Did you know that medium-well is the most popular doneness in the American South? According to a 2026 survey by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, nearly 40% of steaks ordered in states like Texas and Georgia are cooked to medium-well. It’s not a compromise—it’s a regional preference with deep roots in family cookouts and Sunday dinners.
How to Cook Steak on the Stovetop
Fun fact: the term “medium-rare” only entered common usage in the late 19th century, thanks to French chefs who refined the language of cooking. Before that, you simply asked for “well-cooked” or “under-done.” So when you order medium-well today, you’re actually carrying on a very old, very human tradition: deciding exactly how you like your meat.