Quick reference guide: Cooking temperatures for perfectly grilled meats

Achieving the perfect doneness for your favourite meats is an art, and mastering the right cooking temperatures is the key. I swear I Google this information every time I cook or grill chicken, beef or pork. Whether you’re firing up the grill or using your oven, having a quick reference guide can make a world of difference. In this post, I will quickly break down the recommended cooking temperatures for various meats, ensuring your next meal is cooked to perfection. I also won’t bore you with some story ahead of time as I know you are here for the straight goods.

Beef:

  1. Rare: 125°F (52°C)
  2. Medium Rare: 135°F (57°C)
  3. Medium: 145°F (63°C)
  4. Medium Well: 150°F (66°C)
  5. Well Done: 160°F (71°C)
steak

Pork:

  1. Medium Rare: 145°F (63°C)
  2. Medium: 150°F (66°C)
  3. Medium Well: 155°F (68°C)
  4. Well Done: 160°F (71°C)

Chicken:

  1. Whole Chicken: 165°F (74°C)
  2. Chicken Breasts: 165°F (74°C)
  3. Chicken Thighs, Wings, and Drumsticks: 175°F (80°C)
Chicken legs

Fish:

  1. White Fish (e.g., Cod, Haddock): 145°F (63°C)
  2. Salmon and Tuna: 145°F (63°C)
  3. Shrimp and Scallops: Cook until opaque and firm

Ground Meats:

  1. Ground Beef and Pork: 160°F (71°C)
  2. Ground Chicken and Turkey: 165°F (74°C)

Lamb:

  1. Rare: 145°F (63°C)
  2. Medium Rare: 160°F (71°C)
  3. Medium: 170°F (77°C)

Turkey:

  1. Whole Turkey: 165°F (74°C)

Quick Tips:

  • Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. I use this one.
  • Let meat rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute. The longer the better I find. For a briskett for example, wrap it in paper and a towel and it can sit for hours.
  • Cooking times may vary based on the thickness and cut of the meat.
grilled burgers

Conclusion

Now that you are armed with this quick reference guide, you’re well on your way to becoming a master of meat temperatures. Whether you prefer your steak rare or well-done, your chicken juicy, or your pork perfectly cooked, these recommended temperatures will serve as your go-to resource for grilling and roasting success. Impress your family and friends with every meal, ensuring that each bite is cooked to perfection. Happy cooking!

Because I am curious, what meat stresses you out the most when it comes to temperature? For me, it’s mostly chicken or when I am cooking an expensive steak. Nothing bums me out more than undercooked or overcooked meat.

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