Gordon Ramsay's 'Face Method' To Check The Doneness Of Steak
Steak doneness is a surprisingly controversial issue. Proclaiming that you prefer your cut of meat well done is sure to garner consternation from purists who believe anything over medium is a crime. No stranger to controversy, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has also weighed in on the great steak debate. According to a YouTube video, the chef states that he does not eat well-done steak, as the cooking method deprives quality beef of its inherent flavor. Despite his hardline stance, Ramsay is happy to prepare steak at any doneness to meet the needs of the customer. He's also quite happy to show home chefs how to determine whether a steak is done to their liking using a curious but effective method involving your face.
While Ramsay is best known for his bombastic personality and love of imaginative swear words, he's also a highly acclaimed chef. Ramsay is a two-time recipient of the James Beard Foundation Award, an honor that is bestowed upon chefs considered leaders in the culinary industry. As a result, emerging chefs would do well to listen when Ramsay offers insights. And when it comes to steak doneness, facial firmness plays a surprising role in the process.
When in doubt, check your face
To achieve the perfect doneness on your steak, you must cook the meat to the correct temperature. For instance, rare steaks should be 120 degrees, while well-done steaks should reach a temperature of 160 degrees or more. Of course, if you don't have a meat thermometer on hand, evaluating temperature is easier said than done. That's precisely where Chef Ramsay's helpful doneness tip comes into play.
It's all about the firmness of the meat compared to your face. If you're aiming for a rare steak, the firmness of the meat should match the flesh of your cheek. When it comes to medium doneness, the steak should have a firmness similar to your chin. As for well-done steak, the finished product will have a less-yielding firmness like your forehead. It is that simple, according to Ramsay. The chef also has many other cooking hacks to help your steak achieve the perfect flavor and texture.
More steak cooking tips from the legend himself
Gordon Ramsay offers very specific advice to home chefs who lack the time to thaw the meat in the refrigerator. Instead of using a microwave, which can leave beef a bit rubbery, the chef recommends submerging the cut of steak in cold water. To do so, place the meat in a tightly sealed bag and leave it in the water for about 30 minutes or until the steak feels soft to the touch.
Ramsay also relies on a particular technique when it comes to seasoning your steak. First, the chef insists on liberally seasoning cuts of beef to make up for the seasoning that will be lost as they cook. Additionally, the chef warns against seasoning a steak too early, as doing so can deprive the meat of essential moisture. Instead, you should wait until just before you're ready to cook. At this point, you can sprinkle salt and pepper onto a plate and press the meat into the seasoning to ensure an even coating. While you may not be a world-famous restauranter and chef, Ramsay's tips will allow you to cook like one.