We’ve all ordered a steak the way we want it and then found out the chef had a different idea of what “medium rare” means.

Here’s a guide from “bis” at www.Everything2.com on what the doneness labels mean . . .

So, you’ve gone through life ordering your steak “medium“, because you didn’t know what “rare” or “medium well” meant, have you? Well, you need not do this anymore, for here is your guide to the doneness of steak:

• rare: 140°F (60°C), center of the steak is very red and cool
• medium rare: 150°F (65°C), center of the steak is red and warm
• medium: 160°F (71°C), center of the steak is pink and hot
• medium well: 165°F (74°C), center of the steak is pinkish and hot
• well done: 170+°F (77+°C), steak is thoroughly cooked

Of course, you might still order medium (*cough*wuss!*cough*) after all of that, but hey, at least now you’re educated, eh?

You can check out Everything2.com for even more ideas on steak doneness. May the fork be with you!

Photo courtesy of NoSaladAsAMeal.com.