4 Ways To Check That Pork Is Cooked Through - WikiHow

Home » How To Know When Pork Is Done » 4 Ways To Check That Pork Is Cooked Through - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Check That Pork Is Cooked Through PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods Signs that Pork is Cooked 1 Using a Continuous Read Thermometer 2 Checking Doneness with an Instant Thermometer 3 Checking Doneness Without a Thermometer + Show 1 more... - Show less... Other Sections Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Marrow Private Chefs

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 References

PDF download Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Marrow Private Chefs. Marrow Private Chefs are based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It is a chefs’ collective comprised of an ever-growing number of chefs and culinary professionals. Though regionally influenced primarily by coastal, traditional southern, cajun, and creole styles and flavors, the chefs at Marrow have a solid background in all types of cuisine with over 75 years of combined cooking experience. This article has been viewed 331,313 times.

It’s important to cook pork thoroughly to avoid getting sick. Generally speaking, all pork needs to be cooked to at least 145 °F (63 °C) to be safe to eat (or 160 °F (71 °C) for ground pork), and a thermometer is the best way to keep track of cooking temperatures as you go. If you don’t have a thermometer, however, there are still ways to know if your pork is cooked enough to be safe to eat.

How to Tell if Pork is Cooked

Pork is cooked through and safe to eat when the internal temperature is at least 145° F (63° C). To check doneness, remove the pork periodically and insert a digital cooking thermometer into the thickest portion of the meat. Or, insert a continuous read thermometer and check it throughout the cooking time.

Steps

Signs that Pork is Cooked

Signs that Pork is Cooked Through Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Using a Continuous Read Thermometer

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Make sure the pork is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. 1 Make sure the pork is at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. The pork will need to be thick enough for you to leave the thermometer probe inserted throughout cooking, so some cuts of pork may not be appropriate for a continuous read thermometer. Anything one inch or thicker should be fine.[1]
    • Thin cuts of pork are not well suited for leaving a thermometer inserted throughout cooking.
    • Ribs and bacon may be too thin to use a thermometer.
  2. Step 2 Prepare the pork to be cooked. 2 Prepare the pork to be cooked. A continuous read thermometer is meant to stay in the pork throughout its cooking time, but you’ll want to do any preparations, brines, and the like before inserting it.[2]
    • You can insert the thermometer first, but it may get in the way of your preparations.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Check That Pork Is Cooked Through 3 Insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. You’ll want to stick the thermometer in the middle of the cut of pork, because that’s the last part that will reach proper temperature.[3]
    • Keep the thermometer away from bone in the pork, as it may affect its readings.
    • If the pork is less than an inch thick, you may be able to insert the thermometer from the side, otherwise, it may be easiest just to insert it from the top.
  4. Step 4 Wait until the thermometer reads at least 140 °F (60 °C). 4 Wait until the thermometer reads at least 140 °F (60 °C). According to the USDA, pork needs to be cooked to between 145 °F (63 °C) and 160 °F (71 °C) in order to be safe to eat. However, you can take the pork out of the oven a few degrees prior to the 145 mark to avoid overcooking.[4]
    • The internal temperature of the pork will continue to rise once you take it out, regardless of whether you cooked it in the oven or a slow cooker.
    • Never eat pork that hasn’t had its internal temperature brought up to at least 145 °F (63 °C).
    • With ground pork, 160 °F (71 °C) should be treated as the lowest number, rather than 140 °F (60 °C).
  5. Step 5 Take the pork out of the oven and let it sit. 5 Take the pork out of the oven and let it sit. Although you may remove the pork a few degrees before it reached the recommended temperature, heat from the outside portions of the meat will continue to spread into the middle, raising the temperature even out of the oven.
    • Let a thick cut of pork (1 inch (2.5 cm) or bigger) rest for 15 minutes before eating, but thinner ones will take less time.
    • Keep an eye on the thermometer to ensure it passes the 145 °F (63 °C) mark before serving. If it doesn’t, keep cooking it.
    6. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Checking Doneness with an Instant Thermometer

