• For a rare steak: Squeeze the pad at the base of your thumb with your index finger. It should feel spongy and offer very little resistance. That’s what a rare steak will feel like
• For a medium steak: With your index finger, press on the middle of the palm of your outstretched hand. It should feel firm and snap back quickly. That’s what a medium steak will feel like.
• For a well-done steak: Squeeze the base of your palm, right beneath your small finger. It should feel very firm, with almost no give. That’s what well-done steak feels like. However, advise your guests against cooking beyond medium. It dries out the meat, robbing it of its flavor and tenderness. If someone is accustomed to well-done meat, ask him to try it medium. You can always put it back on the grill if he isn’t satisfied.

Remember that food continues to cook for a minute or two when it is taken off the heat source, so you don’t need to give it “an extra minute.”