Cooking time and internal temperature
Cooking
temperature can vary depending on the cut. All ground meats must be
cooked to medium, or 70° C (160° F), to prevent the proliferation
of bacteria. It is important to ensure that the meat reaches a safe
internal temperature, particularly when cooking for people who are
more susceptible to food bacterial infections like very young
children, pregnant women, older people and those suffering from
chronic diseases.
Meat
thermometer
Using a meat thermometer is the only reliable means to verify the
internal temperature and maximize the tenderness of the meat.
Invest in a good meat thermometer.
Some thermometers remain in the meat during cooking; it is inserted
mid-way through cooking in the center or in the fleshiest part of
the meat, away from bones and fat.
Other thermometers are meant for thinner cuts of meat and are
inserted near the end or at the end of the cooking process.
Degree of doneness
and internal temperature
|
Degree of doneness
|
Internal temperature
|
|
Rare
|
63° C (145° F)
|
|
Medium pink
|
71° C (160° F)
|
|
Well done
|
77° C (170° F)
|
|
Mechanically tenderized meats (French cuts) and cuts from
bottom sirloin and ground beef.
|
71° C (160° F)
|
How to recognize
the degree of doneness of beef
Rare
The beef will yield slightly to the touch. When cut, it
should be red on the inside, firm in consistency and its internal
temperature should be about 63° C (145° F).
Medium
The meat should be firm to the touch, showing drops of
blood when pierced. When cut, its interior should be pink, with
very firm consistency and its internal temperature should be about
71° C (160° F).
Well done
The meat, when cut, should be greyish, with a very firm
consistency and an internal temperature of about 77° C (170°
F).


