How long should medium-rare steak be cooked at a temperature of 130°F to 135°F?

Cooking a medium-rare steak at a temperature range of 130°F to 135°F typically requires it to be cooked for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This timeframe allows the steak to develop a good sear while also achieving the desired internal temperature.

When cooking steak, achieving the right internal temperature is crucial for both safety and palatability. At the medium-rare level, the steak remains juicy and tender, with a warm red center. Cooking it for 4 to 5 minutes on each side strikes a balance between ensuring that the exterior is adequately browned and that the interior reaches the target temperature without overcooking.

A shorter cooking time may not be sufficient to reach the proper internal temperature, resulting in an undercooked steak. Conversely, cooking it for much longer may push it past medium-rare to medium or beyond, affecting texture and flavor. Therefore, 4 to 5 minutes per side is the optimal cooking time for achieving medium-rare at that specific temperature.