Most of the time, we like our burgers medium-rare with a bright pink center—unless they’re made with chicken. When it comes to turkey burgers, the cooking process requires more caution. It’s important to keep an eye on the patties and their internal temperature so that you can grill them all the way through without turning the meat into sawdust.
The ideal temperature for ground turkey is 165 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the USDA. Once the meat crosses this threshold, bacteria like salmonella should die off. A meat thermometer is very helpful for a precise reading and determining if the burger is ready. To tell if the meat is done, the meat should no longer be pink, and if you’re cooking the burger in a pan, the outside will probably be browned. It’s normal for patties to cook a little more than they need to before they’re served, no matter what kind of meat they are.
Turkey burgers have a bad reputation for being dry, and people are afraid to cook them too much, which doesn’t help the situation. But, checking the internal temperature alleviates any temptation to undercook the meat. When cooking on the stove or a hot grill, this should take about five minutes per side.
For many burger lovers, the trademark pink center and juicy texture of a medium-rare beef burger is irresistible. So when it comes to turkey burgers, a common question arises: can you eat a turkey burger that’s less than well-done?
With ground turkey becoming an increasingly popular leaner and healthier alternative to beef, proper cooking is essential Unlike beef, safely preparing turkey burgers requires some special considerations.
Below, we’ll explore the safety issues around undercooked turkey, tips for retaining moisture and flavor when cooking thoroughly, and how to enjoy a tasty turkey burger while avoiding health risks.
Why Turkey Burgers Can’t Be Medium-Rare
While delicious when cooked less than well-done, beef burgers don’t carry the same safety concerns as turkey burgers prepared rare or medium-rare. Here’s why:
-
Ground turkey can potentially harbor harmful bacteria like salmonella and E coli. Proper cooking destroys these pathogens, but they can survive in raw or undercooked meat.
-
The porous texture of ground turkey allows bacteria to spread throughout. Intact cuts like breasts or thighs are less prone to contamination.
-
Turkey lacks the anti-microbial enzymes found in beef that inhibit bacterial growth Turkey meat is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria
To eliminate the risk of foodborne illness, ground turkey products like patties or burgers must reach an internal temperature of 165°F. At medium-rare, they may look properly cooked but still contain dangerous bacteria.
What Are the Risks of Eating Undercooked Turkey?
Consuming raw or undercooked turkey burgers can lead to food poisoning and symptoms like:
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea
- Fever and chills
- Weakness and fatigue
Certain groups are at higher risk for complications from foodborne bacteria. This includes young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with compromised immune systems.
While an upset stomach may seem harmless, food poisoning can also result in hospitalization in severe cases. Children under 5, adults over 65, and those with chronic diseases have the highest rates of salmonella infection.
So while you may prefer your turkey burger at medium-rare, the health risks make well-done the safest choice.
How to Cook Turkey Burgers ThoroughlyYet Keep Them Juicy
The right techniques can help you achieve a flavorful turkey burger without sacrificing food safety:
-
Use a meat thermometer – Cook until the burger registers 165°F internally. Color is not a good doneness indicator.
-
Avoid overworking the meat – Gently mix in just enough binders to shape. Over-mixing causes dry, dense burgers.
-
Add moisture – Mix in grated onions, peppers, or mushrooms. Mayonnaise, yogurt, and egg white also keep burgers juicy.
-
Sear, then finish cooking – Searing the burger gives browning and flavor. Lower heat to finish cooking without drying out.
-
Let burgers rest – Allowing to rest 5 minutes after cooking lets juices redistribute evenly.
With the right preparation, your turkey burger can stay moist and delicious when cooked well-done.
How to Give Turkey Burgers More Flavor
In addition to keeping them juicy, savoriness and seasonings can add satisfying depth to cooked-through turkey burgers:
-
Use flavorful mix-ins – Ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, cheese, bacon, herbs, and spices all pack a flavor punch.
-
Use a marinade – Soaking turkey patties in a marinade imparts extra juiciness and flavor.
-
Brush with oil and seasonings – Coat the shaped burgers with oil and dry-rub them with spices before cooking.
-
Go for flavorful toppings – Top your cooked burger with flavor-boosters like guacamole, caramelized onions, or tangy barbecue sauce.
-
Toast the bun – Choose a flavorful whole grain or brioche bun. Toasting adds crunch and nuttiness.
