DONE AND DONE:
KNOW WHEN YOUR STEAK IS JUST HOW YOU LIKE IT

Using high-quality cuts of meat is only the beginning of a great eating experience. Familiarizing yourself with the degrees of doneness can help ensure a perfect plate for your diners.

Test steaks, roasts and burgers for doneness using a meat thermometer or instant-read thermometer inserted through the side, with the tip in the center of the cut, not touching any bone or fat. Because your meat will continue to cook while resting, remove steaks from the heat when the thermometer registers 5°F lower than the desired doneness.

Rare Steak

Rare

120°-125°

Cool, dark-red center

Medium Rare Steak

Medium Rare

130°-135°

Warm, light-red center

Medium Steak

Medium

140°-145°

Pink center

Medium Well Steak

Medium Well

150°-155°

Tan, slightly pink center

Well Done Steak

Well Done

160° and above

Tan and brown center

The USDA recommends steaks and roasts be cooked to 145°F (medium) and then rested for at least 3 minutes. To ensure food safety, ground beef should be cooked to a minimum 160°F (well done). Be sure to check with a thermometer, as color alone is not a foolproof indicator.