done option. Don't forget to refer to my steak internal temp chart for the perfect steak every time — no matter what your preferred doneness is.
Steak will continue to cook a few degrees while it rests. Always remove your steak 5°F (3°C) before your desired internal temperature is reached to account for this.
Different cuts of steak work better with different cooking techniques, so it's not necessarily about the temperature. Steak is usually seared on high heat to create a crust and then finished at a lower temperature to cook the inside evenly. However, thicker cuts of steak may require a longer cooking time at a lower temperature to ensure doneness without charring the outside.
For example, the reverse-seared steak method is best for thicker cuts, whereas cooking steak in a pan on high heat works fine for thinner cuts. No matter which method you choose, this steak doneness chart will help you achieve the perfect results every time.
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