One of the most important decisions you make when ordering a steak is the doneness level. The difference between a perfectly cooked medium-rare and an overcooked steak is just a few degrees. Understanding what each level means helps you communicate exactly what you want and enjoy your steak to the fullest.
Rare (49-52°C / 120-125°F)
A rare steak has a cool, bright red centre with a warm, seared exterior. The meat is very soft and juicy, with the natural beef flavour at its most intense. This doneness level is best for premium, well-marbled cuts where you want to taste the quality of the beef itself. At Jospereno, our Josper oven’s extreme heat creates a beautifully charred crust while keeping the centre perfectly cool and red.
Medium-Rare (55-57°C / 130-135°F)
Medium-rare is the most recommended doneness by chefs worldwide. The centre is warm and pink-red, with excellent juiciness and a tender texture. This is the sweet spot where the Maillard reaction on the exterior and the tender interior create the most balanced eating experience. Most premium steakhouses, including Jospereno, consider this the ideal temperature for showcasing a quality cut.
Medium (60-63°C / 140-145°F)
A medium steak has a warm pink centre throughout. It retains good juiciness while having a firmer texture than medium-rare. This is a popular choice for diners who prefer their steak cooked through but still moist. The slightly higher temperature renders more intramuscular fat, which can enhance the flavour of well-marbled cuts.
Medium-Well (65-68°C / 150-155°F)
Medium-well features a slightly pink centre with a predominantly grey-brown interior. The meat is firmer and has less moisture, but a quality cut cooked by skilled chefs can still be enjoyable at this level. At Jospereno, our Josper oven’s unique cooking method helps retain moisture even at higher temperatures.
Well-Done (71°C+ / 160°F+)
A well-done steak is cooked throughout with no pink remaining. While this level sacrifices some tenderness and juiciness, it is a valid personal preference. The key is choosing a well-marbled cut, as the extra fat helps maintain moisture during the longer cooking process.
Our Chef’s Recommendation
At Jospereno, our chefs recommend medium-rare to medium for the optimal steak experience. Our Josper oven’s intense charcoal heat creates a superior sear that locks in juices, meaning even our medium steaks retain exceptional moisture and flavour. However, we respect every preference and will cook your steak exactly as you like it.
Visit Jospereno in DIFC, Dubai, and let our expert chefs grill your perfect steak over premium charcoal. Whatever your preferred doneness, we guarantee an exceptional experience.