Donald Russell, Her Majesty's supplier of meat and poultry, says the meat should reach room temperature about 20 minutes before cooking. A little olive oil should be added to the pan or brushed on the meat. Add the meat to the pan when it's at the highest temperature - you should hear a sizzle. The steak will need turning, but try to move it as little as possible to stop juices escaping.
To know how cooked the meat is, many rely on the finger test. If you touch the tip of a forefinger to your thumb, then press the fleshy pad at the base of your thumb, it should feel soft and bouncy like a rare steak. Touch your middle finger to your thumb to feel the consistency of a medium steak, and your little finger to your thumb for a well-done one.

DAILY EXPRESS 30/08/07