For how long should steak be cooked for service?

Cooking steak to the appropriate level of doneness is crucial for achieving the desired texture and flavor, as well as ensuring food safety. The recommended cooking time of 12 minutes allows the steak to reach the right internal temperature, enhancing its juiciness and tenderness. This timeframe typically balances between cooking the steak through without overcooking or undercooking it, which can lead to a less appetizing result.

In the context of food service at Chipotle, maintaining consistent cooking times is essential for ensuring that each component of a dish is ready to serve at the same time, maximizing both quality and efficiency. The 12-minute guideline helps standardize this process across different cooking staff, ensuring that customers receive a product that meets Chipotle's quality standards.

Cooking times shorter than this may not adequately bring out the best in the steak, while excessively long cooking could lead to dryness and diminished flavor, detracting from the overall dining experience. Therefore, the 12-minute cooking time is strategic for achieving optimal results in steak preparation.