With Memorial day coming up, I’m sure lots of you will be out braving the grill so I thought I’d share one of the coolest tips about cooking steak.
Admit it- how many of you have served up a steak that looks like it was attacked by Freddy because of all of the knife marks in it from when you cut into it to see how done it was? Or how many of you just guess and end up hearing a faint “Moooo” from the still living slab you just slapped on your plate, or result something so dry you need a gallon of Brazilian lemonade to shove it down. (Yes, that was just a shameless plug for Brazilian lemonade).
The absolute best way to test meat doneness is with a meat thermometer. It’s a cheap little instrument and easy to use. But if you don’t have one on hand (or don’t want to look dorky out at the grill with one), this little trick is easy and accurate. All you need are your hands.
With your index finger of your dominant hand, gently press the soft part of your other hand just below the thumb. (See pictures below). This is what a rare steak feels like.
Now if you touch your thumb and forefinger together, then press again, this is how a medium rare steak feels. Touch your thumb and middle finger- you got it: medium steak. Thumb and ring finger: medium well. Finally tough your thumb and pinky finger and you have the feel of a well-done steak.
Try this out on your own hand and once you get a feel for it, you’ll cook a perfect steak every time! Happy Grilling :)
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Look at you, smart girl! I’ll have to try this next time because my steak’s always overdone (for me) and Sam’s is always underdone (for him) and BOTH are full of knife marks. And it seems like my meat thermometers don’t work as well in small cuts of meat.
what a great looking hand, where’d you find that guy?
I know, you can totally tell he’s hot just by the knuckles, eh? ;)
Kate- I agree, it is hard sometimes for thermometers to work on small cuts of meat.
Well, I’ll be… you learn somthing everyday!?! What a wonderful thing you’ve taught us! I have leanred many things, thank you. Keep up the good work. I’ll be back!
AWESOME!!!! I just served an overcooked, dry Freddy steak last night! I wish I had seen this before!
That is the most helpful tip I’ve ever heard about grilling the perfect steak. Thanks!
Another thing to remember to is that the meat will continue cooking after you take it off the grill. So make sure the meat is rested and definitely not cut into until it has rested to prevent the drying out. I find that it cooks another half step between the grill and the plate.