The Ultimate Guide to Meat Cooking Temperatures for Perfectly Cooked Meals
Cooking meat to the right internal temperature is essential for both safety and flavour. Whether you’re preparing lean meat for a healthy meal or indulging in a premium steak, knowing the correct temperatures ensures you get the most out of your cut. At MeatSupermarket.com, we provide the freshest meat with convenient meat delivery, so you always have top-quality cuts ready to cook. Here’s everything you need to know about meat cooking temperatures.
Why Internal Cooking Temperatures Matter
Cooking meat to the correct temperature ensures that harmful bacteria are destroyed while preserving the juiciness and texture of your meal. Overcooked meat becomes dry and tough, while undercooked meat may pose health risks.
Recommended Internal Temperatures for Meats
Beef
- Rare: 50°C – 52°C (Cool, red centre)
- Medium Rare: 55°C – 57°C (Warm, red centre)
- Medium: 60°C – 63°C (Warm, pink centre)
- Medium Well: 65°C – 68°C (Slightly pink centre)
- Well Done: 70°C+ (Fully browned throughout)
For cuts like diced beef, which are used in slow-cooked stews and curries, a minimum internal temperature of 75°C is recommended to ensure tenderness and safety. For a topside joint, aim for 60°C – 65°C for a perfect roast beef texture. Beef fillet is best served medium rare at 55°C – 57°C to maintain its tenderness and rich flavor.
Chicken & Poultry
- All poultry, including chicken fillets, thighs, and whole birds: 75°CSince chicken fillet is a lean meat, overcooking can make it dry. Using a meat thermometer ensures your chicken remains juicy while being safe to eat.
Pork
- Pork Chops & Roasts: 63°C (Rest for 3 minutes)
- Minced Pork & Sausages: 75°C
- Gammon Steak: 63°C – 65°C for the best balance of tenderness and flavour. Pork should be cooked properly to avoid bacteria while maintaining juiciness.
Lamb
- Rare: 50°C – 52°C
- Medium Rare: 55°C – 57°C
- Medium: 60°C – 63°C
- Well Done: 70°C+For slow-cooked diced lamb, aim for at least 75°C for the best texture.
Safe Meat Handling Tips
- Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Let meat rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute.
- Store raw and cooked meats separately to prevent cross-contamination.
Get the Freshest Meat Delivered to Your Doorstep
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