If youre looking to include more lean protein in your diet, you might be one of the many of us wondering how to cook ground turkey. This ground meat can be used in many of the same recipes that ground beef is used for, and it may be a more nutritious alternative.
Cooking ground turkey is similar to ground beef, but because it has less fat, you run the risk of your meat drying out during cooking. Luckily, there are a few tried-and-true tips and ways to cook ground turkey that will ensure a delicious result. We spoke to a chef for the most helpful secrets.
Frying ground turkey creates a crispy, golden exterior while locking in moisture and flavor. But figuring out the right fry time can be tricky. Undercook it and you risk foodborne illness. Overdo it and you’ll end up with dry, crumbly meat. So what’s the ideal fry time for juicy, safe and delicious ground turkey? This article covers everything you need to know.
Why Fry Ground Turkey?
Frying imparts an irresistible crunch and intensifies flavor The hot oil also cooks ground turkey fast while keeping the inside tender and moist Other frying benefits include
- Quick cooking time
- Customizable crispiness
- Ideal for formed patties or nuggets
- Allows seasonings to deeply penetrate
Ground turkey is a lean, versatile protein that fits well into many recipes. Opting for turkey over beef provides more nutrition with less saturated fat. It can be used to make lighter versions of burgers meatballs, tacos and more.
Fry Time Depends on Thickness
The ideal fry time depends on the thickness and shape of your ground turkey Follow these general guidelines
- Patties 1/2 inch thick: 6-8 minutes per side
- Patties 3/4 inch thick: 8-10 minutes per side
- Nuggets or small chunks: 4-6 minutes
- Meatballs 1-2 inches: 8-12 minutes
Fry until the exterior is crispy and deep golden brown. Internal temperature should reach 165°F. Pieces should be piping hot and cooked through.
Tips for Crispy Fried Ground Turkey
Use these tips for ultra crispy, juicy fried ground turkey every time:
-
Form into evenly shaped patties, balls or nuggets before frying.
-
Season generously with spices, herbs and salt before and after frying.
-
Coat with flour, breadcrumbs or batter for added crunch.
-
Preheat oil to 350-375°F. Use a thermometer to monitor temperature.
-
Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature. Don’t overcrowd.
-
Flip occasionally for even browning. Drain on paper towels.
-
Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Step-by-Step Fried Ground Turkey
Follow these simple steps for perfection:
-
Form ground turkey into 1/2 inch thick patties. Season all over with salt, garlic powder and paprika.
-
Prepare your dredge station – set up flour, beaten egg and panko breadcrumbs.
-
Heat 1-2 inches oil to 350°F in a heavy pot. Use a thermometer to monitor.
-
Working in batches, dredge patties in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko crumbs.
-
Once oil is hot, fry patties for 6-8 minutes per side until deep golden brown.
-
Drain fried patties on a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with more seasoning if desired.
-
Let rest 1-2 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
When coated and fried properly, ground turkey gets an incredibly crispy, crunchy exterior while the inside stays juicy and flavorful. For the ideal balance of texture and safety, fry ground turkey based on thickness, keeping oil at the right temperature. In as little as 4 minutes, you can enjoy deliciously fried ground turkey.
How to Cook Ground Turkey in the Oven
- 1 pound ground turkey
- Large bowl
- Baking dish
- Oil, such as olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Other seasonings, to taste
- Chopped veggies of choice, such as onions and peppers (optional)
Another, less-involved option is to cook ground turkey in the oven, Dillard says. When you cook ground turkey in the oven, you dont have to stand over the stove stirring it until its done. Rather, just add it to a greased baking dish, put the dish in the oven, and your ground turkey is cooked in as little as 15 minutes.
Heres how to do it, according to Dillard:
- Preheat your oven to 375 F.
- Put the ground turkey meat in a large bowl and season it with salt, pepper, and other seasonings you like.
- Add any chopped vegetables youre using, such as half a chopped onion and some chopped peppers.
- Add one to two tablespoons of oil such as olive oil to the bowl and combine all the ingredients well. The oil will help keep the meat moist during cooking.
- Put the seasoned ground turkey into your baking dish and put the dish in the oven for 13 to 15 minutes. Youll know its done when the meat is no longer pink or temperature reads 165 F.
What Is the Best Way to Cook Ground Turkey?
There are different ways to cook ground turkey, but whichever method you choose, adding a bit of oil, such as olive oil, will help the turkey stay moist during cooking. Ground turkey recipes are also customizable, so you can flavor them with whatever seasonings and additions you prefer, or of course, a simple sprinkling of salt and pepper.
Its possible to slow cook ground turkey in a slow cooker if youre making recipes like soup or stew, but this can take a few hours. When youre short on time but want to throw together a delicious and nutritious meal, the best way to cook ground turkey is on the stove or in the oven.
Cook ground turkey until the temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, per the USDA. Use a meat thermometer to check.
How To Cook Ground Turkey
FAQ
How long does it take to cook ground turkey in a skillet?
How long does it take to cook a pound of ground turkey?
How to tell when ground turkey is done?
How long does it take to fry ground meat?