What is the recommended tool for checking the doneness of a thick steak?

• A. A paring knife
• B. A meat thermometer
• C. The grill's built-in timer
• D. This can be determined by visual inspection alone

Answer: (B)

Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method for checking the doneness of a thick steak because it provides an accurate internal temperature reading. Different levels of doneness, such as rare, medium, or well-done, correspond to specific temperature ranges. For instance, a rare steak typically reaches around 120°F, while medium is closer to 135°F, and well-done can be 160°F or more.

This tool helps to ensure that the steak is cooked to the desired level while also being safe to eat, as undercooked meat may pose health risks. A paring knife, while useful for other tasks, would not give a measured reading, and relying on a grill's built-in timer could lead to overcooking or undercooking due to variances in thickness or heat levels. Additionally, visual inspection alone can be misleading, as the outer appearance of a steak does not always reflect its internal temperature accurately.