How to Check Steak to See When it is Done
Steak Doneness Test
In cases when you might not have access to an instant-read meat thermometer, or can't recall the grilling cooking time for a steak, there is another tip every grill master should know called the thumb and finger doneness temperature test. This is a simple test that allows you to compare your skin to the steak in order to tell if it is done or not. The feel of the various stages of doneness of the steak correspond closely to the feel of the your skin between your thumb and index finger. Basically, the longer you cook the steak, the more firm it becomes. The instructions and video below will show you how to position your fingers and explain the feel of firmness of a steak temperature for rare, medium rare, medium, and well done meat.
In cases when you might not have access to an instant-read meat thermometer, or can't recall the grilling cooking time for a steak, there is another tip every grill master should know called the thumb and finger doneness temperature test. This is a simple test that allows you to compare your skin to the steak in order to tell if it is done or not. The feel of the various stages of doneness of the steak correspond closely to the feel of the your skin between your thumb and index finger. Basically, the longer you cook the steak, the more firm it becomes. The instructions and video below will show you how to position your fingers and explain the feel of firmness of a steak temperature for rare, medium rare, medium, and well done meat.
Remember that you can eat higher quality meats like steaks at temperatures lower than ground meats. This is because the surface area on a steak is the only thing exposed to the outside bacteria that will cook off during the grilling process. Ground meats like a hamburger has all of the bacteria mixed into the center of the meat, which means it isn't as safe to eat at a rare temperature.
Thumb To Index Finger: Rare Steak Temperature
Internal temperature: 125 degrees Fahrenheit Steak will be soft and squishy, like a sponge 
Thumb To Ring Finger: Medium Steak Temperature
Internal temperature: 160 degrees Fahrenheit Steak will be barely yielding, like a racket ball |
Thumb To Middle Finger: Medium Rare Steak Temperature
Internal temperature: 145 degrees Fahrenheit Steak will be firm but gently yielding, similar to a Nerf football 
Thumb To Pinky Finger: Well Done Steak Temperature
Internal temperature: 170 degrees Fahrenheit Steak will feel hard yet springy, like a tennis ball |