How to Cook a Medium Rare Steak (Perfect Steak Temperature Guide)
A medium rare steak is widely considered the gold standard of steak doneness. With a warm red center, juicy texture, and flavorful crust, medium rare allows the natural flavor of the beef to shine while maintaining tenderness.
Whether you're cooking a ribeye, New York strip, filet mignon, or sirloin, mastering medium rare steak is one of the most important skills for any home cook.
What Is a Medium Rare Steak?
A medium rare steak is cooked long enough to develop a flavorful crust while keeping the center warm, red, and juicy.
Most steakhouses recommend medium rare because it provides the perfect balance of tenderness, moisture, and beef flavor.
Medium Rare Steak Temperature
Remove from heat at: 125°F to 130°F
Final temperature after resting: 130°F to 135°F
The center should be warm and red, surrounded by a thin band of pink beneath the crust.
Why Medium Rare Is the Preferred Steak Temperature
Many chefs consider medium rare the ideal doneness because:
Maximum tenderness
Better moisture retention
Rich beef flavor
Perfect balance between rare and medium
Allows marbling to properly render
When cooked beyond medium rare, steaks gradually lose more moisture and become firmer.
Best Steaks for Medium Rare
Almost any premium steak tastes incredible when cooked medium rare.
Top choices include:
Ribeye Steak
New York Strip Steak
Filet Mignon
Porterhouse Steak
T-Bone Steak
Sirloin Steak
Ingredients
1 steak (1 to 1½ inches thick)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon butter
2 garlic cloves
Fresh rosemary or thyme
Equipment Needed
Cast iron skillet
Instant-read thermometer
Tongs
Cutting board
How to Cook a Medium Rare Steak
Step 1: Bring Steak to Room Temperature
Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 to 45 minutes before cooking.
Pat dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Season the Steak
Rub lightly with olive oil.
Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Place a cast iron skillet over high heat.
Allow it to become very hot before adding the steak.
Step 4: Sear the Steak
Place the steak into the skillet.
Cook approximately:
1-inch steak: 3 to 4 minutes per side
1½-inch steak: 4 to 5 minutes per side
Avoid pressing down on the steak.
Step 5: Baste with Butter
During the final minute of cooking, add butter, garlic, and herbs.
Tilt the skillet and spoon the melted butter over the steak continuously.
Step 6: Check Temperature
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the steak.
Remove when the temperature reaches 125°F to 130°F.
Step 7: Rest Before Serving
Allow the steak to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
The temperature will continue rising to approximately 130°F to 135°F.
What Does a Medium Rare Steak Look Like?
A properly cooked medium rare steak should have:
Dark brown crust
Warm red center
Thin pink outer band
Juicy interior
Tender texture
When sliced, the steak should appear mostly red in the middle while remaining warm throughout.
Rare vs Medium Rare vs Medium
Rare
Final Temperature: 120°F–125°F
Center: Cool red
Medium Rare
Final Temperature: 130°F–135°F
Center: Warm red
Medium
Final Temperature: 140°F–145°F
Center: Warm pink
Medium rare remains the most popular steak temperature in fine dining restaurants.
Expert Tips
Use a thermometer instead of guessing.
Choose steaks at least 1 inch thick.
Let the steak rest before slicing.
Use high heat for a proper crust.
Pat the steak dry before seasoning.
Common Mistakes
Overcooking
Steaks continue cooking while resting, so remove them before they reach the final desired temperature.
Skipping the Rest
Resting keeps juices inside the steak instead of running onto the cutting board.
Using Low Heat
High heat creates the steakhouse-style crust that makes medium rare steaks so delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the perfect medium rare steak temperature?
The final temperature should be between 130°F and 135°F.
Why do steakhouses recommend medium rare?
Medium rare provides the best balance of tenderness, juiciness, and flavor.
Can I cook medium rare steak on a grill?
Yes. Use the same temperature guidelines regardless of cooking method.
What steak is best for medium rare?
Ribeye, filet mignon, and New York strip are among the most popular choices.
Perfect Steak Side Dishes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Loaded Baked Potato
Creamed Spinach
Grilled Asparagus
Caesar Salad
Steakhouse Mushrooms
Final Thoughts
Learning how to cook a medium rare steak is one of the easiest ways to elevate your steak game. With a warm red center, rich beef flavor, and tender texture, medium rare remains the preferred steak temperature for chefs and steak lovers around the world.
More Steak Guides You'll Love
Steak Temperatures Guide
How to Cook a Rare Steak
Best Steak Marinades
Chimichurri Steak
Pittsburgh Style Steak
How to Cook Skirt Steak