How to Use a Meat Thermometer
Cooking a delicious meat for dinner is easy, but there are times when it ends up undercooked. This can result in an unpleasant tasting meal, not to mention food-borne illnesses. To solve this problem you should use an efficient meat thermometer. This will help determine whether your meat is done and ready to be served.
What You’ll Need:
Meat thermometer
Meat
Stove or oven
Procedure:
Purchase a meat thermometer. There are many kinds available today, varying according to how they’re used and their special features. There are oven-proof types, as well as microwave-safe ones. Some are digital, pop-ups or give instant readings. Some come with dials. Check the instructions for each meat thermometer and determine which one suits you and the food you usually cook. If possible, check online for reviews on different thermometer brands.
Prepare your thermometer even before you start cooking the meat. The sensing area is usually one to two inches long, and should be immersed in the meat completely. Push the thermometer’s sensing area in the center of the thickest part of the meat. This is the portion that will cook longest, and once it’s done, you’re assured that the meat is thoroughly cooked.
You might need to wiggle the thermometer a bit to get it in. The thermometer must touch the flesh, not the bone. Otherwise, you’ll get an inaccurate reading. Make sure no part of the thermometer that sticks out becomes a hindrance, such as when you’re placing the meat in the oven or on the stove, or removing it.
If you have the instant-read meat thermometer, don’t let it sit in the meat while cooking, but just stick it at any stage of the cooking process, then pull it out to get the reading.
Set the stove or the oven according to the temperature said in the recipe (if you’re following any). Cook the meat, following the cooking time given.
5 to ten minutes before the end of the cooking time, check the thermometer. If the reading is close to the required temperature, complete the cooking time. If it’s still far off, adjust the cooking time. If the you have the right temperature already, stop the cooking process.
Some Tips:
This handy cooking device can be used for other dishes and meals, such as casseroles and soups, not just for meat.
Thoroughly clean the thermometer after every use.
Replace the thermometer’s glass if you see cracks in it. This prevents bacterial growth.
Calibrating the thermometer increases its accuracy. Put two inches of the sensing area in a pot of boiling water. The temperature should read 100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Fahrenheit. If it doesn’t read properly, adjust the reading by recalibrating the thermometer or turning the adjustment nut.
If you know how to use a meat thermometer, you’ll never have to worry about serving uncooked and unsafe dishes again. Follow these easy steps and you’ll definitely cook up a fantastic meal.