Yes, you can eat burgers that are pink inside, but only if they've reached a safe internal temperature.
While the color of a burger is often used as an indicator of doneness, it's not a reliable measure of safety. The pink color in cooked ground beef can be due to a chemical reaction between the oven heat and myoglobin (a protein in meat), which causes a red or pink color even when the burger is fully cooked and safe to eat.
To ensure your burgers are safe to eat, always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
Safe Internal Temperature for Ground Beef
The USDA recommends cooking all ground beef products to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) throughout. This temperature ensures that any harmful bacteria, such as E. coli, are destroyed.
How to Check the Temperature of a Burger:
- Insert the thermometer: Insert the meat thermometer into the thickest part of the burger, avoiding any bone.
- Check the temperature: Make sure the thermometer is reading 160°F (71°C) or higher.
- Rest: Let the burger rest for a few minutes after cooking. The temperature may rise slightly during this time.
In summary, pink burgers are safe to eat only if they have reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) throughout. Don't rely on color alone to determine if a burger is properly cooked. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure safety.
