What color should steak be?

The color of steak is a good indicator of how cooked it is, but it's not the only factor. Here's a breakdown:

Rare:

* Inside: Bright red, cool to the touch

* Outside: Dark brown

Medium-rare:

* Inside: Pink, slightly warm

* Outside: Brown

Medium:

* Inside: Mostly brown with some pink in the center, warm to the touch

* Outside: Brown

Medium-well:

* Inside: Mostly brown with a hint of pink, hot to the touch

* Outside: Brown

Well-done:

* Inside: Completely brown, very hot

* Outside: Brown

Important notes:

* Color alone isn't enough: You need to consider the temperature of the steak to be certain of the doneness. A meat thermometer is the most reliable tool for this.

* Steak can vary in color: Factors like the breed of cow, aging, and fat content can influence the color of the steak, so it's not always a perfect indicator.

* Personal preference: Ultimately, the "right" color for steak depends on individual preference!

Remember, the most important thing is to cook the steak to your liking and enjoy it!