Cook a Perfect Steak

Check doneness by pressing a steak in the center, says Steven Raichlen, [author of The Barbecue! Bible]. Then use your thumb, fingers, and the varying firmness of the base of your thumb as your guide.

What is your steak type?

RARE

INDEX FINGER: RARE
Internal temp: 125ºF
Soft and squishy, like a pink sponge

MEDIUM RARE

MIDDLE FINGER: MEDIUM RARE
Internal temp: 145ºF
Firm but yielding, like a Nerf football

MEDIUM

RING FINGER: MEDIUM
Internal temp: 160ºF
Barely yielding, like a racquetball

WELL

PINKY FINGER: WELL
Internal temp: 170ºF
Hard yet springy, like a tennis ball

This is sooo simple and so accurate it will amaze you. I have been going by feel for years and it works.

Me I like it more on the medium rare side of things.