How to Check if Steak Is Done Using the Finger Test

Cooking steaks for dinner but don't have a meat thermometer? Luckily, there is an easy way to check the doneness of your steak without a meat thermometer. All you need is your hand! Keep reading to learn how to use the finger test method to check your steaks!

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Cooking Your Steak

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    Marinating is optional, but it can add a nice level of flavor to your meat. You can marinate your meat for a few hours, but don't marinate for too long because the salt in most marinades will pull moisture from your meat. [1] A pinch of salt and pepper on each steak is also a great way to season your meat. [2]
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    If you are using a pan, make sure it is a heavy duty, non-stick pan that is large enough to accommodate all of your steaks. Add med-high heat oil (like canola) to the pan and heat the oil on medium-high heat. [3]
    • Don't use butter. It will brown and then burn. [4]
    • Don't add the steaks until the oil is very hot. [5]
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    After you have finished cooking the first side of your steaks, flip them over and cook the opposite side. [6]
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    The amount of time that you need to cook the opposite side of your steaks will depend on the thickness of your steaks and how thoroughly you want your steaks to be cooked. Keep the heat on medium-high. [7]
    • For a rare 1 ¼-1 ½ inch thick steak, cook for 3-5 more minutes. [8]
    • For a medium-rare 1 ¼-1 ½ inch thick steak, cook for about 5 more minutes.
    • For medium 1 ¼-1 ½ inch thick steak, cook for 5-7 more minutes. [9]
    • For well done 1 ¼-1 ½ inch thick steak, cook for 8-10 more minutes. [10]
      • Subtract a minute or two from the cook time if your steak is thinner than 1 ¼ inches thick.
      • Add a minute or two to the cook time if your steak is more than 1 ½ inches thick.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Checking Your Steak

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    If you want your steak to be rare, touch your index finger and thumb together and feel the base of your thumb (about an inch below where it connects to your palm). [11] Notice how it feels and then check your steak. [12] [13] [14]
    • Compare the feeling of your hand to the feeling of the steak. If they feel the same way, then your steak should be done. If your steak feels like it is tenderer than your hand, keep cooking or check with a meat thermometer. [15] [16] [17]
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    If you want your steak to be medium-rare, touch your middle finger and thumb together and feel the base of your thumb (about an inch below where it connects to your palm). [18] Notice how it feels and then check your steak. [19] [20] [21]
    • Compare the feeling of your hand to the feeling of the steak. If they feel the same way, then your steak should be done. If your steak feels like it is tenderer than your hand, keep cooking or check with a meat thermometer. [22] [23] [24]
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    If you want your steak to be medium, touch your ring finger and thumb together and feel the base of your thumb (about an inch below where it connects to your palm). [25] Notice how it feels and then check your steak. [26] [27] [28]
    • Compare the feeling of your hand to the feeling of the steak. If they feel the same way, then your steak should be done. If your steak feels like it is tenderer than your hand, keep cooking or check with a meat thermometer. [29] [30] [31]
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    Touch your pinky (little) finger and thumb together. [32] If you want your steak to be well done, you will need to touch your pinky (little) finger and thumb together and feel the base of your thumb (about an inch below where it connects to your palm). Notice how it feels and then check your steak. [33] [34] [35]
    • Compare the feeling of your hand to the feeling of the steak. If they feel the same way, then your steak should be done. If your steak feels like it is tenderer than your hand, keep cooking or check with a meat thermometer. [36] [37] [38]
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    After you have cooked your steaks to the desired consistency, remove them from the grill or pan and allow them to rest. To rest your steaks, let them sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the steaks to reabsorb the juices that were released during the cooking process so that your steaks will be tender and juicy. [39]
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      Warnings

      • Eating undercooked meat can make you sick! If you want to be absolutely sure of your meat's temperature, use a meat thermometer.
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      • Do not use this test for chicken. Cook chicken to 165 °F (74 °C).
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      References

      1. ↑ Ollie George Cigliano. Private Chef & Food Educator. Expert Interview. 30 August 2021.
      2. ↑ http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-cook-perfect-steak
      3. ↑ http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-cook-perfect-steak
      4. ↑ http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-cook-perfect-steak
      5. ↑ http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-cook-perfect-steak
      6. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/perfectly-grilled-steak-recipe.html
      7. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/perfectly-grilled-steak-recipe.html
      8. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/perfectly-grilled-steak-recipe.html
      9. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/perfectly-grilled-steak-recipe.html
      1. ↑ http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/bobby-flay/perfectly-grilled-steak-recipe.html
      2. ↑ Ollie George Cigliano. Private Chef & Food Educator. Expert Interview. 30 August 2021.
      3. ↑ http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/the_finger_test_to_check_the_doneness_of_meat/
      4. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/267250/determine-the-doneness-of-a-steak
      5. ↑ https://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/meat/activity-fingertest.html
      6. ↑ http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/the_finger_test_to_check_the_doneness_of_meat/
      7. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/267250/determine-the-doneness-of-a-steak
      8. ↑ https://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/meat/activity-fingertest.html
      9. ↑ Ollie George Cigliano. Private Chef & Food Educator. Expert Interview. 30 August 2021.
      10. ↑ http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/the_finger_test_to_check_the_doneness_of_meat/
      11. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/267250/determine-the-doneness-of-a-steak
      12. ↑ https://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/meat/activity-fingertest.html
      13. ↑ http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/the_finger_test_to_check_the_doneness_of_meat/
      14. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/267250/determine-the-doneness-of-a-steak
      15. ↑ https://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/meat/activity-fingertest.html
      16. ↑ Ollie George Cigliano. Private Chef & Food Educator. Expert Interview. 30 August 2021.
      17. ↑ http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/the_finger_test_to_check_the_doneness_of_meat/
      18. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/267250/determine-the-doneness-of-a-steak
      19. ↑ https://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/meat/activity-fingertest.html
      20. ↑ http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/the_finger_test_to_check_the_doneness_of_meat/
      21. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/267250/determine-the-doneness-of-a-steak
      22. ↑ https://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/meat/activity-fingertest.html
      23. ↑ Ollie George Cigliano. Private Chef & Food Educator. Expert Interview. 30 August 2021.
      24. ↑ http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/the_finger_test_to_check_the_doneness_of_meat/
      25. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/267250/determine-the-doneness-of-a-steak
      26. ↑ https://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/meat/activity-fingertest.html
      27. ↑ http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/the_finger_test_to_check_the_doneness_of_meat/
      28. ↑ http://lifehacker.com/267250/determine-the-doneness-of-a-steak
      29. ↑ https://www.exploratorium.edu/cooking/meat/activity-fingertest.html
      30. ↑ http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-cook-perfect-steak

      About this article

      Article Summary X

      To check if a steak is done using the finger test, touch the tip of your thumb and tip of your index finger, and poke the hand muscle below the thumb. Press down on the steak to see if it feels the same as your hand, and remove it from heat once the two feel smilar. For medium rare, touch the thumb and middle finger, for medium steaks touch the thumb and ring finger, and for well-done steaks, touch the thumb and pinky finger. For more tips on how to cook the perfect steak, like proper cook times according to the thickness of your cut, keep scrolling!

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        Sep 28, 2019

        "Great information! I never cooked a steak in my life, but this information was quick and easy to follow, allowing a ..." more
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