The most effective way to test meat for doneness is with a meat thermometer – it gives an accurate read without having to cut into your meat, which can let savory juices escape. However, if you’re caught empty handed of a thermometer, use just that – your hand – as a gauging tool for testing meat for rare, medium or well doneness. A simple hand test can be used as a guide comparing the firmness of your flexing hand muscle to the tenterness of steak as it cooks.
