From Raw to Rad: Mastering the Art of Food with a Thermometer

Cooking food to the ideal temperature is not just a matter of flavor, it’s a matter of food safety. With thousands of people affected by foodborne illnesses every year, it is important to reiterate the importance of checking the internal temperature of your food to ensure that it is safe to eat. It is important to invest in a food thermometer and master how to use it for the best cooking results. 

The Importance of Checking Meat Temperature

Are you grilling or smoking meat? Did you know that there are different internal temperatures you need to aim for when cooking different types of meat using various methods? 

That’s right! Mastering the art of cooking means you must also be familiar with checking the internal temperature of meat to ensure it is cooked properly, instead of serving it raw or undercooked meat to your family or friends.

If you don’t cook your food to the recommended internal temperature, you could be at risk of food poisoning due to the presence of harmful bacteria. In addition, you should be aware of the storage temperature for food once it is cooked to ensure that it is still safe to eat. Otherwise, it could promote bacteria growth in food, even when it is fully cooked.

Mastering How to Use a Meat Thermometer

A food thermometer is the ultimate solution for cooking meat, whether you’re a novice or expert cook. But even this simple tool requires mastery. After all, a tool is only as useful as how you use it. If you want to learn how to cook like a professional chef, you must master the art of using a meat thermometer.

1. Pick the right thermometer

Yes, there is more than one type of thermometer. Choosing the right one is important because they have different features and functions designed for specific types of cooking. 

The standard type is the bimetal thermometer that features a probe and a numbered dial. However, there are new thermometer types with more advanced features and precise temperature reading. For example, an instant-read thermometer provides fast and accurate readings. An instant read thermometer is best when cooking on a grill or in the oven, or when you want to do a quick check of the temperature of the meat to determine if it’s done.

2. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat

The best way to check the temperature of a piece of meat is to insert the probe into the thickest part of the meat. This step ensures you can get an accurate reading because the exterior temperature of the meat will be higher than the internal temperature. Understanding the different gradients of the temperature of the meat will give you a better idea on how to read the temperature correctly.gri

Also, it is important to avoid inserting the probe near the bone as you can get an inaccurate reading.

3. Check the temperature before it’s done

Most recipes will include an internal temperature for the meat and the cooking time. A few minutes before the cooking time is up, use your thermometer to check on the temperature of the meat . It will help you closely monitor the temperature reading and avoid overcooking the meat. Therefore, you should keep a close eye on your meat because it is so easy to overcook it.

4. Know the ideal temperature for your specific type of meat

As mentioned, each type of meat (or cut) will have different internal temperatures to ensure they are properly cooked. Always check the temperature guide on the meat before you remove it from the heat. 

For example, a thicker cut of meat, such as pork tenderloin or brisket, takes longer to cook than a burger or chicken.  

5. Allow the meat time to rest

Resting the meat is important to allow the meat to continue the cooking process even after you have removed it from the heat. This process is called carryover cooking. Even if you take the meat off the heat, it will continue to cook and add a few degrees until it reaches the optimal temperature.

6. Give the thermometer time to stabilize

For enhanced temperature reading accuracy, you should give the thermometer enough time for the reading to stabilize. Even when you are using an instant-read thermometer, you should wait a few seconds to register the reading to ensure an accurate reading. 

7. Check different areas of the meat

When all else fails, it is recommended to check the different parts of the meat for its temperature. It is a great way to confirm that the meat is cooked all the way through and there are no uncooked spots. This tip works best when you are cooking thicker cuts of meat wherein some areas take more time to cook than others.

Taking Care of Your Thermometer

Given the important role that thermometers play in ensuring food safety, it is important that you take care of and maintain your thermometer. A properly looked after thermometer maintains its functionality so it lasts longer and its reliability is enhanced in giving accurate temperature readings.

The first step to maintaining your food thermometer is to clean and sanitize it after every use. Wipe the probe with alcohol or wash it with soap and water. Rinse it and store properly so it is ready for when you next cook. Cleaning is a good way to avoid cross-contamination and to promote food safety when cooking.

Calibrating your thermometer is another important step to ensuring the accuracy of your temperature reading. There are various methods to calibrate your thermometer, such as the ice water and boiling point method. The best accuracy rating for the thermometer is +/- 2 degrees F or +/- 1 degrees C. 

Calibrating ensures that your thermometer reading is accurate, increasing your confidence when using it to cook meat. Make sure to calibrate regularly, or when you drop or bump the thermometer against any hard surface. 

Aside from using a food thermometer for cooking, you should also check the internal temperature of the food when reheating. If you have leftover food, make sure to heat it to the recommended temperature so it is safe to consume after storing it.