If it registers 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s done. One little-known fact is that these timers are reusable. If you dip the tip in hot water it will re-melt the metal and you can push the pop-up piece back into place. Then let it cool, and the pop-up piece will be back in its original position — ready to use again.
What if the turkey popper doesn’t pop?
“If your popper didn’t pop, it doesn’t mean that the turkey’s not done. That’s where a lot of people kind of over-cook their birds — they’re worried about that popper,” he said. Mohan recommends first searing the bird, at 500 degrees. Then, he says, use a meat thermometer, which you can find at most grocery stores.
How do you know when a turkey’s done?
You’ll need a meat thermometer to make sure you cook your turkey to the right temperature. Insert it close to, but not touching, the thigh bone. If it reads 180 degrees F in the thigh and 170 degrees F in the breast, it’s done and ready to serve.
At what temperature does the turkey popper pop?
Self-inserted and manufacturer-inserted timers generally “popped” in our tests at internal temperatures above 165° F—the minimum safe temperature for all poultry. But three timers popped up when meat was still below that safe zone, one as low as 139.5° F.
Where do you poke the turkey with thermometer?
The best way to check the temperature of a turkey to to stick an instant-read thermometer in the meatiest part of the thigh. This is a part of the turkey that is one of the thickest, and it takes the longest to cook.
Should I trust the turkey popper?
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Unfortunately, the answer is no. These pop-up timers are actually inaccurate. There’s a reason that turkey has a reputation for being dry, and it’s because of these timers. If they ever pop at all, it can be too late.
Do all Butterball turkeys have pop up?
No. The folks at Butterball aren’t fans of pop up timers, which are supposed to alert you when the turkey is done but seldom do the job properly. Reliance on pop up timers can result in turkey that’s over- or undercooked. Use a well-calibrated meat thermometer to test for doneness instead.
Is it OK if turkey is slightly pink?
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 can you tell if a turkey is done without a thermometer?
To find out if your turkey is done without a thermometer, pierce it with a fork in the mid-thigh muscle, explains Nicole Johnson, the co-director of the Butterball Turkey Talk-Line. “When the juices run clear, and no longer reddish or pink in color, it’s a good indication that your turkey is done.”
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 long does it take a 20 lb turkey to cook?
4 to 5 hours
Unsure how long you’re supposed to leave the bird in the oven? If you’re baking it at 325°F (the lowest temperature the USDA recommends), you’ll need to bake a 20-lb turkey in the oven for 4 to 5 hours if it’s unstuffed, and 4 ¼ to 5 ¼ hours if it’s stuffed.
Do you keep the plastic thing on the turkey?
The “plastic thing” on the turkey legs is the hock lock. It secures the hind legs, or hock, of a chicken or turkey. It can be made of heat-resistant nylon or metal, and it’s perfectly safe to leave it in the bird while it roasts.
What is the red button on the turkey?
This smart piece of technology lets you know when your turkey is done so you don’t have to stress over it. All you have to do is wait until the red indicator stick pops up and you know the bird is done and it’s time to eat. But have you ever wondered how that timer knows exactly when your turkey is completely cooked?
Should you remove the pop up timer in a turkey?
What is it, should I remove it before cooking the turkey? The “button” you referred to is a pop-up temperature indicator, commonly called a Pop-Up Timer. No, the Pop-Up Timer should not be removed before cooking. This thermometer is precisely positioned to assure that your food will be cooked correctly.
How does a fully cooked turkey look like?
Most of the time, when turkey is cooked to 165 degrees F, the meat will be a white to light brown color throughout. Sometimes, the meat closest to the bones might keep a slightly pink color. A brined turkey is more likely to keep a little bit of pink color.
Is turkey done at 165 or 180?
4. Read the thermometer correctly: Hold the thermometer still until the numbers stop. If the temperature is between 160 and 165 degrees F, the turkey is done.
Can you leave a meat thermometer in the meat while it’s cooking?
A digital meat thermometer ($20, Walmart) can be used to check the doneness of larger cuts as well as thinner foods, such as burgers, steaks, and chops. The thermometer should not be left in the food while it’s cooking.
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.
What is the difference between a Butterball turkey and a regular turkey?
Butterball products are generally high in quality, but their whole turkeys are pre-brined in a saltwater solution. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, but if you don’t appreciate the qualities of brined poultry or want to do the brining yourself, you might want to select a store brand turkey instead.
Why are Butterball turkeys better?
With more than half of holiday cooks stuffing their turkey, Butterball turkeys have a natural leg tuck using the skin to hold the legs in place and make it easier to stuff. There are no plastic or metal locks in a Butterball turkey ensuring you won’t have to worry about a hot metal clip when you remove your stuffing.
Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350?
Roast the turkey uncovered at a temperature ranging from 325°F to 350°F. Higher temperatures may cause the meat to dry out, but this is preferable to temperatures that are too low which may not allow the interior of the turkey to cook to a safe temperature.