Meat Temperatures are an important thing to consider when BBQing or smoking meat. The type of meat, the thickness of the cut, and the desired level of doneness all play a role in what temperature you should cook your meat.
Cooking your meat to the right temperature is important for many reasons. First, it ensures that your meat is cooked and safe to eat. Undercooked meat can be unsafe, especially if it’s not properly handled. Second, cooking meat at the right temperature helps ensure it retains its flavor and juices. Overcooked meat can be dry and tough, making it less enjoyable to eat.
Here is a guide to help you achieve the perfect finish for your next backyard cookout!

Table of Contents
Beef Temperatures
Beef is a versatile meat that can be cooked in many different ways. The type of beef, the cut, and the desired level of doneness all play a role in what temperature you should cook your beef.
Brisket
- Cook Temperature: 185°F and 275°F
- Finished Temperature: 202°F
- Smoked Brisket Recipe
- Smoked Brisket Burnt Ends Recipe
Steak
- Cook Temperature: 225°F
- Finished Temperature: 145°F
- Smoked Steak Recipe
- Reverse Seared Smoked Steak Recipe
Beef Ribs
- Cook Temperature: 225°F
- Finished Temperature: 202°F
- Smoked Beef Ribs Recipe
Burgers
- Cook Temperature: 225°F
- Finished Temperature: 145°F
- Smoked Hamburger Recipe
- Smoked Smash Burger Recipe
Beef Jerky
- Cook Temperature: 225°F
- Finished Temperature: 145°F
- Smoked Beef Jerky Recipe
Beef Roast
- Cook Temperature: 225°F
- Finished Temperature: 145°F
- Smoked
Tri-Tip
- Cook Temperature: 225°F
- Finished Temperature: 145°F
- Smoked Steak Recipe
- Reverse Seared Smoked Steak Recipe
Pork Temperatures
Cooking your Pork to the right internal temperature is important for many reasons. First, the temperatures below ensure that we follow food safety guidelines. Next, it’s all about keeping your pork juicy and tender! Follow these temperatures to make sure you’re BBQ’d or smoked pork is perfect every time
Smoked Brisket
- Cook Temperature: 185°F and 275°F
- Finished Temperature: 202°F
- Smoked Brisket Recipe
Smoked Steak
- Cook Temperature: 225°F
- Finished Temperature: 135°F (rare) 135°F (medium-rare) 145°F (medium) 150°F (medium-well) 155°F+ (well)
- Smoked Steak Recipe
- Reverse Seared Smoked Steak Recipe
Poultry Temperatures
Poultry is probably the most important kind of meat to ensure that we hit all the right temperatures. Not fully cooking your poultry can result in food poisoning and no one wants that after a great backyard cookout. Follow these poultry meat temperatures for perfectly cooked poultry.
Smoked Brisket
- Cook Temperature: 185°F and 275°F
- Finished Temperature: 202°F
- Smoked Brisket Recipe
Smoked Steak
- Cook Temperature: 225°F
- Finished Temperature: 135°F (rare) 135°F (medium-rare) 145°F (medium) 150°F (medium-well) 155°F+ (well)
- Smoked Steak Recipe
- Reverse Seared Smoked Steak Recipe
Fish Temperatures
Cooking fish to the right temperature is not as critical as ensuring that poultry is cooked perfectly. Fish can be eaten raw (and often is), so the meat temperatures for fish are more of a guideline for if you’re smoking fish for guests that don’t like raw fish.
Smoked Brisket
- Cook Temperature: 185°F and 275°F
- Finished Temperature: 202°F
- Smoked Brisket Recipe
Smoked Steak
- Cook Temperature: 225°F
- Finished Temperature: 135°F (rare) 135°F (medium-rare) 145°F (medium) 150°F (medium-well) 155°F+ (well)
- Smoked Steak Recipe
- Reverse Seared Smoked Steak Recipe