Barack Obama steak order is raising eyebrows across the nation—and it’s not because of a new policy or bold political move. In fact, it’s all about his preference for a medium-well steak! That’s right, the former president has openly admitted that when it comes to his steak, he likes it cooked a little longer than most steak lovers would approve of.
In a memorable video from the White House, chef Bobby Flay asked Obama how he prefers his steak, and his answer shocked many: “I’m a medium-well guy,” Obama said, while acknowledging that steak enthusiasts often criticize the choice. “Everybody says, ‘It’s too dry, you need all that blood.'”
For steak purists, this might feel like a culinary sin. Many chefs and food critics argue that cooking a steak past medium results in a dry, tough texture, stripping the beef of its flavor and juiciness. But Obama isn’t deterred by the critics. “That’s just how I like it,” he confidently shared, and Bobby Flay, ever the professional, promised to cook it to Obama’s exact preference.
This isn’t Obama’s only controversial food order, either. He’s also been known to request his burgers cooked medium-well. While it’s a bit more forgiving for ground beef, the medium-well burger still draws attention from foodies who claim it’s overdone.
Now, let’s talk steak doneness: the debate is as heated as ever. From rare, with its juicy, red center, to well-done, which is often dry and grey, how you like your steak cooked can reveal a lot about your taste. Steak doneness is typically measured by its internal temperature, with rare steaks sitting around 120–130°F, and well-done steaks reaching 155°F or higher.
So, why does Obama’s medium-well choice matter? Well, while it may not win awards from steak connoisseurs, it’s actually a safer option. Cooking meat to an internal temperature of 145°F or higher ensures it’s free from dangerous bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella, which can pose serious health risks. At the end of the day, Obama’s order is as much about personal taste as it is about playing it safe.
And, if you think Obama’s steak preference is surprising, consider this: current President Donald Trump has been known to prefer his steak well-done with ketchup! Now that’s a whole other debate.
