Is Medium Rare Steak Safe? USDA Guidelines

Are you a steak lover? Do you prefer your steak cooked medium rare? If so, then this blog post is for you! We’re going to discuss the USDA guidelines for cooking steak, and how to ensure your medium rare steaks are safe. So get ready to learn more about medium rare steaks and the best ways to cook them!

What Does the USDA Recommend?

Many foodies have long debated the safety of eating medium-rare steak. While some may relish the juicy texture and flavor, The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recommends not eating or tasting raw or undercooked meat, as these may contain harmful bacteria.

The USDA recently updated its guidelines for safely cooking pork, beef steaks, roasts and chops. It recommends an instantaneous temperature read of 145°F for medium-rare steak, and that all beef, pork and lamb should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F. However, Certified Angus Beef notes that a steak is considered medium-rare when it reaches an internal temperature of 130 F to 135 F.

Although it is generally safe to eat steak that is rare or medium-rare as long as it has been cooked to the appropriate temperature, it is important to note that the USDA still does not recommend consuming rare steaks. Cooking a steak correctly will ensure a great quality and properly cooked steak that will always melt in your mouth and won’t have an unpleasant rubbery texture.

Ultimately, the USDA’s guidelines are in place to ensure food safety, so it is important to make sure steaks are cooked thoroughly before eating them. If done correctly, enjoying a delicious medium-rare steak can be a safe and enjoyable experience for all!

Is It Safe to Eat Steak Rare or Medium Rare?

It is safe to eat steak rare or medium rare, provided that the steak is of high quality and has been purchased from a reliable source. Eating steak rare or medium rare provides the body with a direct jolt of iron and phosphorus, both of which are beneficial to preventing fatigue. The risk of contaminants from such steaks is incredibly low. However, the United States Department of Agriculture still recommends not eating or tasting raw or undercooked meat, as it may contain harmful bacteria. Therefore, it is important to check the quality and freshness of the steak before consuming it.

What Does Mpi Manager Sally Johnson Say?

MPI food and beverage manager Sally Johnston has clarified that chefs may still serve medium-rare steaks, but they must take extra precautions to ensure food safety. On May 12, Administrator Paul Kiecker showed his appreciation for the team at an establishment by presenting them with Operational Excellence coins. Johnson-DeRycke further explained that germs are not only airborne, but also spread through contact with unsanitary surfaces.

Therefore, proper food preparation and handling is essential to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. This is especially true in the wake of increasing cost-of-living concerns that could affect red meat consumption in 2023. Johnson encourages all chefs to be diligent in their management of food hygiene to prevent a serious epidemic.

Verdict on Eating Medium Rare Steak Pink Meat

It is generally accepted that eating pink meat in the form of a medium rare steak is safe, provided the meat is fresh and has been handled and refrigerated properly. In the 1960s, cookbooks and thermometers suggested that beef should be cooked to a temperature of between 140 °F to 145 °F, and labeled as “medium-rare,” stating that it should be “slightly pink at the center with a firm texture.” Bacteria primarily resides on the surface of the meat, making it safe to eat provided it is cooked properly. Therefore, if someone wants to enjoy their steak slightly pink in the middle, they need not worry as long as they have taken all necessary precautions.

The Safety of Eating Medium Rare Steak

Eating medium rare steak can be a tasty and enjoyable experience, as long as the proper precautions are taken. It is important to purchase fresh, high-quality cuts of meat from a reliable source in order to minimize the risk of foodborne illness. Although there is no way to guarantee complete safety, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics advises cooking the meat until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 145°F.

This will help to kill off any bacteria present on the outside of the steak. Furthermore, it is also important to practice proper food safety such as washing hands and utensils before and after handling raw meat. By following these tips, consumers can enjoy their medium rare steak safely and confidently.

How to Prepare Steak Safely?

To prepare a steak safely, it is important to follow the correct steps.

First, preheat an outdoor grill to high heat (about 500 degrees). Season the steak one hour before cooking, using extra virgin olive oil, fresh ground black pepper, and kosher or sea salt. Leave the steak at room temperature until ready to cook.

When ready to cook, place the steak on a hot grill for 5 minutes. Turn and continue grilling for another 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking with the lid closed. Cook until desired doneness is achieved: little to no colored juice and red center with an internal temperature of 120-130°F. Cut the meat open with a clean knife to check.

Once cooked, let the steak rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing or serving. This will allow for even distribution of juices throughout the steak. Enjoy!

Nutritional Benefits of Medium Rare Steak

1. Eating medium rare steak can be a great way to get your daily nutritional needs.
2. Consuming medium rare steak can help lower your cholesterol and fight off fatigue, strengthening your immune system in the process.
3. Red meat contains fat, but it’s actually good for your heart health in moderation.
4. The more you cook steak, the more moisture is lost from the meat, which affects its nutritional content.
5. A 150-gram raw steak yields 100 grams of cooked steak, with 179 calories and a plethora of valuable nutrients such as iron and phosphorus.
6. Eating medium rare steak can give you an energy boost because of its high iron content, which helps prevent fatigue and maintain healthy blood cells.
7. Eating medium rare steak may also help increase your vitamin B and zinc intake, which are essential for healthy skin, hair and nails.
8. Medium rare steak can provide essential nutrients such as selenium and potassium that help support a healthy heart and regulate hormones in the body.
9. Eating medium rare steak can also help reduce inflammation thanks to its omega-3 fatty acid content, which is beneficial for overall health and wellbeing.
10. By cooking your steak on a lower temperature than usual, you’ll get all the nutritional benefits of eating medium rare without compromising on taste or texture!

