How to Cook a Medium Well Steak (Perfect Medium Well Steak Temperature Guide)
A medium well steak is cooked almost all the way through while still retaining a slight hint of pink in the center. It offers a firmer texture than medium steak while maintaining more moisture than a fully well-done steak.
If you prefer your steak mostly cooked through but still want some juiciness, medium well may be the perfect doneness level.
What Is a Medium Well Steak?
A medium well steak is cooked until most of the pink has disappeared from the center.
The steak develops a fully browned exterior and interior with only a small amount of pink remaining in the very center.
Medium Well Steak Temperature
Remove from heat at: 145°F to 150°F
Final temperature after resting: 150°F to 155°F
A properly cooked medium well steak should have a mostly brown interior with only a slight trace of pink.
Why Choose Medium Well Steak?
Many steak lovers choose medium well because:
Minimal pink center
More thoroughly cooked appearance
Rich beef flavor
Firmer texture
Less intimidating for those who dislike rare steaks
Medium well is often a popular choice for sirloin and leaner steak cuts.
Best Steaks for Medium Well Doneness
Some cuts handle medium well cooking better than others:
Ribeye Steak
New York Strip Steak
Sirloin Steak
T-Bone Steak
Porterhouse Steak
Ribeye is often the best choice because its marbling helps maintain moisture even at higher temperatures.
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 Well 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 Generously
Rub with olive oil.
Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Heat the Pan
Place a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
Allow it to become very hot.
Step 4: Sear the Steak
Cook approximately:
1-inch steak: 5 to 6 minutes per side
1½-inch steak: 6 to 7 minutes per side
Avoid pressing on the steak while cooking.
Step 5: Add Butter and Herbs
During the final 2 minutes of cooking, add butter, garlic, and herbs.
Continuously baste the steak with melted butter.
Step 6: Check Temperature
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the steak.
Remove from heat when the steak reaches 145°F to 150°F.
Step 7: Rest
Allow the steak to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
The temperature will continue rising to approximately 150°F to 155°F.
What Does a Medium Well Steak Look Like?
A medium well steak should have:
Dark brown crust
Mostly brown interior
Slight pink center
Firm texture
Reduced but noticeable juiciness
The center should show only a faint blush of pink.
Medium vs Medium Well vs Well Done
Medium
Final Temperature: 140°F–145°F
Center: Warm pink
Medium Well
Final Temperature: 150°F–155°F
Center: Slight hint of pink
Well Done
Final Temperature: 160°F+
Center: Fully brown
Medium well sits directly between medium and well-done on the steak doneness scale.
Expert Tips
Use a thermometer instead of relying on time.
Choose thicker steaks whenever possible.
Use ribeye for extra moisture.
Rest before slicing.
Avoid overcooking past 155°F.
Common Mistakes
Cooking Too Long
Medium well steaks can quickly become dry if overcooked.
Skipping Butter Basting
Butter helps add moisture and flavor.
Choosing Very Lean Cuts
Lean steaks can become tough when cooked to medium well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature is medium well steak?
A medium well steak finishes between 150°F and 155°F.
Does medium well steak still have pink?
Yes. A properly cooked medium well steak should have a very small amount of pink in the center.
Is medium well steak juicy?
It is less juicy than medium or medium rare but should still retain moisture when cooked properly.
What steak cut is best for medium well?
Ribeye is often considered the best choice because of its marbling.
Perfect Side Dishes
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Loaded Baked Potato
Mac and Cheese
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Grilled Asparagus
Caesar Salad
More Steak Guides You'll Love
Steak Temperatures Guide
How to Cook a Rare Steak
How to Cook a Medium Rare Steak
How to Cook a Medium Steak
Best Steak Marinades
Chimichurri Steak
Final Thoughts
Learning how to cook a medium well steak is all about balancing doneness and moisture. When cooked to the proper temperature, a medium well steak delivers a rich beef flavor, firm texture, and just enough juiciness to remain satisfying and delicious.