Beef cooking methods can be categorized by internal temperature ranges that impact tenderness, juiciness, color, and microorganisms. [1] Between 122-149°F, muscle fibers shrink and collagen begins to break down, improving tenderness but moisture is retained. [2] From 149-160°F, connective tissue further shrinks and collagen breaks down halfway, making the meat very tender but less juicy. [3] Over 170°F, the meat hardens and becomes tough as it loses moisture, appearing well done and brown throughout.

1. Beef Cooking Methods

2. 122 F & below
(internal
temperature)
122 F &below
149 F
(internal
temperature)
149 F & over
(internal
temperature)
Tendernes
s/Texture
Muscle fiber width
& length gradually
decreases
Collagen fibers
”buckle,” but
tenderizing is
negligible.
Muscle fiber width
rapidly decreases
(from 113 F to
144F)&
extensively
shrinks in length
(from 113 F to
149 F).Proteins
cogulated by 144F
begin to break
down when tissue
is held 30 minutes
or more at 140 F
Muscle tissues
harden and
become tough.
Connective tissue
shrinks.
Solubilization of
collagen is about
half completed at
around 143 F
(higher for meat
from older
animals)

3. Juiciness Muscle loses
a slight
amount of
water.
Water content of
muscle decreases
as proteins are
broken down.
Tender meat is
juicy at this point.
Beef becomes
less juicy a
temperature
increases.
Color Center of beef
becomes
bright red.
Outside
becomes
grayish-brown
as
temperature
rises.
Beef cooked
rare(140 F internal
temperature) is
red with a thin
brown layer on
surface.
Beef at 160 F is
medium pink in
color. Beef at170
is well done and
brown throughout.
Microorganisms Most
microorganism
s are still
actively
reproducing at
these
temperatures.
Most yeast and
molds are
inactivated by
moist heat of
140F for 10
minutes.
Pathogenic
bacteria is
destroyed at 149
F for 12 to 15
minutes.

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