The right temperature to arrange dinner a medium-rare steak is 130 F to 135 F. Nonetheless, in response to the U.S. Division of Agriculture, beef, lamb, and pork have to be cooked to as a minimum 145 F (or above if desired). Keep in mind that the lower temperatures throughout the chart for unusual and medium-rare meat normally aren’t advisable by the USDA.
The following chart comprises temperatures for meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, casseroles, and leftovers.
| Meat | Temperatures |
|---|---|
| Steak/Beef | |
| Unusual | 120 F – 125 F (48.9 C to 51.6 C) |
| Medium-rare | 130 F – 135 F (54.4 C to 57.2 C) |
| Medium | 140 F – 145 F (60 C to 62.8 C) |
| Medium-well | 150 F – 155 F (65.5 C to 68.3 C) |
| Correctly achieved | 160 F (71.1 C) and above |
| Lamb | |
| Unusual | 135 F (57.2 C) |
| Medium-rare | 140 F – 150 F (60 C to 65.5 C) |
| Medium | 160 (71.1 C) |
| Correctly achieved | 165 (73.9 C) and above |
| Poultry | |
| Rooster | 165 F – 175 F (73.9 C to 80 C) |
| Turkey | 165° F – 175 F (73.9 C to 80 C) |
| Pork | 145 F (62.8 C) |
| Ham, Completely Cooked (to reheat)* | 140 F (60 C) |
| Flooring Poultry | 165 F (73.9 C) |
| Flooring Meat | 160 F (71.1 C) |
| Fish and Shellfish | 145 F (62.8 C) |
| Eggs and Egg Dishes | 160 F (71.1 C) |
| Casseroles | 160 F (71.1 C) |
| Stuffing, Dressing | 165 F (73.9 C) |
| Reheated Leftovers | 165 F (73.9 C) |
| Holding Temperature for Cooked Meals | 140 F (60 C) |
Safe Storage of Cooked Meals and Leftovers
Any temperature between 40 F (4.4 C) and 140 F (60 C) is taken into consideration the “hazard zone” for meals. If meals stays on this hazard zone for too prolonged, harmful micro organism can develop to ranges that might set off illness.
Certainly not depart meals out of the fridge for over 2 hours. If the temperature is above 90 F (32.2 C), no more than 1 hour.
Maintain scorching cooked meals at or above 140 F (60 C) within the occasion you are not serving it instantly or in case you’re serving buffet-style. Gradual cookers, chafing dishes, and warming trays are good for sustaining meals warmth for serving or use a warming drawer or the Maintain Warmth setting of the oven (usually between 150 F (65.5 C ) and 200 F (93.3 C).
Put leftovers in shallow containers so they’re going to cool quickly. They need to be refrigerated at 40 F (4.4 C) or below inside 2 hours—1 hour if the temperature is above 90 F (32.2 C).
There are some exceptions, nonetheless most meals could also be frozen. Leftover meals that won’t be eaten inside about three days have to be frozen. Meals frozen for a very very very long time can lose prime quality, however when frozen at a seamless temperature of 0 F (-18 C), the meals shall be safe. On a regular basis label freezer containers and baggage with the title of the meals or dish and the date. A vacuum sealer is an excellent answer to retailer meals, and the tools is worth considering within the occasion you freeze meals normally. There isn’t any air in vacuum-sealed meals, so no freezer burn. Meals frozen in freezer baggage or containers have to be used inside 3 to 6 months for highest high quality, whereas vacuum-sealed meals could also be frozen for as a lot as 2 years or longer with no lack of top of the range.
Reheating the Leftovers
Reheat meals to a minimal interior temperature of 165 F (73.9 C), or until they’re steaming scorching. Microwave ovens do not heat evenly, so when using a microwave to reheat leftovers, cowl the container and rotate to verify they’re heated evenly. If potential, take a look at the temperature with an instant-read thermometer.
Are Your Fridge and Freezer Chilly Ample?
Refrigerated meals must be saved at or below 40 F (4.4 C). Many new fridges have a temperature present, so that you understand whether or not or not or not it is engaged on the suitable temperature. It is usually important to take care of frozen meals at a safe temperature. The temperature of the freezer have to be 0 F (-18 C) or lower. In case your fridge wouldn’t have a present, maintain a fridge/freezer thermometer in it and take a look at it once in a while.
Confirm Your Thermometer for Accuracy
One of many easiest methods to check a thermometer’s accuracy is with ice water. Boiling water is way much less right because of whereas the boiling stage at sea stage is 212 F, it’s spherical 202 F in Denver, Colorado. So, besides you are optimistic of your boiling stage temperature, use the ice water method.
- Fill a container all one of the simplest ways to the very best with ice cubes after which fill the container with chilly water to about 1/2-inch below the very best of the ice.
- Insert the thermometer stem or probe about 2 inches into the ice water, not touching the container.
- Slowly swirl it for about 15 seconds. It must be taught 32 F (0 C).