How to Cook Meat Without Touching It: Simple Tips for the Squeamish

Cooking meat can feel intimidating, especially if you’re not comfortable handling raw meat or are worried about food safety.

But don’t worry—there are easy ways to cook meat without much hands-on contact, and with the right tools and techniques, you’ll build confidence in no time.

Start With a Thermometer

The first tip, as Aaron Hutcherson suggests, is to “invest in an instant-read thermometer.”

This tool is essential because “the internal temperature of the meat — not the color or the texture — is the surefire way to know when you have reached a safe cooking temperature.”

With this, you can avoid overcooking and ensure food safety.

Use Tools to Avoid Direct Contact

If you’re not keen on touching meat, “start by using tongs.” You can also try food-safe gloves, which are “a standard in the restaurant industry.”

While getting hands-on is sometimes necessary, these tools can help make the experience more comfortable as you get used to working with meat.

Choose Recipes That Require Less Handling

To minimize your contact with raw meat, opt for recipes that involve less handling. For example, you could “cook a giant hunk of meat” like a whole chicken, pot roast, or pork shoulder. With these dishes, “there’s usually very little to do other than seasoning the cut.”

Braising is an especially forgiving method—just let the meat cook slowly in a covered pot, and it’s hard to overcook.

For those looking for something smaller, try using parchment or foil packets, or as it’s known in French, “en papillote.”

You can “tuck a small protein into the parcel with some spices, aromatics, quick-cooking vegetables, and a little liquid.” This method works well with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or even fish.

Food Safety is Key

Maintaining proper hygiene is crucial. “Proper hand washing; cleaning and sanitizing surfaces that come in contact with raw meat” are essential.

To further reduce contamination risks, consider setting “newspaper under [your] meat cutting board.” This helps keep your counter clean while you prep.

Be Patient and Have Fun

At the end of the day, “Be patient with yourself, try to have fun, and enjoy the process.” Cooking is about experimentation, so don’t be afraid to try new things and learn as you go.

Good luck, and happy cooking!

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