Today, I want to share with you the secrets behind achieving that perfectly cooked ribeye steak by understanding and monitoring its internal temperature.
Trust me, mastering this aspect will elevate your steak-cooking game to new heights.
For ribeye steaks, the ideal internal temperature is 135°F for medium-rare. This temperature results in a tender bite that brings out the buttery goodness of the delicious ribeye. Keep in mind that meat will continue to rise a few degrees once it’s off the grill.
This chart below can be used for any beef steak cut.
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Ribeye steak internal temperature chart
| Doneness Level | Description | Internal Temperature (Fahrenheit) | Internal Temperature (Celsius) | Cooking Time (per side) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rare | Cool red center | 125-130°F | 52-54°C | 4-5 minutes |
| Medium Rare | Warm red center | 130-135°F | 54-57°C | 5-6 minutes |
| Medium | Pink center | 135-145°F | 57-63°C | 6-7 minutes |
| Medium Well | Slightly pink center | 145-155°F | 63-68°C | 7-8 minutes |
| Well Done | Cooked throughout, no pink | 160°F and above | 71°C and above | 8-10 minutes |
These cooking times are approximate and can vary based on the thickness of the steak, cooking method, and desired level of doneness.
It’s important to monitor the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to achieve your preferred doneness.
The USDA advises cooking beef, with the exception of ground beef, to a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, with a brief resting period of 3 minutes before consuming.
Getting started
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details, let’s take a moment to grasp the concept of steaks internal temperature and why it holds such significance in the realm of meat cooking.
Now, when it comes to ribeye steak, or any beef steak, we have a range of desired doneness levels to explore – from the buttery tenderness of rare to the robust juiciness of medium-rare, all the way to the firm texture of well-done.
Each level offers a unique culinary experience, and to achieve them consistently, we need to understand the ideal internal temperatures for each.
Factors Affecting Internal Temperature
Ah, the beauty of cooking – where numerous factors come into play, influencing the internal temperature of our steaks.
One such factor is the thickness of the cut; thicker steaks require more time to reach the desired temperature.
Additionally, the chosen cooking method, whether it be grilling, oven-baking, or pan-searing, can affect the rate at which the steak cooks internally.
And let’s not forget about the initial temperature of the steak itself. Starting with a steak at room temperature allows for more even cooking and better control over the internal temperature.
And yes, resting time also influences the final internal temperature, so we must take that into account.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Get my full disclosure here.
Importance of Using a Meat Thermometer
Now, I can’t stress this enough – a reliable meat thermometer is your best friend in the quest for precision cooking. Investing in a good-quality meat thermometer is worth its weight in gold.
With options like instant-read or leave-in probe thermometers, you can effortlessly monitor the internal temperature throughout the cooking process, ensuring impeccable results every time.
Measuring the Internal Temperature of Your Ribeye
Let’s walk through the art of measuring the internal temperature of a ribeye steak. It’s a straightforward process, but precision is key.
Begin by carefully inserting the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding any bones or fat pockets that could skew the reading. Most ribeyes are sold boneless, so that should not be an issue.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Internal Temperature
Ah, the moment you’ve been waiting for – the secrets to achieving that elusive perfect internal temperature.
Let me share some practical tips and techniques to elevate your steak-cooking prowess.
We’ll explore adjusting cooking times and temperatures to cater to personal preferences, ensuring your ribeye steak is cooked precisely the way you love it.
- Start with a reliable meat thermometer: Invest in a quality meat thermometer to accurately gauge the steak’s internal temperature.
- Bring the steak to room temperature: Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Preheat your cooking surface: Ensure your grill, skillet, or oven is properly preheated to achieve a delicious sear and maintain consistent cooking temperatures.
- Sear the steak first: Begin by searing the steak over high heat to develop a rich crust, then move it to indirect heat to finish cooking for your grillers out there.
- Monitor the internal temperature: Regularly check the steak’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Follow internal temperature guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the recommended internal temperatures for various levels of doneness (rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, well-done).
- Allow the steak to rest: After cooking, let the steak rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Troubleshooting Internal Temperature Issues
The one thing most often not taken into account is the effect rest time has on the temperature of your ribeye.
A typical one-inch thick ribeye could increase by 5-10 degrees during its resting period.
Many steak enthusiasts recommend letting your steaks rest for half the time it took to cook them. So if your ribeye took 10 minutes to cook, you would want to let it rest for 5 minutes.
Take that number as a starting point and adjust the rest time based on the thickness of the steaks and your personal preference.
Key takeaways
I hope you feel ready to tackle your favorite ribeye steak recipe tonight, armed with this knowledge.
The ribeye steak’s internal temperature is key to achieving the perfect doneness, whether it’s rare, medium-rare, or well-done.
Remember to equip yourself with a trusty meat thermometer, embrace the art of measuring internal temperature, and consider the various factors that influence the cooking process.
By doing so, you’ll take your ribeye steak game to extraordinary heights, delighting your taste buds and impressing your guests with every bite.
