Temperatures to Safely Cook Meat
Most of us just fire up the barbecue, crank the dial to the highest level and then cook whatever meat we have lined up for the cottage meal. That usually works, but there are actually safe temperature recommendations for cooking different types of meat.
Temperature guide to cook beef, veal, pork, lamb, and chicken
Meat is a often big part of the cottage meal plan. We don’t want to burn the food, but it is important to at least cook the meat at the temperature recommended by health authorities.
The following temperature chart is a great guide to help you become a master cabin chef.
| Beef, veal and lamb (pieces and whole cuts) | |
|---|---|
| Medium-rare | 63°C (145°F) |
| Medium | 71°C (160°F) |
| Well-done | 77°C (170°F) |
| Pork | |
| Pieces and whole cuts | 71°C (160°F) |
| Poultry (e.g. chicken, turkey, duck) | |
| Pieces | 74°C (165°F) |
| Whole | 85°C (185°F) |
| Ground meat and meat mixtures (burgers, sausages, casseroles) | |
| Beef, veal, lamb and pork | 71°C (160°F) |
| Poultry | 74°C (165°F) |
| Others | |
| Egg dishes | 74°C (165°F) |
| Hot dogs, stuffing, leftovers | 74°C (165°F) |
Source: Health Canada
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links to products. Cottage Tips may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, for purchases made through these links.
Popular digital meat thermometer
A digital meat thermometer is a great investment for the cottage kitchen.
Useful meat temperature guide magnet
Having the temperature guide located in a convenient place makes it easy to quickly check the recommendations. A meat guide magnate can stick right to the cottage fridge.
See our Tips to Prevent Food Poisoning page for additional helpful advice on how to ensure everyone has a happy meal at the cottage this summer.
