Pittsburgh rare

Definition

A steak seared hard on the outside until charred but left practically raw inside. Legend says Pittsburgh steelworkers would cook steaks on blast furnace doors, creating this extreme contrast.

Example Usage

Guy at table 5 wants his strip steak Pittsburgh rare—get the pan screaming hot.

Origin

Named after Pittsburgh steelworkers' alleged cooking method using industrial equipment

Fun Fact

Also called 'black and blue,' this preparation requires precise timing—too long and you've got a normal rare steak, too short and you've got tar-covered raw meat.

Source: American steakhouse terminology

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