When should you stop cooking meats, chicken, or fish so you can serve the perfect meal every time? I’ve compiled general guidelines for using internal food temperatures and carryover cooking to gauge your protein’s doneness.
Preparing a delicious meal is both art and science. In culinary school, I was taught to use your five senses to gauge how the cooking process is going. Paying attention to the sights and sounds in the kitchen not only keeps you engaged but also develops your instincts.
With enough practice, you’ll begin to recognize doneness early by how smells, colors, textures, and flavors change, but it’s highly recommended that you use a meat thermometer to check internal temperatures. With proper resting and carryover cooking, you’ll reach the desired final serving temperature.
Recommended Temperature Doneness
| INGREDIENT | STOP COOKING WHEN TEMPERATURE REACHES | FINAL SERVING TEMPERATURE |
|---|---|---|
| BEEF & LAMB | ||
| Rare | 115 – 120°F | 120 – 125°F (after resting) |
| Medium-Rare | 120 – 125°F | 125 – 130°F (after resting) |
| Medium | 130 – 135°F | 135 – 140°F (after resting) |
| Medium-Well | 140 – 145°F | 145 – 150°F (after resting) |
| Well-Done | 150 – 155°F | 150 – 160°F (after resting) |
| PORK | ||
| Medium | 140 – 145°F | 145 – 150°F (after resting) |
| Well-Done | 150 – 155°F | 155 – 160°F (after resting) |
| CHICKEN | ||
| White Meat | 160°F | 160°F |
| Dark Meat | 175°F | 175°F |
| FISH | ||
| Rare | 110°F (for tuna only) | 110°F |
| Medium-Rare | 125°F (for tuna or salmon) | 125°F |
| Medium | 140°F (for white-fleshed fish) | 140°F |
What is Carryover Cooking?
The desired doneness is based on the center internal temperature because that’s the best gauge of when the entire item is done cooking. The outside food is always hotter than the inside, and heat slowly transfers inward, continuing to cook the food even after it has been removed from the heat source, hence carryover cooking.
This effect happens with beef, lamb, and pork, specifically large roasts, reverse sear steak, and chops. The higher the cooking temperature and the thicker the meat, the more the internal temperature will continue to rise.
A couple of exceptions to the rule of carryover cooking exist. Carryover cooking doesn’t apply to fish and poultry because they don’t retain heat as well as meat due to differences in muscle structure and the presence of bone cavities. Stop cooking chicken and fish at the target serving temperatures.
What Resting Your Meat Does
Resting your meat for 10 to 15 minutes can increase the internal temperature by about 5 to 10 degrees. If you want a rare flat-iron steak, the final center temperature should be around 125°F after resting, so stop cooking when the center reaches 115-120°F to account for carryover cooking.
Kelly Vitale says
Thank you so much for your well-rounded expertise in all aspects relating to food in general, but also healthy meals, as well as how to put these meals together.
And you know the ‘science’ behind the ingredients in these wonderful meals. I’m very impressed, and even more grateful for you as a chef.
Jessica Gavin says
Kelly, thank you so much for your incredibly kind words. It truly means a lot to me. I’m so grateful that you enjoy not only the recipes but also the science behind them. Knowing it helps you feel more confident in the kitchen is the best compliment I could receive. ❤️
Jane Bobrick says
What is the best way to cook meatballs for browning, flavor, and tenderness? I usually brown in oven, finish in tomato sauce. I also avoid over mixing.
Thanks!!!!
Cécile Bélanger says
Je parle français….est-ce qu’il y aurait la possibilité de recevoir vos courriels en français ?
Merci beaucoup
Divine Divine says
Thank you, Jessica, for sharing the information with me. I am learning a lot from you as a passionate chef who desires to grow in my career.
Jessica Gavin says
I’m happy to help!
Sue says
This is very helpful, thanks so much.
Barbara Klion says
Can you recommend a fairly inexpensive meat thermometer? I don’t cook beef or lamb very often. Thanks in advance. I am enjoying learning from you.
Jessica Gavin says
I would try the Thermoworks ThermoPop, it’s about $30 and you can use it for a wide range of cooking applications.
Laura says
After going through the three days of your secrets,I wanted to stop and thank you for taking the time and energy in sharing those pearls of wisdom with us. In going over those points from your culinary training is truly awesome and many thanks to you. I’m always sitting on the edge of my seat waiting for more cooking ideas and tips from you.
Jessica Gavin says
You’re so welcome Laura! I appreciate you leaving me feedback and so thrilled that you find it interesting. Can’t wait to hear more about your cooking adventures!
Siouxchef says
Regarding your comment about carryover cooking in fish, see Cook’s Illustrated Kitchen Notes, “Carryover Cooking in Fish.” Salmon cooked at 350 rose 15 degrees over the next five minutes out of the oven. We know what that means!
You might want to revise your article