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Everyone has an opinion on steak doneness, and some people (you know who you are) take it very personally.
Order a well-done steak? Expect side-eyes. Prefer it rare? Get ready for the “that’s still mooing” joke for the millionth time.
But what if your steak preference actually says something about you?
Not in a deep, philosophical way – just in a fun, totally subjective way that might make you laugh or argue in the comments.
What does your steak order say about you? Let’s find out.
1. Rare: The Risk-Taker
If you order a rare steak, you like to keep things simple. Just a quick sear, warm in the middle, and straight to the plate. Anything beyond that? Unnecessary. You probably have strong opinions on food, drinks, and life in general.
But then… there’s blue rare.
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This isn’t just a steak preference—it’s a statement. You looked at rare and thought, “Too cooked.” A steak that spends more time on the grill than in the fridge? Not for you. You enjoy watching people flinch when they see your order, and deep down, you know you’re the final boss of steak lovers.
What This Says About You:
- Rare: You’re bold, confident, and don’t waste time with unnecessary extras.
- Blue Rare: You reject modern conventions and love making people uncomfortable with your food choices.
Stereotype:
- Rare: The “real steak lover” who thinks anything above medium-rare is a mistake.
- Blue Rare: The person who treats steak like sashimi and enjoys every second of it.
2. Medium-Rare: The Balanced Enthusiast
This is where I stand. Medium-rare is, in my totally biased opinion, the perfect way to eat steak. Juicy, tender, full of flavor steak, with just the right amount of sear. If you order medium-rare, you know what you’re doing. You want the best experience possible – nothing too raw, nothing too dry. Just perfection.
You also don’t feel the need to fight about it (at least not too much). You’ll happily debate steak doneness, maybe throw some shade at a well-done order, but you’re not here to convert anyone. That said, if a friend asks for medium-well, you will pause for a second and question your life choices.
What This Says About You:
- You appreciate quality but aren’t a food snob.
- You’re confident in your choices but don’t force them on others (unless they order well-done).
- You believe in balance—in steak and in life.
Stereotype:
- The person who secretly thinks medium-rare should be mandatory.
- The one who quietly judges their friend’s medium-well order but doesn’t say anything.
3. Medium: The Play-It-Safe Person
You don’t want your steak too red, but you also don’t want to be judged for ordering medium-well or (God forbid) well-done. So, you settle on medium. It’s the safe choice, the middle ground, the steak equivalent of picking “I don’t know, you decide” when asked where to eat.
I have never ordered a medium steak in my life, and I don’t plan to start. To me, it feels like a compromise – like you wanted a juicy steak but got nervous at the last second. But hey, I get it. Not everyone is into that deep red center. You just want something cooked through but still edible.
What This Says About You:
- You don’t like extremes—you prefer a safe, middle-ground approach.
- You care a little about what people think, but not enough to go full rare.
- You probably like your eggs scrambled and your coffee with milk.
Stereotype:
- The person who won’t argue about steak, but deep down, wishes they had picked medium-rare.
- The one who says, “I just like it this way” when questioned but knows they’re avoiding a fight.
4. Medium-Well: The Cautious Traditionalist
You like steak, but you also like certainty. A little pink in the middle is fine, but nothing too wild. You want to enjoy your meal without second-guessing if it’s undercooked. You prefer things to be done properly, with no unnecessary risks.
People who order medium-well are often the planners of the group. You probably read instructions before assembling furniture, arrive early for flights, and like things to be predictable. You’re not here to push limits – you just want a solid, well-cooked meal.
What This Says About You:
- You like structure and prefer things done by the book.
- You probably grew up in a household where anything less than medium-well was “unsafe.”
- You don’t care what steak snobs think—you just want your food cooked properly.
Stereotype:
- The person who gets judged by rare steak lovers but doesn’t care because their steak is “safe.”
- The one who politely ignores the side-eye from their medium-rare friend and enjoys their meal in peace.
5. Well-Done: The Stubborn Individualist
You know what you like, and you’re not changing for anyone. You want your steak fully cooked, no pink, no surprises. It doesn’t matter if the chef sighs, the waiter hesitates, or your steak-loving friends look at you like you just committed a crime – you stand by your choice.
My mom is in this category. No matter what, she just can’t see anything red in meat. If there’s even the slightest hint of pink, back to the grill it goes. And honestly, if you’re a well-done steak person, you probably feel the same way. It’s not about ruining the steak – it’s about making sure it’s properly cooked.
What This Says About You:
- You’re decisive and don’t let peer pressure change your mind.
- You probably have strong opinions on other foods too, like preferring crispy bacon over chewy.
- You’re not here for the steak debate. You like what you like, and that’s final.
Stereotype:
- The person who makes chefs cry a little inside.
- The one who hears “You know, that’s not how steak is meant to be eaten” at least once per meal but doesn’t care.
P.S. If you like your steak well-done… maybe steaks just aren’t for you. Ever heard of grilled chicken?
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The Takeaway
At the end of the day, everyone has their own steak preference, and that’s totally fine. Some like it red and juicy, some want it fully cooked, and some just want to avoid being judged at the table.
Steak is personal, and nobody should be shamed for how they enjoy it.
That said… if you’ve only ever had one type of doneness, why not live a little?
If you’re a well-done person, maybe give medium-well a shot. If you always play it safe with medium, go for medium-rare next time. You never know—you might just find a new favorite.
Now, let’s hear it—what’s your steak order, and does this article describe you? Drop a comment, share this with your steak-loving (or steak-ruining) friends, and let’s settle this debate once and for all!
p.s. – if you think you’re a steak genius, I invite you to try out our quiz and find out!
