Cooking a Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving meal can seem like a daunting task. All those nostalgic dishes need to be delicious and timed to perfection — and the most intimidating of all is the turkey. Knowing how long to cook a turkey is tricky: go too long, and itll be dry; too short, and you risk the health of your guests. And why is it always Thanksgiving Day when you realize you dont have a meat thermometer?
Truthfully, the only way to know for sure if your turkey is done is to take the internal temperature with a thermometer, according to Butterball. Thats the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, too. Your turkey should reach at least 165°F, according to the CDC, and you should measure it in three different places: the thickest part of the breast; where the body and thigh join, aiming toward the thigh; and where the body and wing join, aiming toward the wing. Even if your turkey has a pop-up timer, the CDC recommends using a thermometer to be sure.
But if its already Thanksgiving day and you dont have a thermometer, youre not out of luck. We talked to the experts behind the Turkey Talk-Line at Butterball for help. Here are some tips to help ensure you fully cook your turkey, including how to tell if a turkey is done without a meat thermometer.
The holidays are fast approaching and for many that means it’s time to cook up a tasty turkey. Getting the perfect juicy flavorful turkey requires careful planning and execution. Most experts recommend using a meat thermometer to determine when your turkey is properly cooked. But what if you find yourself without this essential kitchen tool on turkey day? Don’t panic! With a few simple techniques, you can still cook turkey to safe, delicious perfection even without a meat thermometer.
Trust the Timers
If your turkey has a pop-up timer, this button provides a decent indication that your turkey is finished cooking. When it pops, it means the thigh area has likely reached the safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F. However, it’s still a good idea to do a quick visual check for doneness.
If cooking a turkey without a pop-up timer, use online cooking time calculators as a guide. Input the turkey’s weight and oven temp, and it will provide an estimated cooking time range. Just be sure to account for extra time if your turkey is stuffed. Opening the oven door frequently will also increase cook time.
Check for Physical Signs
Once the estimated cook time is nearing completion start periodically checking on the turkey for visual cues it is done
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The skin should be nicely browned.
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The thighs and drumsticks should visibly separate from the body.
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Prick the turkey thighs and check that the juices run clear. Pink or red tinged juice means more cooking is needed.
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The meat near the thigh and wing joints should look very white.
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A meat fork or skewer should slide easily into the thickest part of the thigh and breast.
If in doubt, let the turkey cook longer until you’re certain it looks perfectly browned from the outside.
Leverage the Thigh
Experts agree – the thigh is the best indicator for assessing doneness without a thermometer. The thigh takes the longest to cook, so when it is done, so is the rest of the turkey.
Use a fork or knife to pierce the innermost section of the thigh and inspect the juice color. Clear juices indicate it has reached a safe internal temperature.
Be Cautious with Stuffing
Any stuffing packed inside the turkey cavity will need extra time to cook to a safe temperature. If rushed, it could potentially stay undercooked and become a source of dangerous bacteria.
If concerned about the stuffing, scoop it out of the turkey a bit early and place it in a casserole to finish off. This lets you remove the turkey once the breast and thighs are done without sacrificing the stuffing.
Err on the Safe Side
It’s always better to overcook than undercook poultry. Letting the turkey go longer than the estimated time is safer than pulling it too early. Aim for well browned skin and an abundance of clear juices before removing from the oven if lacking a thermometer.
And of course, the best insurance is buying a meat thermometer so you have it for the holidays. But in a pinch, relying on timers, visual signs, and the thigh test will still result in a properly cooked, mouthwatering holiday turkey. Just be vigilant and allow extra time for carryover cooking. Soon the lucky guests at your table will be carving into tender, juicy turkey perfection.
Find Out the Cooking Time Based on the Weight of Your Turkey
Using Butterballs turkey-cooking calculator is the easiest way to find out how long your turkey will need to cook based on its weight. For example, a 20-pound turkey without stuffing will take three and a half to four hours to cook at 325°F.
Don’t Open the Oven Door to Check the Turkey Frequently
Although its tempting to check on your turkey, opening the oven only lowers the temperature and prolongs the process, potentially screwing up your initial estimated time. Keep the oven closed until youre about two-thirds of the way through to check on it for the first time. If the turkey breasts are getting too browned too quickly, cover the turkey in a tent of foil. If they dont look browned, feel free to skip that step.
How To Check Meat Temperature Without A Thermometer | Chef Daniel Holzman | Project Foodie
FAQ
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