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One of the best things about steak is that it can be cooked to your liking. Whether you like it rare, medium, or well done, there’s a perfect cooking method for you. But sometimes, things don’t go as planned and your steak ends up being undercooked.
Don’t worry, there are a few different ways to tell if your steak is undercooked so that you can fix it to perfection. We have gathered all the information you need to know on how to tell if a steak is undercooked. There is the visual test, and poke test, and the most accurate is the meat thermometer test.
Once we cover all of the ways to test the meat to see if it is undercooked, then we will go into detail on how to fix the steak to perfection. After all, a meal fit for a king or queen should be cooked to your specifications.
The Visual Test
The first way to tell if your steak is undercooked is by looking at it. The color of the meat can give you a good indication of how well it’s cooked. If the steak is still pink in the center, it’s probably undercooked.
If you’re not sure about the color, take a look at the juices that are seeping out of the meat. If the juices are red or pink, then the steak is probably undercooked.
The Poke Test
Another way to tell if your steak is undercooked is by doing the poke test. This simply means that you insert a fork or your finger into the steak to check its doneness.
If the steak is still soft to the touch, it’s most likely undercooked. The steak should be firm to the touch and have some resistance when you poke it.
The Meat Thermometer Test
The most accurate way to tell if your steak is undercooked is by using a meat thermometer. You can find meat thermometers at your local grocery store or online.
To use a meat thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the steak and wait a few minutes. The internal temperature of the steak should be:
– 125°F for rare
– 135°F for medium rare
– 145°F for medium
– 155°F for well done
If the steak’s internal temperature is below your desired doneness, then it is undercooked.
Now that you know how to tell if your steak is undercooked, it’s time to learn how to fix it.
How to Fix an Undercooked Steak
There are a few different ways that you can fix an undercooked steak. The most common way is to simply put it back on the grill or pan and cook it for a little longer.
If you don’t want to cook the steak any longer, you can try slicing it thinly and eating it with a salad or other side dish. The thin slices of meat will be cooked more evenly and will be more tender.
You can also try putting the undercooked steak in the oven on a low heat setting. This will help to cook the steak without making it tough.
Should You Eat a Steak that is Undercooked?
It is not recommended to eat a steak that is undercooked. Undercooked meat can contain bacteria that can make you sick.
If you are unsure about the doneness of your steak, it is best to err on the side of caution and cook it a little longer. Better safe than sorry!
Now that you know all there is to know about how to tell if a steak is undercooked, you can be sure that your next meal will be cooked to perfection.
Steps on Cooking the Perfect Steak
Here are some steps on how to cook the perfect steak. By following these steps, you are guaranteed to have the perfect steak every time, and you will not have to worry about it being undercooked.
Step 1: Choose the right steak. The type of steak you choose will depend on your preferences. Some people like a thick cut, while others prefer a thinner cut.
Step 2: Season the steak with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
Step 3: Preheat your grill or pan to high heat.
Step 4: Place the steak on the grill or pan and cook for two to three minutes per side.
Step 5: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the steak to check the doneness. (See the measurements in the meat thermometer section for doneness)
Step 6: Remove the steak from the grill or pan and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into it.
Special Note: It is critical never to cut into any piece of meat once it is off the stove, out of the oven, or off the grill. The reason is that the meat is still cooking on the inside and once the meat is cut, all of the valuable juices will flow out and it will dry out the meat.
Final Thoughts
No matter how you choose to fix your undercooked steak, we hope that this information was helpful. Learning how to tell if your steak is undercooked is a valuable skill for any home chef. Our added information and special note will guide you from start to finish. With a little practice, you’ll be cooking perfect steaks every time for you and your family.
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.