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Steak Internal Temperature Guide

A perfect steak starts with precision. Whether you like it rare or well done, knowing the right internal temperature is the key to locking in flavor, tenderness, and that perfect sear every time.

The secret to perfect steak every time isn’t about the minutes on a timer. It all comes down to cooking to the internal temperature, not time. With the right tools, steak is one of the easiest and most rewarding meals you can master, and using a wireless meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of the process and guarantees you’ll hit the exact doneness you want, every single time.

Steak Doneness Levels

Every steak lover has their preferred doneness level, but the magic comes from precision. MEATER and most steakhouses recommend pulling the steak at 135°F for medium rare steak since it balances flavor and tenderness perfectly. That said, you can explore a range of different internal temperatures depending on your preference.

While we’ll get into each steak’s internal temperature with a little bit more detail, here’s a quick steak doneness chart you can print off and reference at a glance:

  • Rare: 125°F (cool, red center, extremely tender and juicy)
  • Medium Rare: 135°F (warm, red center, soft texture, most popular choice for steakhouse flavor at home)
  • Medium: 145°F (hot, pink center, firmer bite with a little less juiciness)
  • Medium Well: 155°F (mostly brown center with a touch of pink, much firmer texture)
  • Well Done: 165°F (fully brown center, firm, dry, and best for those who don’t want any pink at all)

How to Tell When Steak is Done

While in the past, poking or cutting into a steak has been the go-to method for checking if it’s done, that’s also the fastest way to lose all the flavor and juices you worked for. The real way to know when your steak is done is by checking the internal temperature. That’s where a smart thermometer like MEATER takes over.

With a smart meat thermometer like a MEATER, you don’t have to hover over the grill or second-guess yourself. The MEATER app guides you through the entire cooking process, telling you not only when your steak has reached the perfect temperature but also when to pull it off the heat. The predictive technology even calculates for carryover cooking, so you land on your exact doneness without overshooting it.

How To Insert a Meat Thermometer in Steak

No matter the type of meat thermometer you use, make sure to insert the probe into the thickest part of the steak. Slide it in horizontally from the side or vertically from the top, making sure the temperature-sensing tip is in the center.

When it comes to using a MEATER to check when your steak is done, follow these instructions:

  1. Insert the Probe Correctly
  • Push the metal safety notch completely inside the thickest part of the steak.
  • Do not push all the way through. The sensor end that measures ambient temperature should remain outside the meat.
  1. Check Placement
  • Make sure the thicker part of the probe, which contains the internal temperature sensors, is fully inside the steak.
  • Avoid bones or large fat pockets for the most accurate reading.
  1. Open the MEATER App
  • Select your desired doneness level.
  • The app monitors both the internal temperature of the steak and the ambient temperature of your grill or pan.
  1. Follow App Alerts
  • The app will notify you when to pull the steak so it can rest and reach the target doneness.
  • This ensures a perfect cook without any overcooking.

How to Cook a Steak

Luckily for you, there are a ton of different ways you can cook a restaurant-worthy steak (and use your smart thermometer at the same time). Try one of these methods next time you put on your chef’s hat:

Grilling

Grilling or smoking a steak is a classic method, perfect for getting a caramelized crust while keeping the inside tender.

Smoking

Smoking steak on a wood pellet grill will give your cut a rich, wood-fired flavor and tender results. Just make sure to get the best pellet flavors for steak like Oak, Hickory, or Mesquite pellets. It's also recommended to sear your steak towards the end for a caramelized exterior.

Pan Searing/Skillet

A hot skillet creates an epic crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. For extra flavor, smoke your steak over low heat beforehand.

Oven/Reverse Sear

If you don’t have a grill or smoker, you still have your oven as a great option. Slow-cooking in the oven before a quick sear on the stove top ensures even doneness edge-to-edge.

Sous Vide

Sous Vide might not be the most well-known cooking method, but it’s quickly growing in popularity. One reason, is that it locks in flavor and moisture for a perfectly tender steak. For the flavorful crust, give it a quick sear on your stovetop or grill grates.

Air Fryer

Many pitmasters will likely gasp in horror at this steak cooking method, but yes, it is possible to cook steak in the air fryer, and yes, you will get delicious results. With this method, you can even skip the extra step of searing it on the air fryer as it’ll make the steak tender while giving it a caramelized exterior at the same time.

Best Steak Recipes

Cooking steak is about confidence. When you cook with a smart thermometer, you eliminate any uncertainty and keep all the flavor—ensuring perfect results every time.