It is possible to consume a cooked burger that is still pink on the inside; however, this is only the case if the internal temperature of the meat has reached 160 degrees Fahrenheit throughout. It is not at all unusual for the interior of hamburgers to be pink even after they have been cooked thoroughly, as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) explains.
How do you know when a burger is done cooking?
When you are at home, cook your hamburgers on the grill to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit, as measured by a meat thermometer. Instead of inserting the thermometer into the top of the beef, slide it into one of the sides of the meat to achieve a more accurate reading. If the burger is not entirely cooked through when you order it at a restaurant, you should send it back.
Is it safe to eat steak if the center is pink?
- Because of this, fully heating the outside layers of steak is typically sufficient to eliminate any potentially hazardous microorganisms that may have been present when the steak was first prepared.
- Even though the middle of your steak may be pink, you do not need to worry about it being unsafe if it has been cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit and then allowed to rest for three minutes.