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Cook the pork with the thermometer handy. 1 Cook the pork with the thermometer handy. An instant thermometer isn’t meant to be left in the cut of meat as it cooks. Instead, you will need to periodically insert the thermometer probe into the pork to check its internal temperature.[5]
    • Unlike a continuous read thermometer, an instant thermometer must be inserted and removed each time you check.
    • Do not use an instant surface thermometer, as it won’t tell you internal cooking temperatures.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Check That Pork Is Cooked Through 2 Remove the pork from the oven periodically to check the temperature. While some people may want to check the temperature of the pork without pulling the whole pan from the oven, the high temperatures inside the oven make doing so unsafe.[6]
    • Even if you’re not using an oven, remove the pork from the heat source before checking its temperature.
    • Checking the temperature while still on the stove or in the oven may also affect the thermometer’s reading.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Check That Pork Is Cooked Through 3 Insert the instant thermometer in the middle of the pork. Like a continuous read thermometer, you’ll want to insert your instant thermometer into the thickest portion of the cut of meat. Keep it away from any bones as that can have an effect on its reading.
    • If the meat is less than 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick, you may want to insert the thermometer probe horizontally instead of from the top.
    • Be sure to remove the thermometer again before putting the pork back on or in its heat source.
  4. Step 4 Place the pork back in the oven until it reaches at least 140 °F (60 °C). 4 Place the pork back in the oven until it reaches at least 140 °F (60 °C). If you’re using a recipe, it may offer guidance as to how long the pork needs to cook, but you should not rely on the timeframe provided. Check the pork periodically and continue cooking it until it hits a minimum of 140 °F (60 °C), or 160 °F (71 °C) for ground pork.[7]
    • Remember, the pork will continue to cook after you remove it from the heat source.
  5. Step 5 Remove the pork from the oven and let it sit. 5 Remove the pork from the oven and let it sit. Once the pork is about 5 °F (−15 °C) below the preferred internal temperature, remove it from the heat source and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Remember, the internal temperature must reach at least 145 °F (63 °C), so keep an eye on it to ensure it does.[8]
    • An internal temperature of 145 °F (63 °C) would be considered “rare,” so you may choose to cook it longer.
    • A temperature of 160 °F (71 °C) is usually considered well done.
    • You don’t need to let ground pork sit after it’s done cooking.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Checking Doneness Without a Thermometer

PDF download Download Article
  1. Watermark wikiHow to Check That Pork Is Cooked Through 1 Check to see if the juices are clear. Although thermometers are the best way to determine if your pork is done cooking, you can gauge the doneness of pork by the color of the juices that come out of it when you poke a hole in it with a knife or fork.[9]
    • If the juices that come out of the pork run clear or are very faintly pink, the pork is done cooking.
    • If the juices are not clear, continue cooking the pork and check again later.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Check That Pork Is Cooked Through 2 Use a long knife to see if the pork is still tough inside. If you are slow cooking the pork, it will reach the necessary internal temperature long before the meat is as tender as you may intend. Use a long knife or a skewer to puncture the middle of the pork and assess the resistance it gives you as you press it in.[10]
    • If the knife or skewer slides in and out easily, the center of the pork has become tender.
    • If you hit resistance, allow the pork to continue to cook and try again after a few minutes.
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Check That Pork Is Cooked Through 3 Cut into the pork to see if it’s opaque. For some cuts of pork not thick enough for thermometers, this may be your only way to assess doneness. Cut a slit into the thickest part of the pork, then pull it apart with a knife and fork to gauge its internal color.[11]
    • The pork should be opaque (solid in color) and may have a slight pinkish tint when done.
    • Very thin cuts of pork like sliced bacon can be checked without cutting into them.
  4. Step 4 Compare the pork’s firmness to the palm of your hand. 4 Compare the pork’s firmness to the palm of your hand. For cuts of pork like chops and steaks, you can usually assess the meat’s doneness by pressing firmly into it with your tongs or fingers. Properly cooked pork will feel firm and quickly spring back into shape after you pull your fingers away. The pork should feel as firm as the center of your outstretched palm.
    • If any juices squeeze out, they should be clear when the pork is done cooking.
    • If the pork feels soft to the touch, it needs to keep cooking.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • Pork is considered “rare” at 145 °F (63 °C), “medium” at around 150 °F (66 °C)-155 °F (68 °C), and “well done” at 160 °F (71 °C). Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
  • Always wash your hands after handling undercooked or raw pork. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
  • Digital thermometers are considered the most accurate way to determine meat’s internal temperatures. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You’ll Need

  • Instant or continuous read thermometer
  • Oven mitts
  • Baking sheet or frying pan
  • Knife or skewer

