For those who don’t know how done they want their steak to be or are unsure which temperature they prefer, ordering this cut of beef in a restaurant can be intimidating. Whether you want your meat to be rare, well-done, or anywhere in between, the staff at Western Sizzlin Restaurant in Russellville, AR, can help you order with ease. Below, the steakhouse and family restaurant explains how to order your steak to meet your preferences.

How to Order a Steak That Suits Your Taste

What Makes the Levels Different?

Steak is cooked at five levels: rare, medium-rare, medium, medium-well, and well-done. The rare meat is cooked to 125 degrees and features a vibrant red middle. The outside is a dull, brown-gray hue. This cut won’t be completely hot. Medium-rare is five degrees warmer, with a slightly pinkish tinge to its redness. If you opt for medium, your steak will be heated to 145 degrees and appear a bit pink, with hints of brown and gray throughout. Medium-well is barely pink, and it feels relatively firm to the touch at 155 degrees. A well-done steak is approximately 165 degrees, boasts a seared appearance, and has no traces of red or pink.

How Is Taste Affected?

When steak is cooked, its fat naturally melts. As the fat melts, it enhances the flavor of the meat. Given that rare cuts are cooked to low temperatures, the inside of the meat doesn’t develop the rich flavor typically associated with steakhouses. Medium-rare is considered an excellent middle ground as it absorbs much of the fat, which gives the meat an appealing buttery flavor and a juicy texture. At the other end of the spectrum, a well-done steak is likely overcooked. Most of its fat and moisture evaporate, so the flavor left behind is mostly char.

What Is Considered Most Appropriate?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the recommended cooking temperature for a whole cut is 145 degrees Fahrenheit. They also advise that cooks allow the meat to rest for three minutes after it’s removed from the heat. This helps eliminate any remaining bacteria. Many diners base their preferences largely on flavor, however, and this may dictate their ultimate choice.

For a mouth-watering meal that satiates your appetite, stop by Western Sizzlin Restaurant. As the leading family dining spot in the area, they serve up perfect steaks to those in and around Russellville. Even the most discerning diners will find something to devour here. Visit the restaurant’s website to learn more about their menu, or call (479) 968-1757 to ask about their specials.