With these tips, you can achieve a satisfying turkey burger cooked thoroughly for safety yet still full of flavor.
How to Know When a Turkey Burger Reaches 165°F
Since color alone doesn’t indicate a turkey burger is cooked to 165°F, use these tips to confirm safe doneness:
-
Insert an instant-read thermometer sideways into the thickest part of the patty. It should read 165°F.
-
Check the internal temperature in several spots to account for uneven cooking.
-
Cut into the center of the burger. Meat should show no traces of pink with clear, brown juices.
-
Firmly press the patty. It should feel solid all the way through with no mushiness.
-
Let burgers sit for 3 minutes before testing doneness. Internal temperature rises as it rests.
Taking a turkey burger’s temperature is quick insurance that it has reached food-safe 165°F for eating.
Satisfy Your Craving With Safer Alternatives
If the fully cooked texture of turkey burgers doesn’t satisfy your craving for pinkness, consider these alternatives:
-
Try beef burgers cooked to your desired doneness. They don’t carry the same safety risk.
-
Opt for pre-cooked turkey meats like deli slices. Add to burgers for extra moisture.
-
Mix in reconstituted sun-dried tomatoes for a juicy, “rare” texture.
-
Switch to a blended turkey-beef burger. The beef provides familiar pinkness when undercooked.
-
Replace turkey with freshly ground chicken or salmon burgers. These can be cooked medium safely.
The Takeaway – Prioritize Safety With Proper Cooking
While medium-rare turkey burgers may look great, they come with the risk of dangerous bacterial contamination. To stay healthy, cook turkey burgers to a safe final internal temperature of 165°F confirmed with a thermometer.
With the right preparation, seasonings, and cooking techniques, you can still achieve a flavorful, juicy turkey burger minus the health gamble. So satisfy your burger cravings deliciously and safely by ensuring your next turkey burger reaches well-done.
Add more moisture to turkey burgers for the best results
You can avoid under- or overcooking your turkey burger by keeping a close eye on the temperature. However, there are other ways to protect the lean protein. Start by adding moisture to the patties to further help them from drying out. Because ground turkey has less fat than ground beef, it tastes better when extra ingredients are added and different parts of the bird are mixed in. When making burgers from scratch, use a mix of dark and white meat or all dark meat to make them last longer and taste better. Dark meat tends to have more flavor and lipids.
The water content of fresh produce can also become an advantage for turkey burgers. Consider adding grated onion and chopped, juicy mushrooms or zucchini to make it sweeter and add even more liquid. Or, borrow a trick that prevents dry turkey meatballs and add eggplant or yogurt. A spoonful of mayo can also revive the lean meat and add extra fat. Put the patties in the fridge for a few hours or the freezer for half an hour to firm them up if the mixture gets too sticky.
Cross-hatch grill marks look great in the summer, but you may find it easier to control the meat in the oven or on the stove. You can cook the patties on high heat on a grill pan or add them to a buttery skillet and baste them while they sizzle instead of having to deal with unruly flare-ups and changing temperatures.
Best Ever Juicy Turkey Burgers
FAQ
Is it okay if turkey burger is a little pink?
Is it okay to eat a turkey burger medium?
Is turkey ok to eat medium rare?
Can you eat undercooked turkey burgers?
Can you eat medium-rare turkey burgers?
The USDA recommends that all ground turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 °F. Eating insufficiently cooked turkey burgers can lead to food poisoning, as the ground turkey may still contain harmful bacteria after cooking.
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.
Are smoked turkey burgers safe to eat?
In fact, if you’re making smoked turkey burgers, the pink color is all but inevitable. As long as the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees, it’s safe to consume. This method is recommended only if you’re a seasoned griller who can tell the difference between raw and cooked meat through touch alone.
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.
Is it safe to eat a medium rare burger?
Burgers, unlike steak, need to be cooked all the way through since the harmful bacteria grows on the surface and is incorporated into the whole patty during the grinding process. Therefore, it’s not technically safe to eat a medium rare burger.
Are turkey burgers healthy?
Turkey burgers are a healthier alternative to beef patties because the meat is lower in fat and calories. It’s also a great source of protein, in addition to being rich in vital nutrients like selenium and potassium. Before purchasing ground turkey for your burgers, check the fat content on the label.