The softness of a steak depends on its doneness, ranging from very soft (rare) to firmer as it becomes more well-done.
To gauge the softness, one can use the hand test method, explained as follows using the reference provided from Healthline:
Steak Doneness Hand Test
This method involves comparing the feel of the steak to the feel of the flesh on your hand in different positions. Here's a breakdown:
| Finger touching the thumb | Steak doneness | Feeling of flesh on hand |
|---|---|---|
| Open hand | rare | softest |
| Index / Point | medium rare | softer |
| Middle | medium | soft |
| Ring | medium well | firmer |
- Rare: An open hand, with relaxed muscles, mimics the softest feel of a rare steak.
- Medium Rare: Touching your index finger to your thumb simulates the slightly firmer feel of a medium-rare steak.
- Medium: Touching your middle finger to your thumb approximates the soft feel of a medium steak.
- Medium Well: Touching your ring finger to your thumb represents the firmer texture of a medium-well steak.
