USDA: cook lamb chops and leg of lamb to 145°F (63°C) and rest 3 minutes. Popular targets (ThermoWorks): rare 120-130°F, medium rare 130-135°F, medium 135-145°F.
- USDA safe minimum
- 145°F63°C internal temperature
- Rest time
- 3 minBefore carving or eating
- Doneness range
- 120–155°FRare to well done
- Safe & popular
- 145°FMedium well
- 120°FRare49°C
- 130°FMedium rare54°C
- 135°FMedium57°C
- 145°FMedium well63°C
- 155°FWell done68°C
Safe minimums from USDA FSIS and FoodSafety.gov. Checked .
Lamb chops & leg temperature chart
| Doneness | °F | °C | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare | 120°F | 49°C | ThermoWorks range 120-130°F; red center (below USDA's 145°F + 3-min rest) |
| Medium rare | 130°F | 54°C | ThermoWorks range 130-135°F (below USDA's 145°F + 3-min rest) |
| Medium | 135°F | 57°C | ThermoWorks range 135-145°F; reaches USDA's 145°F only at the top of the range |
| Medium well | 145°F | 63°C | ThermoWorks range 145-155°F; meets USDA minimum with 3-min rest |
| Well done | 155°F | 68°C | ThermoWorks: 155°F and up |
Doneness targets come from the culinary sources listed below. USDA's food-safety minimum is 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest; anything below it is a personal risk choice.
Safe temperature for lamb
USDA: cook lamb chops and leg of lamb to 145°F (63°C) and rest 3 minutes. Popular targets (ThermoWorks): rare 120-130°F, medium rare 130-135°F, medium 135-145°F.
When to take it off the heat
Carryover cooking: ThermoWorks suggests pulling steaks and chops about 5°F early and roasts 10-12°F early, depending on size.
Where to put the thermometer
Insert through the side of the cut so the tip sits in the center, clear of bone and fat (Certified Angus Beef).
Questions people ask
What temp is medium rare lamb?
ThermoWorks puts medium rare lamb at 130-135°F, below USDA's 145°F minimum.
What about ground lamb?
USDA says ground lamb should reach 160°F, like other ground meats.
What temperature does lamb need to be cooked to?
USDA: cook lamb chops and leg of lamb to 145°F (63°C) and rest 3 minutes. Popular targets (ThermoWorks): rare 120-130°F, medium rare 130-135°F, medium 135-145°F.
When is lamb done?
USDA: cook lamb chops and leg of lamb to 145°F (63°C) and rest 3 minutes. Popular targets (ThermoWorks): rare 120-130°F, medium rare 130-135°F, medium 135-145°F.
What temperature does lamb need to be?
USDA: cook lamb chops and leg of lamb to 145°F (63°C) and rest 3 minutes. Popular targets (ThermoWorks): rare 120-130°F, medium rare 130-135°F, medium 135-145°F.
What temp does lamb need to be cooked to?
USDA: cook lamb chops and leg of lamb to 145°F (63°C) and rest 3 minutes. Popular targets (ThermoWorks): rare 120-130°F, medium rare 130-135°F, medium 135-145°F.