Find a Job You Really Want In
In celebration of National Beef Month, let’s dive straight into a meaty topic: steak preferences across the United States.
From rare to well done, many people are aware of their steak preferences and often hold firm opinions on the matter. However, as anyone who’s dined with relatives from the Midwest can attest, not everyone shares the same refined taste. In fact, some seem to favor ordering what could only be described as burnt hockey pucks, mistaking them for steak.
We analyzed Google Trends data to discover how each state enjoys their steak. The findings? A significant portion of the country appears to be ordering their steak incorrectly.
Key Findings
- On a positive note, the majority of states do not prefer well-done steaks.
- However, a disappointing 17 states seem to favor well-done steaks.
- The biggest steak offenders, or well-done steak enthusiasts, include Washington, Missouri, and West Virginia.
- It’s safe to assume these states may also heavily rely on A1 sauce to enhance their meals.
- 14 states prefer their steaks medium rare.
- Another 11 states show a dangerous inclination towards medium well.
- Who are the biggest fans of rare steak? Wyoming, South Dakota, and Oregon.
- Blue steak, the least cooked option that’s still practically mooing, is favored in New York, Hawaii, and Massachusetts.
How We Determined Steak Preferences
To uncover each state’s preferred steak preparation, we utilized Google Trends. When grilling, it’s common for individuals to double-check their cooking times to achieve the perfect steak (or what some mistakenly consider well done).
We compiled search trends for various cooking degrees and identified which type of steak is disproportionately popular in each state. For instance, while New Yorkers enjoy various steak styles, the search interest in “blue steak” significantly surpasses that of other states, making it the preferred choice in New York.
We chose not to include hamburger steak in our analysis, as individuals who prefer well-done steaks might as well order that. After all, if you’re opting for a well-done steak, you might not be experiencing real steak at all.
Our analysis covered a full year of searches, allowing each state ample opportunity to showcase their culinary preferences.
Just Because You Can Order It, Doesn’t Mean You Should
As philosopher Hank Hill famously said, when someone requests a well-done steak, you should “politely but firmly ask them to leave.”
However, if you’re a server or part of the food service industry, your job might require you to serve that overcooked, dry piece of meat with a smile.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. But if you’re going for a well-done steak, consider opting for a cheaper cut instead. It might taste just as bland when smothered in A1 sauce.
How Each State Likes Their Steak Cooked
| State | How They Like Their Steak Cooked |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Medium Well |
| Alaska | Medium Rare |
| Arizona | Medium Rare |
| Arkansas | Medium Rare |
| California | Well Done |
| Colorado | Medium Rare |
| Connecticut | Medium Well |
| Delaware | Medium |
| District of Columbia | Medium Rare |
| Florida | Well Done |
| Georgia | Well Done |
| Hawaii | Blue |
| Idaho | Medium Rare |
| Illinois | Well Done |
| Indiana | Medium Well |
| Iowa | Medium Well |
| Kansas | Medium Rare |
| Kentucky | Medium Well |
| Louisiana | Well Done |
| Maine | Medium |
| Maryland | Well Done |
| Massachusetts | Blue |
| Michigan | Well Done |
| Minnesota | Well Done |
| Mississippi | Medium Well |
| Missouri | Well Done |
| Montana | Medium Rare |
| Nebraska | Medium Rare |
| Nevada | Well Done |
| New Hampshire | Medium Rare |
| New Jersey | Medium Well |
| New Mexico | Medium Well |
| New York | Blue |
| North Carolina | Well Done |
| North Dakota | Medium |
| Ohio | Medium Well |
| Oklahoma | Medium Well |
| Oregon | Rare |
| Pennsylvania | Well Done |
| Rhode Island | Medium Rare |
| South Carolina | Medium Well |
| South Dakota | Rare |
| Tennessee | Well Done |
| Texas | Well Done |
| Utah | Medium Rare |
| Vermont | Medium Rare |
| Virginia | Well Done |
| Washington | Well Done |
| West Virginia | Well Done |
| Wisconsin | Medium Rare |
| Wyoming | Rare |
Author
Kathy is the head of content at Zippia with a knack for engaging audiences. Prior to joining Zippia, Kathy worked at Gateway Blend growing audiences across diverse brands. She graduated from Troy University with a degree in Social Science Education.
