You'll see chefs prodding a steak with their finger to see how well it is cooked. As a rough guide, if you touch the base of your thumb with your index finger, this will have a similar feel to rare steak. But be on the safe side and buy a meat thermometer. First, oil the steak, not the pan, add plenty of salt and sear it. Don't try to force it off the pan, it will come away when it's seared. Then keep turning until it's cooked to your preference. Add pepper after.

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