Thursday, August 13, 2009

How Long Does It Take To Barbecue Pork







Various Cuts of Pork


The length of time to cook pork, like any other meat, depends on the cut and thickness of the pork. It also depends on the temperature setting of the barbecue or grill (if applicable). Unlike beef, pork should not be barbecued at a high temperature, or the meat will dry out. The length of time for cooking pork is not as important as the technique.


The Grill Setting


Setting the grill to the right temperature to avoid overcooking pork is important. A medium to medium-high setting would suffice for thinner pork chops or steaks, which would only take minutes to cook. A lower temperature setting would be recommended for thicker cuts of pork tenderloin, ribs or blade and can take as long as 45 minutes or longer to finish.


The Meat Thermometer


Do not cook pork without a meat thermometer if you're unfamiliar with cook pork. This is the key to successfully cooking pork at the right internal temperature to minimize overcooked and dry pork and to maximize flavor and safety when eating pork. Undercooked pork has been attributed to trichinosis poisoning or tapeworm in some cases. While many recipes suggest that cooking pork to medium is acceptable, the U.S. government states that pork should be 160 degrees to achieve doneness. Cooking some pork cuts to 150 to 155 internal temperatures and allowing them to sit before cutting will help the internal temperature rise to the desired temperature without overcooking the pork.

Tags: cook pork, cooking pork, internal temperature, length time, overcooking pork