Massage steak for doneness

Checking a steak’s doneness by texture is an inexact science and usually takes some practice to get right. To do so, pick up the steak and compare its texture with that of your hand.

Feel the fleshy part of your palm, between the thumb and forefinger, to approximate the soft, squishy feel of rare meat.

Make a fist and do the same to approximate the springy, slightly resistant feel of medium.

Touch the tip of your nose for well-done.

[Except from Cook's Illustrated magazine, September 2005.]