How to Safely Grill Meat Using an Electric BBQ Grill

Beef, pork, chicken, fish, or seafood, when grilled together on an electric BBQ grill, can feel like a little paradise for BBQ lovers. However, many people may not realize that this small paradise on the grill might hide dangers that can unexpectedly cause illness. The variety of ingredients on the grill often leads to neglecting temperature control, resulting in food that may not be as fully cooked as it appears.

How to Safely Grill Meat Using an Electric BBQ Grill 

Guidelines for Preparing Meat Safely:

1. Do not wash frozen chicken as it can easily spread bacteria to different areas.
2. Never consume undercooked chicken or pork. Raw pork risks Streptococcus suis infection, and undercooked chicken can lead to food poisoning, intestinal inflammation, and parasites. Cook until the meat is completely white.
3. Common meats that can be safely grilled to a medium-rare on an electric BBQ grill are beef and lamb. However, if you prefer them less cooked, ensure the meat source is trustworthy and check the color and smell.
4. Never consume raw freshwater fish or other freshwater animals, as they pose a risk of liver fluke infection.
5. For seafood, choose fresh ingredients and avoid overnight storage to prevent bacterial growth.
6. If the electric BBQ grill includes a soup area, avoid consuming raw meat from the soup immediately. Always wait for the soup to boil first, and if any burnt meat juice mixes with the soup, it is advisable to replace the soup.

What Temperature Ensures Meat is Safe and Ready to Eat?

After taking care to safely prepare your ingredients, the final challenge is to cook the food thoroughly while maintaining its delicious flavor. Regardless of the electric BBQ grill price, it's important to choose a model with adjustable temperature settings to ensure different types of meat are cooked properly. The recommended cooking temperatures for various meats are as follows:

- Beef: The minimum cooking temperature is 63°C (145°F).
- Pork: The minimum cooking temperature is approximately 68.3°C (155°F).
- Ham: The minimum cooking temperature is 71°C (160°F).
- Chicken or Duck: The minimum cooking temperature is 74°C (165°F).
- Fish and Seafood: The minimum cooking temperature is 63°C (145°F).

Simply piling ingredients onto the electric BBQ grill and expecting the heat to cook them thoroughly is risky. Paying attention to the preparation process of each type of meat and focusing on consuming fully cooked pieces can significantly reduce the risk of immediate and long-term health issues.