Use a Thermometer to Cook the Perfect Steak

When it comes to cooking steak, there’s one key to achieving perfection every time: temperature. While the art and science of steak preparation can fill entire books, the simple act of checking the temperature with a good quality thermometer is the most reliable way to get it right.

Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or using the reverse sear method, knowing your steak’s internal temperature is the secret to achieving the perfect flavor, texture, and juiciness.

In this guide, you’ll learn the easy technique for cooking steak to temperature and the ideal temperatures to target to create your perfect steak, every time.

Want to expand your skills? Explore our complete guide on how to cook a steak for step-by-step methods and pro insights.

Getting Thermal: Choosing the Right Thermometer 

To cook a perfect steak, the right tool is essential: a reliable thermometer. A great thermometer should provide accurate readings and deliver results quickly.

The Thermapen® ONE from ThermoWorks is a standout option. It reads temperatures within 0.5°F and displays results in just one second, making it ideal for precision cooking. With a rotating display and bright backlight, it’s easy to use no matter the lighting or angle.

The most important thing is to choose a thermometer that’s accurate and fast, ensuring you can cook your steak to the perfect doneness every time. Shop the Thermapen® ONE now for precision and ease in every cook.

Very happy with the accuracy of this probe and how small the needle portion is. When probing meat it leaves a minimal hole, minimizing the juiciness lost in the process. Temperature reads quickly and accurately - exactly what I needed! — Jameson M., Verified Buyer

Ready to put your thermometer to work? Browse our steak recipes for inspiration. 

What's the Temperature

With your accurate thermometer in hand, you’re ready to cook steaks just the way you love them.

Here are our recommended temperatures to measure doneness:

Preference	Description	Internal Temp
Rare	Red Center, Very Cool	110°F
Medium Rare	Red, Warm Center	120°F
Medium	Pink Throughout	130°F
Medium Well	Pink Center	140°F

Pro Tips for Accurate Steak Temperature

Achieving the perfect steak comes down to precision. Here’s how to use your thermometer to ensure you cook it just right every time:

• Place the Probe in the Center: Always insert the thermometer probe directly into the center of the steak to get the most accurate reading. For a steak that’s 1.5” thick, aim for about ¾” depth. This ensures you're measuring the core temperature, not just the surface.
• Use the “Through and Back” Technique: Push the probe all the way through the steak until it touches the pan or grill surface. Then, pull it back slightly to get the coolest reading. This technique helps avoid overcooking from the residual heat near the surface.
• Check Multiple Areas: Don’t rely on a single reading. Check several parts of the steak, especially if it's irregular in shape. This ensures an even cook and prevents any surprise undercooking or overcooking in one area.
• Know Your Ideal Temperatures: Different doneness levels require precise internal temperatures. Keep a cheat sheet handy for your preferred doneness levels so you know exactly when to pull your steak.
• Avoid Over-Testing: It’s tempting to keep checking the temperature, but too many probes can damage the steak and allow juices to escape. Limit yourself to 2-3 checks to avoid compromising the steak’s flavor and moisture.
• Why These Tips Matter: Even Cooking: Checking in multiple spots ensures no part of your steak is undercooked or overcooked.
• Preserving Juices: The fewer times you pierce the steak, the more juices are retained, keeping the steak tender and flavorful.
• Precision: Following these tips will help you avoid the guesswork and confidently cook your steak to the perfect doneness.

Why These Tips Matter:

• Even Cooking: Checking in multiple spots ensures no part of your steak is undercooked or overcooked.
• Preserving Juices: The fewer times you pierce the steak, the more juices are retained, keeping the steak tender and flavorful.
• Precision: Following these tips will help you avoid the guesswork and confidently cook your steak to the perfect doneness.
  

The Importance of Resting Your Steak

Resting your steak after cooking is just as crucial as cooking it properly. Here’s why and how to do it:

1. Remove Your Steak at the Right Time - Pull your steak off the heat when it reaches your target temperature. This is when the steak is done cooking in terms of heat exposure.

2. Let It Rest - Place your steak on a cutting board or wire rack and let it rest for at least 10 minutes.

Why Rest? This is when the magic happens! Resting allows the steak to finish cooking from residual heat (also known as carryover cooking), causing the internal temperature to rise by 3 to 5°F. For example, a steak removed at 120°F will be closer to 125°F after resting.

3. Optional - Tent with Foil: You can loosely tent the steak with a piece of foil if you want to help retain heat.

Important: Don’t wrap the steak. Leave a small gap between the foil and steak to let steam escape and maintain the texture.

Pro Tip: If it’s cool outside, covering the steak isn’t necessary. In warm weather, covering it lightly can help keep it warm.

4. Why Resting Is Crucial - Reabsorbing Juices: Resting allows the juices to redistribute back into the meat, ensuring a juicy and flavorful steak.

Better Flavor & Texture: Without resting, your steak may lose juices, making it dry and less tender when sliced.

Resting Time: Quick Summary

• Resting Duration: 10 minutes minimum.
• Internal Temp Rise: 3 to 5°F higher during rest.
• Juicier, Tastier Steak: Helps retain juices and enhance flavor.
  

You're the Boss: Perfect Your Steak Every Time

The recommended temperatures for each level of doneness are a great starting point, but they might not match exactly how you like your steak cooked—and that’s okay! These guidelines are just that: guidelines.

The more you cook steaks, the more you’ll learn to adjust the temperature to get the exact finish you prefer. Here’s how to make the most of your cooking experience:

• Trust Your Preferences: Every cook is different. Use our temperature guidelines as a baseline and tweak them as needed for your personal taste.
• Keep Track of Your Progress: As you refine your technique, jot down notes about the doneness and temperature of steaks you cook. It’s an easy way to track what works best for you.
• Practice Makes Perfect: With your thermometer and a little experience, you’ll be able to cook your steak exactly the way you want it every time.
  
  

Want even more technique guidance? See our insider tips for cooking and serving steak.

Ready to Take Control of Your Steak Cooking?

Don’t forget, the right tools make all the difference. With a high-quality thermometer, you’ll always have the accuracy you need to master your steak. Shop the Thermapen® ONE Digital Thermometer Now.

Watch and Learn: Steak Cooking Tips in Action

For a visual guide on how to cook your perfect steak, check out this step-by-step video below. Whether you're grilling, pan-searing, or reverse-searing, this video will help you fine-tune your technique.