When cooking a ribeye steak, understanding the perfect medium temperature is crucial for achieving a delightful, juicy, and tender meal. This article will guide you through the precise cooking temperature for a medium-cooked ribeye steak, along with some tips to ensure your steak is cooked just right.

Understanding Steak Doneness

The doneness of a steak refers to the degree of cookedness, or 'doneness', that a person prefers. There are different stages of doneness: rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, and well-done. The temperature range for medium doneness typically falls within the medium to medium-well category, specifically between 135°F and 140°F.

Who Determines the Temperature?

However, the temperature at which a steak reaches medium doneness can vary based on several factors. For a steak to be considered medium, it should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches around 135°F to 138°F. This temperature is often recommended for healthy adults who are not in specific risk groups such as children, elderly with compromised immune systems, or pregnant women. For these groups, the recommended internal temperature is slightly higher, around 145°F to 150°F.

It's important to note that these temperatures represent the upper limit for medium doneness. To ensure food safety, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F for all steaks and meats to kill harmful bacteria. This is why ordering a burger or well-done steak is advisable if you prefer a higher level of doneness, such as well-done.

How to Ensure Medium Doneness

To achieve the perfect medium temperature for a ribeye steak, follow these steps:

Broiling: Preheat your oven to broil and place the steak on a hot oven rack. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, then check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the steak. Remove and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Grilling: Preheat your grill to high heat. Place the steak on the grate and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until it reaches the desired medium temperature. Cooking in a Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a small amount of oil. Sear the steak for about 2-3 minutes on each side, then reduce the heat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on each side if desired. Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Conclusion

Mastering the Medium temperature is key to cooking the perfect ribeye steak. By sticking to the 135°F to 140°F range and using a reliable meat thermometer, you can achieve the desired texture and juiciness without compromising on food safety. Enjoy your delicious medium-cooked ribeye steak!