Kitchen Basics: How to Sear a Steak

Illustration by Alan Witschonke

On your non-dominant hand, hold the tip of your index finger to the tip of your thumb. With your other hand, press on the pad of your thumb near the palm—this is what a rare steak feels like. For medium-rare, switch to the second finger. Ring finger is medium; pinky is well done.

Originally published in the October 2012 issue of Family Circle magazine.