05/24/2022 Show
An important part of cooking a turkey is to know when it is done cooking. Properly cooked turkey is tender, juicy, and delicious. In this post, you’ll find how to cook the bird properly with the right internal temperature. There are tips and tricks you can use to ensure it’s deliciously cooked and safe to eat every time. Today we’re sharing some helpful tips for preparing turkey so that you’ll have a mouth-watering meal for Thanksgiving or other special occasions. Oven Temperature for Roasting a Turkey
What is the Proper Internal Temperature for Turkey?According to recommendations from the United States Department for Agriculture (USDA), the minimum internal temperature for turkey is 165°F. This temperature eliminates toxins or parasites from the meat, and preserves the juices for the best flavor . Note: The turkey will continue to cook for a short time after it is removed from the heat. For this reason, you may want to remove cuts of pork from the heat source when the internal temperature has reached 160°F. How to Know When Turkey is Done: Use an Instant Read ThermometerThe most accurate way to check doneness is by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey (breast, outer thigh and inner thigh), making sure the probe is not touching the bone. A temperature reading of 165°F to 170°F means it’s done. How Long to Cook TurkeyFor an unstuffed turkey (fresh or defrosted), the general rule is about 15 minutes per pound at a 325°F regular oven according to the USDA. If you’re using a convection oven, your turkey will cook slightly faster. Turkey cooking time varies widely by size. You may be wondering how long to cook a 20 lb turkey, a 25 lb, 12 lb, 15 lb turkey, or any other size for that matter? Here is a time chart for cooking an unstuffed turkey:
Note: If you’re using a convection oven, bake for 15-30% less time. As there’s variation in kitchen equipment, always verify doneness using a thermometer instead of relying on time alone. How Long to Cook a Frozen Turkey?If you roast your turkey from frozen, the cooking time is at least 50% longer according to the USDA. That means you’ll need to plan to bake your frozen turkey for 22 minutes per pound or more.
Follow or tag us on Pinterest @izzycooking About IzzyI'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home. Reader InteractionsIs turkey done at 165 or 180?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. (If it's stuffed, check the center of the stuffing to make sure it's 165 degrees F as well.)
Is a turkey fully cooked at 165 degrees?Hold the thermometer in place.
If the turkey has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, it's done!
Is turkey OK at 160 degrees?According to the Department of Agriculture, a turkey must reach 165 degrees F to be safe, but you can take it out of the oven as low as 160 degrees F because the temperature will rise at it rests. 1.
Is turkey done at 145 degrees?The range of doneness for all proteins--from eggs to fish to meat and Thanksgiving turkey--begins at 125 degrees, where rare starts; at 145 degrees the medium range begins, and at 165 degrees well-done starts; 185 degrees is the very top of the range.
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