You Might Also Like

Tell if Pork Chops Are DoneHow toTell if Pork Chops Are Done Know if Chicken Is CookedHow to Tell if Chicken Is Done: Using a Food Thermometer & Other Signs Tell if Sausage Is Cooked2 Ways to Tell If Sausage Is Cooked (Plus Sausage Recipes) Cook Pork Chops on the StoveBest Ways to Cook Pork Chops on the Stove Tell if Shrimp Is CookedHow to Tell if Shrimp Is Cooked: Easy Ways to Get Perfectly Cooked Shrimp Every Time Tell if Corned Beef Is CookedHow to Tell if Corned Beef Is Safely Cooked How toTell when Salmon Is Cooked How toCook Smoked Pork Chops Cook PorkHow toCook Pork Cook MeatUltimate Guide to Cooking Meat: Best Ways to Get Juicy, Tender Meat + How Long to Cook Meat For Tell if Thanksgiving Turkey Is DoneHow toTell if Thanksgiving Turkey Is Done How toKnow if Fish Is Cooked Defrost Food in the MicrowaveHow toDefrost Food in the Microwave Deep Fry at HomeHow toDeep Fry at Home Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--461/pork-doneness.asp
  2. ↑ https://www.pork.org/cooking/pork-temperature/
  3. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-use-a-meat-thermometer-article
  4. ↑ https://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--461/pork-doneness.asp
  5. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-use-a-meat-thermometer-article
  6. ↑ https://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--461/pork-doneness.asp
  7. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/how-to-use-a-meat-thermometer-article
  8. ↑ https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep/charts/mintemp.html
  9. ↑ https://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--461/pork-doneness.asp
More References (2)
  1. ↑ https://www.recipetips.com/kitchen-tips/t--461/pork-doneness.asp
  2. ↑ https://www.eatingwell.com/article/110073/is-it-done-yet-4-ways-to-really-know-if-your-meat-is-cooked/

About This Article

Marrow Private Chefs Co-authored by: Marrow Private Chefs Culinary Experts This article was co-authored by Marrow Private Chefs. Marrow Private Chefs are based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It is a chefs’ collective comprised of an ever-growing number of chefs and culinary professionals. Though regionally influenced primarily by coastal, traditional southern, cajun, and creole styles and flavors, the chefs at Marrow have a solid background in all types of cuisine with over 75 years of combined cooking experience. This article has been viewed 331,313 times. 30 votes - 66% Co-authors: 5 Updated: May 12, 2025 Views: 331,313 Categories: Pork | Food Safety Article SummaryX

The easiest, safest way to tell if pork is cooked through is by using a thermometer. Just insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the meat since that’s the last part to reach the proper temperature. Wait until the thermometer reads at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit before taking it out of the oven. If you don't have a thermometer, you can also see if the juices are clear or light pink, which is a sign that the meat is fully cooked. You can also insert a knife into the pork to check for a tender middle. To learn how to tell if your pork is done by its internal color, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Vietnamese Chinese Portuguese German Spanish French Indonesian Italian Dutch Thai Korean Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 331,313 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Marrow Private Chefs Co-authored by: Marrow Private Chefs Culinary Experts 30 votes - 66% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 5 Updated: May 12, 2025 Views: 331,313

Quizzes & Games

Am I Healthy QuizAm I Healthy QuizTake QuizChat, Am I Cooked QuizChat, Am I Cooked QuizTake QuizPizza CalculatorPizza CalculatorHow Disgusting Am I QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizAm I Funny QuizAm I Funny QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Tell if Pork Chops Are DoneHow toTell if Pork Chops Are DoneKnow if Chicken Is CookedHow to Tell if Chicken Is Done: Using a Food Thermometer & Other SignsTell if Sausage Is Cooked2 Ways to Tell If Sausage Is Cooked (Plus Sausage Recipes)Cook Pork Chops on the StoveBest Ways to Cook Pork Chops on the Stove

Featured Articles

What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?What Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I QuizHow Beautiful Am I Quiz13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceWhich of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestMental Illness Test

Trending Articles

Let Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizLet Us Rate You 1-10: Attractiveness Scale QuizCan We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?Make OutHow toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?Am I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

Enjoy the HolidaysHow toEnjoy the Holidays Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly QuizAm I Girly Quiz200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better200 Fun, Flirty, & Deep Questions to Get to Know a Guy Better Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsHow to Tighten Skin Under Your Chin: Natural or Surgical OptionsWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Featured Articles

21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)21 Common Hand Signs & Gestures (& What They Mean)170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like Lies170+ Best Useless Facts That Sound Like LiesIs He Interested In Me QuizIs He Interested In Me Quiz15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It)15 Signs Your Ex Misses You (and What to Do About It) Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)How to Observe Hanukkah (From Candle Lighting to Latke Frying)165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More165+ "You Are Special" Quotes For Friends, Family, Partners & More

Watch Articles

Wrap a Round GiftHow toWrap a Round GiftSteam in an OvenHow toSteam in an Oven Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesClean a Silver NecklaceHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of Soda4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaPart Your HairHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any ArgumentAm I a Furry QuizAm I a Furry QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizHave I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizRandom Fortune GeneratorRandom Fortune GeneratorWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)What Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)

Quizzes & Games

What's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizWhat's the Best Meal Kit for Me QuizTake QuizCognitive TestCognitive TestTake QuizWhat Piercing Should I Get QuizWhat Piercing Should I Get QuizTake QuizAm I a Picky Eater QuizAm I a Picky Eater QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Food and Entertaining
  • Recipes
  • Meat
  • Pork
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --717

Tag » How To Know When Pork Is Done