When it comes to cooking, opinions often run strong—whether it’s about technique or food safety. Many of us have our own beliefs about what works best in the kitchen, but it’s always worth considering other perspectives, too.
One topic stirring up debate: should you rinse ground beef before cooking, or is that a step better skipped?
Keep reading to discover what experts have to say.
Some home cooks argue that rinsing ground beef before cooking helps reduce fat, making it a popular idea for those watching their calorie intake. Others disagree, claiming that washing ground beef can actually diminish its flavor and moisture, resulting in a drier, blander dish.
Practical concerns also come into play.
Washing ground beef can lead to a mess from splashing water, not to mention potential plumbing issues. Pouring fats down the drain can clog pipes over time, leading to costly repairs. If you still prefer to rinse, let any fat solidify first, then scrape it into the trash.
According to USDA experts, rinsing isn’t necessary. This was reported by Newsner.
Cooking ground beef to the recommended temperature will kill harmful bacteria. In fact, washing raw meat could spread germs around the kitchen if surfaces aren’t sanitized thoroughly.
Ultimately, the choice to rinse or not is yours.
