How Do You Know When Your Pork Is Done?
When it comes to cooking delicious pork recipes, having confidence is half the battle. We’ve broken down the internal temperatures, cooking times and cooking methods of your favorite cuts so you can know for sure when your pork is done.
Pork Internal Temperatures by Cut
Backribs
Internal Temperature: 180-195 degrees F
Cook Time: 1-6 hours
Cooking Methods:
Barbecue, grill or smoke over indirect medium heat at 325 degrees F.
Braise with a small amount of liquid over low heat in a tightly covered pan in the oven.
Roast uncovered in a shallow pan at 350 degrees F.
Boston Butt
Internal Temperature: 195 degrees F
Cook Time: 45 minutes/pound – 1 hour/pound
Cooking Methods:
Barbecue, grill or smoke over indirect heat at 250-275 degrees F.
Braise with a small amount of liquid over low heat in a tightly covered pan in the oven.
Ground Pork Patties
Internal Temperature: 160 degrees F
Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
Cooking Methods:
Broil 4-5 inches from heat.
Grill over direct medium heat; turn once halfway through grilling.
Sauté with a small amount of oil over medium-high heat in an uncovered pan. Turn halfway through cooking time.
Loin Kabobs
Internal Temperature: 145-160 degrees F
Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
Cooking Methods:
Broil 4-5 inches from heat.
Grill over direct medium heat; turn once halfway through grilling.
Pork Chop
Internal Temperature: 145-160 degrees F
Cook Time: 8-12 minutes
Cooking Methods:
Broil 4-5 inches from heat.
Grill over direct medium heat; turn once halfway through grilling.
Pork Loin Roast
Internal Temperature: 145-160 degrees F
Cook Time: 20-30 minutes/pound
Cooking Methods:
Roast uncovered, shallow pan at 350 degrees F.
Pork Steak
Internal Temperature: 145-160 degrees F
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes/pound
Cooking Methods:
Broil 4-5 inches from heat.
Grill over direct medium heat; turn once halfway through grilling.
St. Louis-Style Spareribs
Internal Temperature: 180-195 degrees F
Cook Time: 1-6 hours
Cooking Methods:
Roast uncovered in a shallow pan at 350 degrees F.
Tenderloin
Internal Temperature: 145-160 degrees F
Cook Time: 20-35 minutes/pound
Cooking Methods:
Grill over direct medium heat; turn once halfway through grilling.
Roast uncovered in a shallow pan at 350 degrees F.
See more pork tips.