The United States Department of Agriculture recommends cooking ground pork patties and ground pork mixtures such as meat loaf to 160 °F (71.1 °C) as measured with a food thermometer. Cook all organ and variety meats (such as heart, kidney, liver, tongue, and chitterlings) to 160 °F (71.1 °C).
Cooking Temperature of Pork
Finding the correct pork cooking temperature is the final step in plating a perfectly juicy, tender cut of meat. Pork today is very lean, making it important to not overcook and follow the recommended pork cooking temperature. The safe internal pork cooking temperature for fresh cuts is 145° F. To check doneness properly, use a digital cooking thermometer.
Fresh cut muscle meats such as pork chops, pork roasts, pork loin, and tenderloin should measure 145° F, ensuring the maximum amount of flavor. Ground pork should always be cooked to 160° F. Doneness for some pork cuts, such as small cuts that are difficult to test with a thermometer or large cuts that cook slowly at low temperatures, is designated as “tender.” Fully cooked ham can be reheated to 140° F or even enjoyed cold, while fresh ham should be cooked to 145° F followed by a 3-minute rest.
Following these pork cooking temperature guidelines will not only result in a safe eating experience but also preserve the quality of your meat for a juicy, tender, delicious meal.
The safe internal pork cooking temperature is 145° F followed by a 3-minute rest.
Pork Cooking Temperature & Meat Thermometer Basics
FAQ
Can you eat pork at 165 degrees?
Is pork overcooked at 160?
Is pork still pink at 165?
Is pork safe to eat 180?
What temperature should pork be cooked to?
Loading To what temperature should I cook pork? The United States Department of Agriculture recommends cooking ground pork patties and ground pork mixtures such as meat loaf to 160 °F (71.1 °C) as measured with a food thermometer. Cook all organ and variety meats (such as heart, kidney, liver, tongue, and chitterlings) to 160 °F (71.1 °C).
What temperature do you cook a pork tenderloin?
Pork chops, pork loin, and pork tenderloin: Cook to 145° F (63° C), then rest 3 minutes. Ground pork: Cook to 160° F (71° C). Grinding pork exposes more surface area to bacteria, so it needs to be cooked to a higher temperature than other cuts of pork.
What temperature should a pork butt be cooked at?
Bone-in pork butt is filled with connective tissues, similar to shoulder cuts. As such, the pork butt done temp is 190°F (87°C) to break down the tissues. Ground pork requires a consistent internal cooking temperature of 160°F (71°C). According to the USDA, the ground pork internal temp does not require rest time.
Is it safe to eat pork at 180 degrees?
Yes, pork that is cooked at 180°F (82°C) is safe to consume. Although, for most cuts of pork, this temperature will produce an overcooked dish. This very high internal temperature is recommended to be used for cuts of pork with very high connective tissues, such as shoulders.