When it comes to enjoying a good meat dish, one of the most important aspects is the cooking point. When visiting a steakhouse like Brasas Marbella, it is essential to know the different levels of cooking so you can choose the one that best suits your taste. Below, we explain what each point of the meat means, how to recognise it and which one is the best according to your preference.
What are the meat points?
The cooking points of meat refer to how the inside of a cut has been cooked. Depending on the amount of heat to which the meat is exposed, different results are obtained in terms of flavour, texture and juiciness. Here we explain the five most common cooking points:
1. Very little done
This is the lowest cooking point. The meat is briefly cooked on the outside, leaving the inside completely raw and cold. Although not common in all restaurants, some people enjoy this style to experience the pure flavour of the meat.
- Characteristics: lightly browned exterior, red and raw interior.
- Ideal for: Raw meat lovers looking for an intense and authentic experience.
2. Underdone
At this point, the meat is cooked just a little more than ‘very rare’, leaving the inside red and juicy, but already somewhat cooked. The outer layer is browned and slightly crispy, but the centre is still tender and juicy.
- Characteristics: Golden and crispy outside, red and juicy inside.
- Ideal for: Those who prefer their meat undercooked but without being completely raw.
3. On the point
The perfect middle ground for many diners. The meat is cooked just enough so that the inside becomes pink and juicy, but without losing its tenderness. This is one of the most common points in steakhouses like ours.
- Characteristics: golden outside, pink and juicy inside.
- Ideal for: Those looking for meat cooked in a balanced way, neither too raw nor overcooked.
4. To the last point
This point is a little more cooked than the previous one. The meat still has some juiciness, but the centre is more cooked, and the pinkness is fading. It is recommended for those who prefer a less bloody meat, but still with some tenderness.
- Characteristics: Well browned outside, slightly more cooked inside, but still juicy.
- Ideal for: Those who want a cooked meat, but without it becoming completely dry.
5. Well done (Cuit)
This is the highest cooking point. The meat is fully cooked until the inside is no longer juicy and is completely browned or even darker. Some people prefer this style for food safety reasons, although it may be less juicy and firmer.
- Characteristics: Fully browned on the outside and cooked on the inside, without juices.
- Ideal for: Those who prefer their meat fully cooked and with no traces of pink or red inside.
What is the best point of the meat?
The best doneness depends entirely on your personal taste. There is no right or wrong answer, as the pleasure of eating meat lies in individual preference. However, at Brasas Steak House we recommend trying several cooking points to find out which one you like best.
If you have never tried a meat ‘rare’ or ‘medium rare’, we encourage you to do so in our restaurant, where we only serve the best quality cuts, such as Rib eye, Entrecote and Sirloin steak, cooked to perfection.
How do you know if the meat is ready?
It is often difficult to tell if meat is cooked without cutting it. However, there are several ways to identify it:
- Touch: Meat changes firmness as it cooks. By touching it with your fingers, you can determine its texture. If it is too soft, it is probably undercooked. If it is firmer, it is probably overcooked.
- Internal temperature: Using a cooking thermometer is an accurate way to measure the doneness of the meat. For example:
- Very rare: 45-50°C
- Medium rare: 50-55°C
- Medium: 55-60°C
- Medium rare: 60-65°C
- Well done: 70°C or more
- Colour: The colour of the inside of the meat can help you determine doneness. If the inside is red or pink, the meat is rare or rare, while if it is brown or grey, it is more cooked.
- Experience and personal preference: After tasting different cooking points, you will know how you like your meat best. Remember, at Brasas Steak House, we are here to help you choose the perfect doneness for you and make every bite a unique experience.
Knowing your meat points is essential to enjoy a good meal in a specialised restaurant. Whether you prefer your meat rare or well-done, at Brasas Steak House we have options for all tastes, with cuts selected and cooked to perfection.
Don’t hesitate to ask our staff before ordering if you need recommendations on the doneness that best suits your palate – we look forward to serving you some of the best meat in Marbella!