Wash your hands before handling food
Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the meat
Avoid touching bone, fat, or the cooking pan
For thin cuts, insert the thermometer from the side
Check the temperature near the end of cooking
Wait a few seconds for the reading to stabilize
Compare the reading to the safe internal temperature for that meat
Remove the meat from heat when it reaches the target temperature
Let the meat rest before slicing
Clean the thermometer with hot, soapy water after use