What is the ideal temperature for cooking beef medium rare?

The ideal temperature for cooking beef to achieve a medium rare doneness is 135°F (57°C). At this temperature, the interior of the beef is warm and red, providing a juicy, tender texture that is characteristic of medium rare. This level of doneness allows for the inherent flavors of the beef to shine through while still retaining moisture, resulting in a desirable eating experience.

Cooking beef at the correct temperature is crucial as it affects both the safety and quality of the meat. While options like 130°F and 145°F can relate to various levels of doneness, 135°F is the optimal point for medium rare, balancing tenderness, flavor, and food safety without overcooking the meat. The other temperatures, especially 160°F, indicate a higher level of doneness that would result in a well-done steak rather than medium rare, which would lack the tenderness and juiciness sought after in this preferred cooking style.