Tips for Buying High Quality Cuts

1. When Shopping for Meat, Don’t Settle for Less: Make sure to ask your local butcher questions about the quality and origin of the meat. This will ensure you get the best cuts available.
2. Know Your Cuts: Get to know the different cuts of beef that are available, such as New York Strip Steak, Rib-eye, Tenderloin, and Top Sirloin. Doing research ahead of time can help you save money and make delicious meals.
3. Talk to Your Butcher: The best part of buying meat at your local butcher is that you can talk directly with them and get a better idea of where the animal was sourced (e.g., grass-fed).
4. Look Online: If you’re unable to find what you’re looking for locally, there are plenty of online stores that offer high-quality meat cuts at competitive prices.
5. Check Out Reviews: Before you purchase from an online store, make sure to read reviews from previous customers. This will give you an idea of what to expect when it comes to delivery and quality standards.
6. Consider Your Cooking Method: Different cooking methods require different meat cuts, so take this into consideration when shopping for meat.
7. Ask for Recipes: Most butchers are happy to provide recipes and cooking tips for the cuts they sell—take advantage of this!

Where to Buy High Quality Meat?

If you’re looking for high quality meat, there are a variety of great options to choose from. For the best overall selection and quality, Omaha Steaks is a great option. They offer sustainably sourced meats that are sure to please any palate. For specialty beef, Snake River Farms is the place to go for prime cuts.

For those looking for pasture-raised meat, Porter Road is the place to go. If you’re looking for online delivery options, Crowd Cow and Pat LaFrieda Meat are both excellent options. If you’re in Cleveland, OH, Ohio City Provisions, State Meats, Kocian Meats & Marketplace, K & K Portage Market, and TJ’s Butcher all have great selections of meats.

Finally, if you’re looking for something more local, your local Giant Eagle probably has an excellent selection of steak, ground beef, rib eye and more!

FAQS about Is Medium Rare Steak Safe

Is Medium Rare the Healthiest Steak?

Cooking steak to medium rare is considered to be the healthiest way to enjoy this delicious cut of meat. It is packed with essential nutrients such as protein, iron, and zinc that provide a great source of energy and help to prevent fatigue. When cooked to medium-rare, steak is not only juicy and tender, but also full of flavor. This makes medium-rare the ideal way to enjoy steak, as it offers the most in terms of taste and nutrition. Additionally, rare meat contains plenty of zinc and protein which are important for maintaining a healthy immune system. All in all, medium-rare steak is the best choice for those wanting a flavorful and nutritious meal.

What Is the Safest Doneness of Steak?

When it comes to cooking steak, the safest doneness is 145°F, according to the USDA. This temperature should be achieved followed by a three-minute resting period. Ground beef should be cooked to an even higher temperature of 160°F in order to ensure food safety. While some may enjoy their steak cooked rare or medium-rare, the USDA does not recommend consuming raw meat delights such as steak tartare or beef carpaccio, especially for those at higher risk of foodborne illnesses. In terms of nutritional content, there is no difference between steak that is cooked medium rare or well-done.

Why Do People Like Medium-Rare?

People generally like their steaks cooked to medium-rare because it provides the most flavor. The inside of the steak remains juicy and tender due to the lower internal temperature, making it easier to chew and digest. This makes it a safe option for those who may struggle to eat tougher cuts of meat. Additionally, the natural flavors of the steak are preserved, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor. As an added bonus, cooking a steak to medium-rare requires fewer calories to digest than raw meat. All these factors mean that medium-rare truly is the most popular way to enjoy a steak.

Is Medium-Rare Bloody?

When it comes to medium-rare steak, it’s not the blood that makes it red. In fact, even the rarest and reddest of steaks is actually bloodless. Instead, the red hue of a medium-rare steak is caused by a protein called myoglobin. This protein combines with water to create what’s known as “juice” in your steak, which looks and tastes nothing like actual blood. The myoglobin also helps to make your steak slightly juicy without containing any actual blood. So while the red liquid on the bottom of the packaging might look like blood, it’s actually mostly fat, water, and myoglobin that create the red coloring. So go ahead and enjoy your medium-rare steak without any worry – it isn’t bloody at all!

Conclusion

I hope this article has been helpful in answering your questions about the safety of medium rare steak. As always, if you have any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to your local USDA-inspected butcher for more information. Until then, happy cooking!

References:

https://nypost.com/2017/05/18/that-red-juice-oozing-out-of-your-steak-isnt-blood/

https://www.quora.com/My-dad-says-to-never-order-a-steak-cooked-less-than-medium-well-from-a-restaurant-How-safe-is-it-to-order-a-medium-cooked-steak-from-a-restaurant-Will-it-have-a-disgusting-taste-texture-if-I-do

https://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/112378/how-is-rare-steak-made-safe-to-eat