The poke test: how to tell when your meat is done

The poke test: how to tell when your meat is done

  Overcooking meat is one of the kitchen’s great tragedies. In our recipes, we estimate cooking times that will get you within range. But to really cook your meat the way you like it, you need to get a feel for meat. The poke test is a good way to gauge meat's doneness. Here's what you do: Take the meat off the heat and press it with with your index finger. The firmer it is, the more done it is. Use your hand as a guide. Poke the soft area of muscle between your thumb and index finger when your hand is relaxed. If the meat feels like that, it's probably too underdone (except for the tartare crowd). Stretch your fingers halfway open, and poke again. It feels firmer but still gives. That’s closer to medium rare. Stretch your fingers halfway open, and poke again. It feels firmer but still gives. That’s closer to medium rare. All the way open feels firm and approximates medium. Make a fist and poke again. That's well done.