Cooking or roasting expensive meat cuts do not need guesswork. A meat thermometer is a life-saving gadget in the kitchen. The instrument will let you know if the meat is correctly cooked and safe for family consumption. Besides that, it will help you cook tough meat without overcooking. Learning how to use a meat thermometer is crucial.
The skill will help you save on money and alleviate anxiety associated with cooking expensive meat cuts for the family or friends.
The good news is that you can use a meat thermometer to check the right temperature for cooking fish filets, chicken breast, and pork chops every time.
This article explains ways how to use a meat thermometer chicken and lists some of the best meat thermometers in the market. Take the time to read through and make an informed decision.
Why Should You Use a Meat Thermometer?
Cooking foods that meet health standards is essential. The heat allows the food to attain a specific internal temperature for eliminating foodborne diseases.
So, can I use the best meat thermometer for oil? Yes. It will help to provide correct readings of the temperature. It helps to ensure the food is safe for consumption without compromising the flavors and texture.
The most incredible thing is that you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for deep-fried or grilled chicken and turkey.
It would be best to follow your cooking recipe. Remember to check the food temperature in the last 10 minutes before the expiry time of cooking. But learning how to use a meat thermometer Smoke a Steak will be a great option.
What Is the Best Type of Meat Thermometer?
A meat thermometer is an essential kitchen appliance for cooking proteins to the desired level of doneness. These gadgets are available in digital and analog versions.
Most of these thermometer models tend to vary in cost. Select a version that suits your cooking style, and it should be simple to read.
Dial Thermometer
It is a model that can be left in the meat while cooking. The thermometer is suitable when cooking large meat cuts such as turkeys and hams.
But the instrument takes longer to reach the preferred internal temperature. Besides that, getting temperature readings is a daunting experience.
Digital Thermometer
The version is inexpensive and provides instant temperature readings. Always use the meat thermometer at the end to check the doneness of the meat.
The model is ideal when grilling, cooking in the oven, and on the stove. But you will be expected to learn how to use an instant-read meat thermometer.
Thermocouples Thermometer
The thermometer model is quite expensive but worth the value of your money. It has a thin tip for either inserting in a lump of thick or thin meat.
The most exciting thing is that the instrument provides the most accurate readings. It is ideal when roasting a turkey for Thanksgiving and a leg of lamb.
There is no hassle in learning how to use a meat thermometer on the grill. You can get instant readings without burning your hands.
Disposable Thermometers
The version is a real gem when preparing meat cuts for a special occasion. It helps to avoid cross-contamination of meat cuts.
The thermometer model can either pop-up or change color to indicate the achievement of the desired internal temperature. No need for learning how to use a digital thermometer.
How to Use a Meat Thermometer Like A Pro
Here are steps to get accurate internal temperature readings:
Choose Your Thermometer Model
There are numerous versions of the thermometer on the market. Pick a model that is easy to read and use in different types of meat cuts.
We recommend using digital instant-read thermometer models. These gadgets provide more accurate results, and there is no need for learning how to use an instant-read thermometer.
Test the Functionality of the Thermometer
Put the gadget in the container full of ice and water for 20 seconds to provide readings. Ensure the display is 0oC (32oF). It is an indicator for a ready to use a thermometer.
Any deviation means the instrument needs to be recalibrated. Use the manufacturer’s instructions in the package to get started.
Check the Meat Temperature Regularly
Regular temperature testing depends on the meat cut and the mode of cooking. Thick meat cuts need to be tested after every 30 minutes and thin cuts after every 5-10 minutes.
Do not remove the food from the heat source while checking the temperature readings. It increases the chance of taking inaccurate readings and ends up overcooking.
Poke the thermometer in the meat cut while on the heating source. Accurate readings are crucial to avoid compromising with the flavors due to overcooking.
Poke the Thermometer in the Thickest Part
Insert the thermometer in the region free from bones, fats, and gristle. The technique is ideal for gauging the temperature of the largest meat cut.
Allow the instrument to stay for 10 seconds and record the temperature. Remove the gadget and keep it in a safe place that is germ-free.
Take the Final Temperature Readings
Checking the final readings should be done before the expiry of the cooking time. It helps to confirm if the protein food is ready for consumption or not. Continue cooking and monitoring the internal temperature if the food is not yet ready. Maintain maximum concentration to avoid spoiling your dinner or party.
Note: Learning how to use a good cook meat thermometer should be given top priority. It will help prevent spoiling your BBQ party or dinner.
Can You Leave a Meat Thermometer in the Meat While It’s Cooking?
Meat thermometers come in different models. It is upon you to choose a thermometer model that suits your needs. It would be best to consider a meat thermometer that is simple and easy to use.
So, can you leave the thermometer in the meat while cooking? Yes. But ensure the chosen meat thermometer is oven-proof. It can tolerate the heat from the oven and grill when cooking meat.
All you need is to learn how to use an instant-read meat thermometer that is oven safe. It will help to save on time and reduce the hassle of grilling or smoking.
How Do I Know If My Thermometer Is Oven Safe?
Oven-safe thermometers are suitable for cooking thick foods. All you need to do is to insert the thermometer deep on the thickest part of the food.
The most incredible thing is that an oven-safe thermometer can stay in the oven while cooking the food. These gadgets are designed to tolerate high temperatures in the oven.
So, how do I know if my thermometer is oven-safe? These magical kitchen appliances usually have a warning label that indicates an oven-safe thermometer.
Below is an outline on how to use meat thermometer steak in an oven:
- Insert the digital thermometer in the food
- Keep the transmitter away from the heat source
- Ensure the probe wire remain in the food while cooking inside the oven
- Keep the probe firmly inside the food throughout the cooking session
When Should You Insert a Meat Thermometer?
Digital meat thermometer help to avoid overcooking your favorite meat steak. But you need to learn how to properly use a meat thermometer.
Keep in mind that different meat thermometer models are used differently. Take time to read the thermometer instruction manual to have a clue on how to use it.
Here are steps on how to insert a meat thermometer in food:
- Insert the digital thermometer on the thickest part of the food
- Ensure the meat thermometer is not deep close to the bone and fatty part
- Take the temperature reading about five minutes before the expiry of the cooking period
- Allow the food to cool for about five minutes before eating
Where Do You Insert a Meat Thermometer in Chicken?
Chicken meat can be cooked using different methods. You may opt to grill or place it in the oven for faster cooking.
It would be best to note that not all meat thermometers can help in monitoring the temperature of chicken meat in the oven.
Below are tips on how to use a meat thermometer chicken:
- Place the thermometer in the thickest and dense part of the chicken
- Ensure the thermometer is firmly inserted between the chicken breast or thigh
- Allow the temperature reading to rise up to 165 degrees for proper roasting
Where Do You Insert the Meat Thermometer in Turkey?
Learning how to use a meat thermometer for turkey is a no-brainer. Most of these gadgets are super easy to use. But you need to exercise precautions to avoid spoiling your turkey meat.
Here are the steps to follow:
- Slip the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey
- Ensure the thermometer is oven-safe before starting to cook the turkey
- Remove the meat from the oven once the temperature rises to 165 degrees
In Conclusion
Now that you have learned how to use the best meat thermometer. Take the opportunity to make a bold step of purchasing one of the trusted meat thermometers listed in the guide.
You can use the gadgets to demonstrate your skills on use a meat thermometer for turkey, chicken, and steak. We hope the information will help you make an informed decision before buying.
