To kill all bacteria, a turkey must be cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F. According to the USDA the bird must reach this temperature before you take it out of the oven.
Does turkey have to be cooked all the way through?
The best way to be sure a turkey — or any meat — is cooked safely and done is to use a meat thermometer. If the temperature of the turkey, as measured in the thigh, has reached 180°F. and is done to family preference, all the meat — including any that remains pink — is safe to eat.
How do I know if my turkey is undercooked?
The internal temperature should reach 180°F. To check for doneness without a thermometer, pierce the thigh and pay attention to the juices: if the juices run clear, it’s cooked, and if the juices are reddish pink, it needs more time. Put the turkey back in the oven and check again after a short time.
How do you tell if a turkey is cooked through?
But there’s only one way to be sure: the temperature. It just takes a simple reading with a meat thermometer to test if your turkey is ready to eat.
Check these places on your turkey and look for these temperatures:
- 180°F in thigh.
- 170°F in breast.
- 165°F in stuffing.
Can you stop cooking a turkey half way through?
Never brown or partially cook meat or poultry to refrigerate and finish later because any bacteria present would not have been destroyed. It is safe to partially cook meat and poultry in the microwave or on the stove only if the food is transferred immediately to the hot grill to finish cooking.
Can turkey be a little pink?
The color of cooked poultry is not always a sure sign of its safety. Only by using a food thermometer can one accurately determine that poultry has reached a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F throughout the product. Turkey can remain pink even after cooking to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 °F.
What happens if you eat slightly undercooked turkey?
What Happens If You Eat Undercooked Turkey? Consuming undercooked poultry could lead to salmonella, a type of food poisoning. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramping. The illness could be evident as soon as 12 hours later, or it could take up to 3 days to manifest itself.
Can you take a turkey out of the oven and put it back in?
Yes, you can place the whole turkey back in the oven, covering it to avoid dryness. You can also baste it with butter to help maintain moisture. If you’re in a bind and need your turkey finished in a hurry, the best thing to do is slice the turkey and then recook it.
Why does my turkey still look pink?
Nitrites and nitrates are often added to cured meats, like bacon and ham, to make them pink. But they also occur naturally in vegetables and water. So, turkeys are exposed to both through their food. If enough nitrites and nitrates are present, it can give the meat a pink tinge.
What does it mean when the red thing pops out of the turkey?
When the metal melts, it releases the red stick (A) and the spring (C) pops up the stick so you know the turkey is done. Turkey is done when it reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (73 degrees Celsius).
How long should I keep my turkey covered with foil?
To achieve that balance, the ideal is to let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered: We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out, then removing the cover for the last 30 minutes or so to allow the skin to crisp.
How long does a 14 lb turkey take to cook at 325?
If your turkey weighs 12 to 14 pounds, roast it at:
350°F for 2¾ to 3 hours. 325°F for 3 to 3¾ hours.
How long should turkey rest before carving?
Pull it out as soon as the temperature hits 165, or even a little lower. The amount of resting time depends on the size of the bird, but at least 20 minutes is needed. A large bird can wait up to 40 minutes or longer, depending on the temperature of the room.
How do you keep a turkey warm for 3 hours?
A kitchen towel placed over the foil helps keep the meat warm and moist until it’s time to be carved and served. For another option, cover the bird with foil and return it to a low-temperature, 200F oven. Place a pan of water under the turkey to create steam, which contributes to moistness.
What do I do if the turkey is done too early?
If it’s done around an hour early, let it rest uncovered for about 20 to 30 minutes. Then cover your turkey with some foil and a thick towel or blanket to keep it warm. By letting it first rest you release the initial heat. That way it won’t overcook once it’s covered.
What does under cooked turkey look like?
According to USDA, if you find that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) throughout the whole turkey, it’s good to eat even if the juices are pinkish. Undercooked turkey meat will be pale in color and soft and squishy to the touch.
Should turkey juices run clear?
MYTH No. 1: The turkey is cooked when the juices run clear or when the leg pulls away from the bone. FACT: “Color is not an indicator of safety or doneness,” Chapman said. Turkey juices do change from raw-meat pink to a clear color as the bird cooks, but that doesn’t equate with safe eating.
How long do you cook a turkey?
How Long to Roast a Turkey:
- 4 to 8 pounds (breast only): 1 1/2 to 3 1/4 hours.
- 8 to 12 pounds: 2 3/4 to 3 hours.
- 12 to 14 pounds: 3 to 3 3/4 hours.
- 14 to 18 pounds: 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hours.
- 18 to 20 pounds: 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours.
- 20 to 24 pounds: 4 1/2 to 5 hours.
How common is salmonella in turkey?
The new strain was especially causing problems in ground turkey, where salmonella in general is found much more frequently. While USDA inspectors rarely detect salmonella in whole turkey during testing, last year they found it in 18% of ground turkey samples.
Will undercooked turkey always make you sick?
Eating raw or undercooked turkey is unlikely to have dangerous consequences in most circumstances. That doesn’t mean you want to risk food poisoning, however. It is highly unpleasant and can take days to pass, and that means it’s important to practice good hygiene at all times when handling meats.
Why is my turkey tough and stringy?
As the turkey stands in the mixture, the acid and the oil impart the savory flavor of the spices into the meat. The acid also has a tenderizing action. Too much acid in the marinade can have the opposite effect, causing the meat to be stringy and tough.