Beef Beliefs #4 | The "Doneness" Debate

There’s just something about a great steak that feels like a true celebration on a plate. As Tom likes to say, “No one ever celebrated with a chicken breast!” And honestly, I couldn’t agree more.

But before you can sit back and enjoy that perfect bite, there are two big questions you need to answer. First: What’s your favorite cut? Second and equally important: How do you want it cooked?

You’d be surprised how often people pause on that second question. At the steakhouse, we’ve seen whole tables stop mid-conversation and turn it into a lively debate. And truthfully, it makes sense!  Our preferences are shaped by so many little details: what we ate growing up, how our parents cooked their steaks, and even the quality of beef we’ve had the opportunity to taste.

When someone orders a steak well-done, we usually suggest taking it just one notch down to medium-well. After all, you can always cook it a little more, but you can’t bring it back once it’s gone too far. We love when our guests give us honest feedback. We want every plate to knock your socks off every time you visit Perini Ranch Steakhouse.

The typical answers are rare, medium rare, medium, medium well, and that other one we won’t talk about, well done. Then there are the special requests: “Pittsburgh,” “Black and Blue,” or “Blue Rare.” Pittsburgh and Black and Blue are relatively the same, charred heavily on the outside, but rare inside. Blue Rare takes it a step further with just a whisper of char and a very rare center.

Personally, Tom and I think medium rare is the sweet spot for most steaks. It’s where tenderness and flavor come together in the most beautiful way. Pro tip from Tom: Steaks with a lot of marbling (that gorgeous web of fat running through the meat) often shine with just a touch more heat. That extra warmth melts the marbling into juicy, savory goodness that takes every bite to another level.

Below is the “Doneness Guide” that we live by in our kitchen at home and in the Steakhouse. At the end of the day, the most important thing is that you get the steak that makes you happiest and we always respect that everyone has their own definitions of “doneness.”

So, next time you’re ready for a steak celebration, come to Perini Ranch Steakhouse and let us cook for you!  

Good things happen around the table!