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The Great Burger Debate! Medium Rare Vs. Well Done

a close up of a plate of food on a table

Did you know that 40% of adults worldwide prefer well-done burgers? While many food snobs would scorn a burger cooked all the way through, it turns out that many of us would prefer to eat one this way. Some people would never order a hamburger anything other than medium-rare. It cannot be easy to decide how to order. Is it even important how you eat the best burger?

Continue reading to learn the distinctions between a medium-rare and a well-done burger and what you should order on your next visit to Back Bay Social

Burger Options

If you've ever eaten steak or a burger at your local fast-food restaurant, a server has most likely asked, "How do you like it?"

The degree to which you enjoy it ranges from rare to well-done. Whether you're ordering the best burger in any part of the world or the thickest steak, the term "rare to well-done" refers to the temperature and color of the meat. Let's go over what each of these classifications means.

  • Rare: 120°F and a cool red center
  • Medium-Rare: 130-135°F warm and red
  • Medium: 135-145°F and a warm pink center
  • Medium-Well: 145-155°F and a slight-pink center
  • Well-Done: 155°F and over with a brown or cooked through the center

These are the typical hamburger temperatures and colors. Because not all chefs are the same, you could order medium-rare and end up with medium-well at any restaurant. You won't be confused when you're eating the best burger in the Gulch.

Perception vs. Reality

Not everyone grew up in a home with a chef. Over-cooked burgers are the norm for most of these folks, they're prepared with the texture and consistency of concrete. They associate well-done steaks with being chewy, dry, and with little flavor. Quite far from what is got from the juicy, tender burger flavors associated with medium-rare and its red center. What then makes a really great burger?

The perception of perfection needs to meet reality if it's the best burger in the world. Ideally, a well-done hamburger should arrive at the table juicy and tender if it's cooked correctly.

Health Concerns

Illness is a legitimate concern that burger chefs must address. And so, because of health concerns, many people prefer well-done burgers. At 160°F, dangerous pathogens and bacteria found in ground beef die. No matter how you cook it, the best burger should be juicy but healthy.

Eating high-quality ground beef medium-rare will make you far less likely to become ill. When looking for the "best burger near you," look for a restaurant that only uses the best beef.

Is A Well-Done Burger the Best Option?

Don't stress if you can't decide what to order. Feel free to order whatever you're in the mood for. A well-done burger should taste just as good as a medium-rare burger if done correctly.

Burgers At Back Bay Social

We’d love to hear your views on this debate. What side are you on? Let us know down in the comments. Do you want the best burger where ever you are? Contact Back Bay Social as we use only the highest-quality ingredients to create the most delectable burgers that meet your expectations every time.