Foodborne illnesses affect 48 million people every year. While there are a variety of causes, one of the main causes is undercooking meats.
You can easily avoid this risk simply by double-checking what temperature should pork be cooked to before you serve it to your guests or eat it yourself.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to cook pork safely, plus some great pork recipes you need to try.
What Temperature Should Pork be Cooked To?
One of the most important things to know when cooking pork dishes is that not all pork is created equal. Different cuts of pork need to be cut to different temperatures.
The USDA Food and Safety Inspection Service recommends cooking pork to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit and then letting it rest for three minutes before slicing into it. Not only does this complete the cooking process, but it locks in all the juicy flavors.
If you are reheating a pre-cooked ham, you only need to heat it to 140 degrees Fahrenheit. For pork roasts, you can cook to an internal temperature of 150 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal flavor.
Delicious Pork Recipes You Need to Try
Know that you know what pork cooking temperature you need to hit for the different types of cut, you are ready to get cooking. You want to first make sure that you are choosing high-quality cuts of pork.
Look on the packaging for all-natural, 100 percent antibiotic-free pork. If you can, select pork that has lots of marbling, as it will make the meat so much more juicy and tender. The best berkshire pork can be delivered straight to your door.
The beauty of pork recipes is that you can serve them with almost any topping or dressing. It is an extremely versatile meat.
You can try Asian-infused pork, with ginger honey glaze drizzled over slices of pork. Spicy Korean pork made with soy sauce and Asian chili paste will give your pork a kick of heat.
Try pulled pork tacos, with zesty BBQ sauce and coleslaw. Pork fajitas with some sautéed peppers and onions offer tons of flavor. Or, try serving pork over a bed of creamy pasta for a great comfort food meal that will surely be a winner.
Looking to Learn How to Cook Pork and Other Meats?
Pork is a delicious and lean meat that can be used for any dinner, special occasion, or holiday meal. However, it is critical that pork be cooked to the right temperature to kill any possible bacteria.
If you are ever unsure about what temperature should pork be cooked to, always double-check before serving it.
If you are looking for more cooking tips and pork recipes, be sure to follow along for more articles. You will find tons of great new tricks for the kitchen and recipes that will be sure to wow your dinner guests.
