How to Cook Meat Safely

It’s essential to properly cook your meat in order to destroy germs that can cause food poisoning.

All raw meats can carry harmful bacteria

  • A whole cut of meat, such as a beef steak or quarter roast, contains germs only on the surface of the flesh.
  • Meats, such as pork and chicken, might all contain germs from one end to the other.
  • When a sliced chunk of meat is minced or skewered, the path of any germs is taken through the entire piece.

How to cook whole cuts of meat

  • To seal the meat and destroy any germs that may be on the outside, use a high heat.
  • When all of the exterior flesh has changed color, the meat has been properly sealed.
  • Lamb and beef that are “rare” or pink should be avoided by vulnerable people, including the elderly, newborns, toddlers, pregnant women, and persons who are unwell.

What meats are best eaten rare?

You can only eat meat that has germs on the outside “rare” or “pink,” according to some experts.

  • Beef steaks
  • Whole joints of beef
  • Lamb chops
  • Whole joints of lamb

Which meats should be fully cooked?

It’s critical to cook any minced or skewered meat or fish all the way through.

  • Rolled joints
  • Burgers
  • Sausages
  • Chicken nuggets
  • Kebabs
  • Kidneys, liver and other types of offal

All types of meat, including chicken, turkey, duck and goose, should be cooked fully. These can have bacteria throughout the meat.

What is the best way to prepare these meats?

  • The temperature of the oven will differ depending on the cut of meat. 
  • The length of time you should simmer it for will vary depending on the cut, as well as how you plan to prepare it.
  • The temperature should be high enough to brown the meat without burning the outside before the inside has had a chance to cook.
  • If you’re cooking little pieces of meat, such as sausages, keep them rotating and changing directions so that they cook evenly.
  • Separate utensils should be used for raw and cooked meat.
  • The following times and temperatures should be used when roasting poultry, pork joints, and rolled joints.

How do I check these meats are properly cooked?

  • The liquids should flow clear when you pierce the thickest portion of the meat with a fork or skewer. The thickest section of a whole chicken or other bird is between the drumstick and breast, in all cases.
  • Cut the meat open to ensure that it is piping hot throughout, it should be steaming.
  • When meat is cooked, it changes color. Make sure there aren’t any pink pieces of meat left over.
  • If you’re preparing a huge meal, such as a casserole, check it in several areas to be sure that all parts of the dish are equally hot.
  • You may check to see whether the meat is safe to eat by using Food Thermometer and inserting probe into the thickest part of the meat or poultry and checking that it has reached 75°C with a meat thermometer.

How to defrost meat safely

  • Refrigerate the meat instead of leaving it at room temperature to defrost.
  • Allow 24 hours for each 2.5kg/5lbs of meat or chicken to defrost before cooking.
  • Place the meat on a plate and, keeping the potatoes warm, place it on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator.
  • When meat thaws, a lot of water can come out. Any dish, plate, or surface it touches may become contaminated due to the liquid that spills out. To prevent the meat from touching or dripping on other foods, keep it covered.
  • Cook the uncooked flesh within 24 hours of thawing it.
  • If you’re going to cook and consume the meat straight away, defrost it in the microwave. You need to check all of the details to Become A meat BBQ Expert.  

It’s time to bring out the grill and get cooking.