Temperature (meat)

Temperature, or doneness, is a description of how thoroughly cooked a cut of meat is based on the color, juiciness and internal temperature when served. The gradations of cooking are most often used in reference to beef (especially steak) but are also applicable to lamb, pork, poultry, veal, and sometimes fish.

The interior of a cut of meat may still increase in temperature 5–10°F (3–5°C) after being removed from the grill or oven, and the meat is therefore allowed to "rest" before being served, which allows its temperature to stabilize. This is caused when the hot exterior continues to cook the comparatively cool inside- in short, heat moves from the hot exterior into the cooler interior.

The USDA recommends a temperature of at least 145°F (63°C) to prevent foodborne illness. See Critical Control Point.