1. Cooked to perfection

Grilling, griddling and frying times for steaks

• Rare steak 1-2 minutes per side
• Medium-rare steak 2-3 minutes per side
• Medium 4-5 minutes per side
• Well-done steak 5-6 minutes per side
• Fillet steaks are cut thicker than sirloin and rump, so allow 1-2 minutes extra

2. The 'thumb test'

How your cooked steak should feel

• Rare: With a relaxed hand, place the tips of your thumb and second finger together. The muscle at the ball of your hand will feel soft and spongy
• Medium: With a relaxed hand, place the tips of your thumb and third finger together. The muscle at the ball of your hand will offer more resistance
• Well done: With a relaxed hand, place the tips of your thumb and little finger together. The muscle at the ball of your hand will feel resistant and very firm

3. Soaking time

When using tender cuts of beef, the marinade is used basically to flavour the meat so a soaking time of 2 hours or less is all that is required. Tougher cuts of beef should be soaked in the marinade for several hours or overnight in order to tenderize the meat as well as flavour it.