Steak Degrees of Doneness

Medium Rare (130°F / 54°C)

• The gold standard — tender, juicy, and flavorful.

• Center is red, surrounded by a ring of pink.

• Fat has melted, distributing buttery flavor without significant moisture loss.

Medium (140°F / 60°C)

• Pink throughout, no red center.

• Still flavorful with some butteriness, but slightly less juicy.

Medium Well (150°F / 66°C)

• Faint pink in the center.

• Noticeably less tender and juicy due to moisture loss.

Well Done (160°F / 71°C)

• Fully cooked through; no pink.

• Much drier and tougher — most chefs avoid this doneness for steaks.