What Temp Do You Cook Medium Rare Steak? (Simple Guide)

Cooking a medium rare steak is easy when you know the right temp.

Many people guess, but you do not have to.

The key is to hit the right internal temperature and stop the cook at the right time.

This guide will show you the exact temp, how to check it, and how to get the same great result every time.

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The Exact Temp for Medium Rare Steak

Medium rare steak is cooked to an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F (54°C to 57°C).

This range gives you:

• A warm red center

• A soft, juicy bite

• A light sear on the outside

Most chefs use this as the “perfect” doneness because it keeps the meat tender without drying it out.

Why This Temp Works So Well

When steak reaches about 130°F, the fat starts to melt, but the fibers have not tightened yet.

This keeps the juices inside the meat.

If you go much higher, the meat begins to firm up, and the juices move out; that is why medium rare is both tender and full of flavor.

How to Check the Temp the Right Way

The best way to check doneness is with a meat thermometer. 

Insert the probe into the thickest part of the steak.

Do not touch the bone or the pan. Look for 130–135°F.

A temp guide can help you avoid mistakes: if you want a simple chart near your grill, the Easy Function Meat Temp Guide Magnet shows the exact temps for steak, chicken, pork, and more.

Buy Easy Function Meat Temp Guide - Amazon Canada

Buy Easy Function Meat Temp Guide - Amazon USA

How to Cook a Medium Rare Steak on a Grill

You can cook medium rare steak on a gas grill, charcoal grill, pellet grill, or even a flat top; the steps stay almost the same.

Preheat the Grill

Heat your grill to 450–500°F: this gives you a fast sear without burning the meat.

If you want a full guide on searing temps, you can check this helpful article:

The Best Temperature for Searing Steak: 

https://behindthegrill.com/blog/the-best-temperature-for-searing-steak

Season the Steak

Use salt, pepper, or any rub you like.

Let the steak rest at room temp for 20–25 minutes before cooking.

Sear the Steak

Place the steak on the hot grate.

Let it sear for 2–3 minutes.

Flip it.

Sear another 2–3 minutes.

Check the Temp

When the center hits 125–128°F, pull the steak off the heat; it will rise to 130–135°F while it rests.

Rest for 5 Minutes

Resting helps the juices spread back into the meat.

Cooking Medium Rare in a Pan

If you prefer stovetop cooking:

• Heat a cast iron pan on high until hot.

• Add a bit of oil.

• Sear 2–3 minutes per side.

• Check for 130–135°F.

• Rest the steak.

You can also add butter, garlic, or herbs near the end for extra flavor.

How Long to Cook Medium Rare Steak

Time will change based on the thickness.

For a 1-inch steak:

4–6 minutes total.

For a 1.5-inch steak:

6–9 minutes total.

For a 2-inch steak:

Use reverse sear:

• 250°F until steak hits 110–115°F

• Sear on high until 130–135°F

Why Thickness Matters

Thicker steaks need more time to reach the center temp.

Thin steaks cook fast and can overcook if you do not watch closely; this is why using a thermometer is better than guessing.

Common Mistakes When Cooking Medium Rare Steak

Cooking at Low Heat

Low heat can make steak gray instead of seared.

High heat builds a crust while keeping the inside red and warm.

Skipping the Rest

Resting keeps the juices inside the meat; cutting too soon sends the juices out onto the plate.

Not Cleaning the Grill

Old grease or food bits can make the steak taste bitter.

A clean grate gives better sear marks and flavor.

A simple way to clean hot grill grates is with a wood grill scraper, which avoids metal bristles and shapes to your grill over time.

You can find one here:

Buy Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper - Amazon USA

Buy Easy Function Wood Grill Scraper - Amazon Canada

Gas Grill, Charcoal Grill, or Pellet Grill?

All three can make a great medium rare steak.

Gas Grill

• Easy temp control

• Quick start

• Great for weekday cooking

Charcoal Grill

• Best flavor

• Hot sear

• Great for thick cuts

Pellet Grill

• Easy for reverse sear

• Consistent heat

• Good smoke flavor

For medium rare, the method does not matter as much as watching temp.

When to Salt the Steak

You can salt right before cooking or 45 minutes before; both work well.

Salting early helps the salt soak into the meat.

Salting late gives a crisp crust.

Do You Need to Flip the Steak Only Once?

No. 

You can flip it more than one time if you want; flipping more often can even help cook it more evenly.

The temp is what matters most.

How to Know Your Steak Is Medium Rare Without a Thermometer

This method is less accurate, but some cooks use the “touch test.”

Medium rare feels like the fleshy part of your thumb when you touch your thumb and middle finger together; still, a thermometer gives better results.

Final Tips for Perfect Medium Rare Steak

• Start with a hot surface.

• Pat the steak dry before searing.

• Do not press the steak down.

• Let it rest before cutting.

• Always check the internal temperature.

Medium rare is all about the temp; once you know the number, the rest is simple.

Ready to Grill Better?

If you want steak temps at your fingertips, you can click the image on this page to check out our Easy Function Meat Temp Guide Magnet or explore our other grilling products.