Turkey burgers have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional beef burgers. With less fat and calories, turkey offers a healthier take on the classic burger. However, cooking turkey burgers can be trickier than cooking beef. The lean turkey meat tends to dry out more easily. Undercooking poses safety risks while overcooking results in an unappetizing hockey puck of a burger. Luckily, there are a few foolproof ways to ensure your turkey burgers come off the grill perfectly cooked.
Use a Meat Thermometer
The most reliable way to check doneness is by using an instant-read meat thermometer. Simply insert the thermometer probe into the thickest part of the patty. Turkey burgers are safe to eat once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
When testing temperature, aim for the center of the patty rather than the edges. The edges cook faster than the middle and can give a false reading.
For the most accuracy, invest in a high-quality digital instant-read thermometer. Dial thermometers require careful calibration but digital models provide a quick, precise reading. Thermoworks and ThermoPro make excellent options.
Before grilling check that your thermometer is properly calibrated. Place the probe in ice water and it should read 32°F. If not recalibrate according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Check for Clear Juices
Another doneness indicator is the color of the juices when you pierce or slice into the patty. Clear juices signal fully cooked turkey while pink or red juices mean it needs more time on the grill.
After flipping the patties, insert a fork into the thickest portion. If the juices run clear, the burger is finished cooking. If you notice red or pink juices, close the grill and cook for 2-3 more minutes before testing again.
Use the Touch Test
For experienced grillers, checking doneness by touch takes practice but can be done. Gently press the top of the patty with your finger.
- Cold and raw feeling means it needs more time.
- Warm but fleshy means it’s close to done but not quite there.
- Hot, firm, and springy indicates fully cooked turkey burgers ready for serving.
As always when touch testing, aim for the center rather than the edges which cook faster.
Follow Recommended Grill Times
You can also gauge doneness simply by following basic grilling time guidelines. Turkey burger patties formed from 1⁄3 pound of ground turkey need:
- 5-6 minutes per side for fresh patties
- 8 minutes per side if frozen
Cook over medium heat with the grill lid closed as much as possible. If patties don’t appear done after initial cook time, allow them to grill for 5 more minutes. Properly cooked turkey burgers will be lightly charred on the outside with no sign of pink on the inside.
A Note on Pink Turkey Burgers
If your turkey burger still has a faint pink tint after reaching 165°F, don’t be alarmed. The pink color does not necessarily indicate undercooked meat. Smoked turkey burgers in particular tend to retain a pinkish hue even when thoroughly cooked and safe to eat. As long as the final internal temperature hits the 165°F safety benchmark, a touch of pink is fine.
Handle Fully Cooked Turkey Burgers Properly
Once you’ve verified your turkey burgers are thoroughly cooked, follow food safety best practices:
- Never leave cooked burgers sitting out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
- Refrigerate leftovers within 1 hour.
- Reheat fully cooked patties to 165°F before serving again.
Following proper cooking and handling procedures minimizes the risk of foodborne illness.
Cooking turkey burgers perfectly takes some practice but is easy once you know what to look for. Invest in an instant-read thermometer for foolproof accuracy. For quick visual tests, check the internal juices or use the touch method. With the right techniques, you’ll be serving up juicy, flavorful turkey burgers off the grill in no time.
How to check your meat is cooked properly
Use a meat thermometer.
When cooking meat it’s important to check that it is cooked thoroughly to protect yourself and others from food poisoning. Meat products that are minced or skewered along with poultry and pork products must always be cooked through to the centre. These meats include turkey, chicken, burgers, sausages and kebabs.
Use a meat thermometer to check that such meat is cooked to 75ºC. Cooking meat properly kills the bacteria that cause food poisoning.
How to use a meat thermometer
- Take your food off the heat and insert a clean thermometer probe into the thickest part of the meat or poultry. It is fully cooked when the temperature reaches 75ºC.
- The thickest part of the meat is usually the centre (for example, of a burger or sausage). In a whole chicken or turkey, the thickest part is between the breast and the leg.
- You can use a digital or dial meat thermometer.
- Always make sure you wash the meat thermometer thoroughly afterwards.
How to tell when a turkey burger is fully cooked?
FAQ
How do you know when a turkey burger is fully cooked?
Can turkey burger be a little pink?
How can you tell if ground turkey is done without a thermometer?
What Colour should cooked turkey burger be?
How do you know if a turkey burger is done?
If you don’t have a meat thermometer on hand, you can use a more rudimentary method to test the turkey burgers for doneness. Just slice into the meat with a small, sharp knife, or pierce it with a fork. Take a close look at the juices that run out of the patty. If they’re clear, then the meat is done.
What temperature should a turkey burger be cooked to?
Never consume a turkey burger that’s been cooked to a medium or medium-rare temperature. The most reliable way to test meat for doneness is with a high-quality instant-read thermometer. When the temperature reads 165 degrees, the turkey burger is safe to eat. You should always insert the thermometer into the thickest portion of the patty.
How do you know if a burger is cooked?
Just slice into the meat with a small, sharp knife, or pierce it with a fork. Take a close look at the juices that run out of the patty. If they’re clear, then the meat is done. On the other hand, if the juices look pink or red, then you’ll need to leave the burger on the grill for a bit longer.
Can you eat a turkey burger at 165 degrees?
When the temperature reads 165 degrees, the turkey burger is safe to eat. You should always insert the thermometer into the thickest portion of the patty. The edges of the turkey burger will cook faster than the centers. If you take the temperature from around the edges, there’s no guarantee that the rest of the burger will be fully cooked.