The main indicator that a burger is cooked is when its internal temperature, measured by a meat thermometer, reaches the minimum safe temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, as marked by the USDA for ground beef. Depending on how you are preparing your burger, the internal temperature of the meat may not reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Although not all burgers are cooked to this temperature, it is the main indicator that the burger is done.
Often, hamburgers are served with an internal temperature lower than 160 degrees Fahrenheit, however, it is necessary to include a notification on your menu informing customers beforehand about the possible risks associated with eating meat that is not fully cooked. Eating raw or undercooked dishes can pose a threat, but adequately cooked rare and medium meat is considered safe for consumption.
What Is a Meat Thermometer?
A meat thermometer is a device used to check the internal temperature of cooked foods and meats. Its purpose is to ensure that foods are cooked to the desired levels, greatly lowering the risk of foodborne illnesses by allowing you to cut into the food without compromising its texture and flavor, and eliminating harmful pathogens, bacteria, and other meat-related risks.
How to Use a Meat Thermometer
Checking internal temperatures is made easier by using a meat thermometer. Simply insert the meat thermometer’s probe into the thickest section of the meat, as close to the center as possible. To ensure accurate temperature readings and to check the temperature of your food in multiple areas, it is recommended to keep meat thermometers away from heat sources like grills. Additionally, you may also want to check for any isolated hotspots to ensure that the reading is not influenced.
Burger Internal Temp
The necessary cooking duration and preferred internal heat for every variety of burger are specified below. Flavor and consistency may vary considerably with a minor variation in internal temperature. It is highly advised that you acquaint yourself with the cooking process for each type since the internal temperature differs among various burger types.
Blue Rare Burger Temp
The burger will be seared on top with a completely red center, resulting in a tender and soft interior. Blue rare hamburgers usually reach the desired internal temperatures in a total cooking time of under four minutes. The internal temperature of a blue rare burger should be between 120 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rare Burger Temp
This is typically accomplished in around four minutes of total cooking time. Burgers are mostly known for their rare red center. Giving the meat a juicy and tender texture, burgers are mostly known for their rare red center. This is typically accomplished in around four minutes of total cooking time.
Medium Rare Burger Temp
Burgers that are cooked medium-rare have a slightly red, center with a firmer texture and a seared exterior. Typically, these burgers are cooked for around five minutes in total before reaching the desired internal temperature. A medium-rare burger usually reaches an internal temperature between 130 and 135 degrees Fahrenheit before being fully cooked.
Medium Burger Temp
The texture of the interior is slightly firmer, and the center is known for its light-pink color. This type of burger is usually cooked in around six to seven minutes in total. To cook the burger medium, the internal temperature of the meat should reach between 140 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Medium Well Burger Temp
Medium-well burgers are known to have a firmer texture and are pink and red in the center, but similar to burgers cooked to medium, they take about seven to eight minutes to cook in total. The preparation of medium-well burgers involves cooking the meat to an internal temperature between 150 and 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
Well Done Burger Temp
Burgers that are well-done are known for their firm texture and completely browned center. This type of burger usually needs to be cooked for the longest, typically taking around eight to nine minutes. Well-done burgers are cooked to internal temperatures reaching over 160 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the highest temperature for this type of cooked burger.
Burger Temperatures Chart
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Burger Temperature FAQ
Below we’ve provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding burger temperatures and how they are cooked.
What Temperature to Cook Burgers?
If you are cooking burgers, they should be cooked at high to medium-high heat, meaning somewhere between 400 and 350 degrees Fahrenheit. To ensure that you are cooking your burgers at the correct temperature, most grills come equipped with their own thermometer. However, if your grill does not have a thermometer or if you are looking for improved accuracy, it would be sufficient to have a grill thermometer.
How Long Can a Cooked Burger Sit Out?
Leftover cooked burgers should be kept in a cool area. This is because various microorganisms and germs can multiply quickly, causing the temperature to reach levels that are considered unsafe. Generally, it is recommended that a cooked burger should not be left out in an environment that is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit for more than one to two hours. Instead, it should be stored in a room-temperature environment.
How Long to Let Burgers Rest?
Resting the meat allows for the meat to absorb some of the juices again, preventing the meat from becoming dry and tasteless. It is recommended to let cooked burgers rest for about five minutes before serving. It is advisable to give the meat some time to rest before serving cooked burgers.
Should Burgers Be Room Temp Before Grilling?
While cooking, the low temperatures preserve the meat’s fat, ensuring the burger remains juicy. To begin cooking, it is advisable to refrigerate the meat beforehand. There is no need to let the meat reach room temperature prior to grilling burgers.
How Long Should You Grill Your Burgers For?
Cooking typically involves preparing one burger at a time from the types listed below. The cooking time is more important than the internal temperature of the burger. The cooking time for burgers may vary slightly depending on the desired level of doneness.
Learning how to properly prepare burgers is the key to success for your establishment. There are strict guidelines for its preparation, including the control of temperature and time for TCS (food that requires time and temperature control for safety), such as ground beef designated as Meat. It is not only important to keep your customers safe from foodborne illness, but also to allow them to order burgers exactly how they like them. By doing so, you will greatly increase their satisfaction with their meals.