15
jUdGING dONENESS
There is an art to determining when your
steak, lamb chop or cutlet is cooked to the
correct degree of doneness – rare, medium
rare, medium, medium well or well done –
but it is easily mastered with these handy
hints and tips.
NOTE
USDA Recommended Internal
Temperatures are as follows:
- Medium 145°F
- Medium Well 160°F
- Well Done 170°F
Rare
Cook for a few minutes per side, depending
on thickness. Turn once only. Cook until
steak feels very soft with back
of tongs. A meat thermometer will show
the internal temperature of a rare steak as
130–140°F (55–60°C).
Medium rare
Cook on one side until moisture is just
visible on top surface. Turn once only. Cook
on the other side until surface moisture is
visible. Steak will be cooked to medium
rare when it feels soft with back of tongs.
A meat thermometer will show the internal
temperature of a medium rare steak as
140–150°F (60-65°C).
Medium
Cook on one side until moisture is pooling
on top surface. Turn once only. Cook
on second side until moisture is visible.
Steak will be cooked to medium when
it feels springy with back of tongs. A
meat thermometer will show the internal
temperature of a medium steak as
150–160°F (65–70°C).
Medium well
Cook on one side until moisture is pooling
on top surface. Turn and cook on second
side until moisture is pooling on top.
Reduce heat slightly and continue to cook
until steak feels firm with back of tongs. A
meat thermometer will show the internal
temperature of a medium well steak as
160–170°F (70–75°C).
Well done
Cook on one side until moisture is pooling
on top surface. Turn and cook on second
side until moisture is pooling on top. Reduce
heat slightly and continue to cook until
steak feels very firm with back of tongs.
A meat thermometer will show the internal
temperature of a well done steak as
170°F (75°C).
GRILLING TIPS