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When it comes to grilling steak, everyone has their own preferences. Some like it rare, others medium rare, while some prefer their steak well done. But how do chefs know when steak is cooked to perfection?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as each chef has their own methods and techniques for grilling steak. However, there are some general guidelines that most chefs follow when cooking steak.
The Guidelines Every Chef Uses When Cooking Steak
One of the most important things to keep in mind when grilling steak is the type of meat you’re using. Different cuts of beef will require different cooking times and temperatures. For example, a thicker cut of steak will take longer to cook than a thinner cut.
Another thing to keep in mind is the temperature of your grill. A hot grill will cook steak faster than a cooler one. So if you’re using a gas grill, make sure to turn up the heat before cooking.
When it comes to actually cooking the steak, there are three main methods that chefs use: the touch test, the poke test, and the visual cues test.
The touch test is probably the most common method used by chefs. To do this, simply press down on the steak with your finger. The steak should be firm to the touch, but not hard. If it’s still soft or mushy, it needs to be cooked for longer. If it’s too hard, it means it’s overcooked.
The poke test is similar to the touch test, but instead of using your finger, you use a skewer or fork. Stick the skewer into the middle of the steak and then touch it to see how firm it is. If it’s still soft, it needs to be cooked for longer. If it’s hard, it means it’s overcooked.
The visual cues test is probably the most accurate way to tell if a steak is done. To do this, simply look at the steak and compare it to this chart:
- Rare: The steak should be cool in the center with a red hue.
- Medium Rare: The steak should be warm in the center with a pink hue.
- Medium: The steak should be slightly pink in the center.
- Medium Well: The steak should be cooked through with no pink remaining.
- Well Done: The steak should be cooked through and browned all over.
As you can see, there are a few different ways that chefs can tell when steak is done. So if you’re ever unsure, just ask your chef how they like their steak cooked. chances are, they’ll be more than happy to tell you.
How Chefs Tell if a Steak is Done with a Meat Thermometer
While the touch test and poke test are both good methods for telling if a steak is done, the most accurate way to tell is with a meat thermometer.
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak and wait for it to register a temperature. The USDA recommends cooking steak to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit for medium rare, 160 degrees Fahrenheit for medium, and 170 degrees Fahrenheit for well done.
Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when cooking steak. Steak that is undercooked can be dangerous, so it’s better to cook it for longer than to risk eating undercooked meat.
Now that you know how chefs determine when steak is done, you can try grilling your own at home. Just remember to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection.
How Most People Like Their Steak Cooked
While there is no one right way to cook steak, most people prefer theirs to be cooked medium rare. This means that the steak should be slightly pink in the center with a red hue.
Some people prefer their steak rare, which means that the steak should be cool in the center with a red hue. Others prefer their steak well done, which means that the steak should be cooked through and browned all over.
The important thing to remember is that it is a chance of bacteria which cto eat steak rare. However, it is safer than ground beef or processed meats because there is less chance of bacteria in the middle of the steak. This does not mean it is a 100 percent safety call. There is a possibility food poisoning can occur in rare or medium rare steaks.
The reason why most people prefer their steak medium rare is because it’s more tender and juicy than either rare or well done steak. Rare steak can be tough and chewy, while well done steak can be dry and flavorless.
Medium rare steak is the perfect balance of tenderness and flavor, which is why it’s the most popular way to cook steak.
So, next time you’re at a restaurant, order your steak medium rare with caution and enjoy the perfect bite of tender, juicy meat. And if you’re cooking steak at home, use a meat thermometer to ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection.
Final Thoughts
Medium well is the safest bet when it comes to not having the effects of undercooked meat. There is still a slight pink shade to the middle, but there is no red hue flowing from the meat. It is all a matter of preference and the chef will know how to cook each to perfection.
Robert is a certified Pitmaster, with over a decade of experience in smoking the best meats you’ll ever feast upon. He also has a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. When he’s not researching technical topics, he’s most likely barbecuing in his backyard.