Degree of Doneness

Red meat (beef and lamb) changes from red to pink to gray or gray-brown.

• Rare: browned surface; thin layer of cooked (gray) meat; red interior
• Medium: thicker layer of gray; pink interior
• Well done: gray throughout

White meat (veal and pork) changes from pink or gray-pink to white or off-white. It is generally cooked well done, although many cuts of veal may be considered done when still slightly pink in the center.