Grilling Tips

The Poke Test

When chefs want to test a steak for doneness, they don't stab it with a knife; they poke it with their finger. Meat gets firmer as it cooks, so they're assessing how squishy it is. You can get a feel for this by using your own hand.

• Rare meat is as yielding as the flesh between your thumb and forefinger
• Move a half-inch toward your wrist and press again—that's medium rare.
• Well-done meat feels like the muscle at the base of your thumb when your palm is flat.