An austenitic steel comprising Ni of 9-30%, Cr of 10-23%, and Fe of at least 45%, is characterized in comprising enough Cr and Ni to form whole austenitic structure in the equilibrium diagram at 700.degree. C., having austenitic phase at room temperature, and the austenitic phase is a single crystal, and has superior resistance against stress. The austenitic steel preferably comprises C.ltoreq.0.1%, Si.ltoreq.1%, Mn.ltoreq.2%, Ni 9-15%, Cr 16-18.5%, and at least one of elements selected from the group of Mo 1-3%, Ti 0.05-1%, and Nb 0.1-1.5%. The alloy is useful as a material for members of a reactor core of a nuclear reactor.