Its undeniable that the turkey is the most important dish on the Thanksgiving menu. But before you ever brine or season a bird, much less roast or fry it, theres one question that absolutely must be answered: Should you clean a turkey before you cook it or not?
If your roasted turkey recipe calls for rinsing the bird, it might be time to find a new recipe! According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), its impossible to remove all the bacteria from a raw turkey by rinsing it, and trying to do so can splash and spread harmful bacteria all across your kitchen. Theres only one time that you should ever rinse your bird. Read on to find out more, and the safest way to do it.
Cooking a perfect turkey breast that is moist, juicy and full of flavor starts with proper handling and preparation. One of the common questions that arises is whether you should wash the turkey breast before cooking. There seems to be much confusion around this topic, with contradictory advice floating around. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide a definitive answer on if you should wash turkey breast before cooking.
The Short Answer
The short answer is no, do not wash raw turkey breast before cooking. Washing turkey breast can actually help spread bacteria around the kitchen through splash and cross-contamination. Cooking the turkey breast properly to an internal temperature of 165°F effectively kills bacteria like Salmonella.
Why Washing Turkey Breast is Not Recommended
There are a few key reasons why experts recommend against washing poultry, including turkey breast, before cooking:
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It spreads bacteria When you rinse raw poultry, water droplets can splash around your sink and kitchen spreading bacteria up to 3 feet away. These bacteria can then contaminate other foods surfaces and utensils.
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It doesn’t remove bacteria: Washing doesn’t remove or kill pathogens like Salmonella and Campylobacter that may be present on raw turkey. Only proper cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F can destroy these harmful bugs.
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Increases cross-contamination Washing turkey creates opportunities for bacteria to spread from your hands, the sink, utensils and surfaces to other ready-to-eat foods through cross-contamination.
According to the USDA the only time you should rinse turkey is when removing brine or marinade. This should be done carefully to limit splashing and bacteria spread.
Proper Handling and Cooking
Instead of washing, focus on safe handling, preparation and thorough cooking to enjoy safely cooked turkey breast:
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Wash hands and surfaces: Wash hands, cutting boards, utensils and counters before and after handling raw turkey using hot soapy water.
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Use separate cutting boards: Use one cutting board for raw turkey and another for ready-to-eat foods like bread and vegetables.
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Cook thoroughly: Cook turkey breast to an internal temperature of 165°F as measured by a food thermometer to destroy any harmful bacteria present.
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Refrigerate promptly: Store raw and cooked turkey breast promptly in the refrigerator within 2 hours of purchasing or cooking. Freeze if not using within 2-3 days.
Answers to Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about washing turkey breast:
Should you rinse turkey breast after brining?
Yes, turkey breast should be rinsed after brining to remove excess salt and brine flavoring. Rinse carefully with cold water without splashing.
Can you get sick from not washing turkey?
No, not washing turkey won’t make you sick. Proper cooking destroys bacteria. Washing it can actually increase illness risks.
Does washing remove salmonella from turkey?
No, washing does not remove salmonella or other bacteria from raw turkey. Only thorough cooking kills salmonella and other pathogens.
Should you wash the inside cavity of turkey breast?
No, do not wash the inside cavity of turkey breast before cooking. Simply remove the neck and giblets and cook thoroughly.
Can you eat turkey that was washed before cooking?
Yes, turkey that was washed before cooking can still be eaten safely, as long as it is cooked properly to an internal temperature of 165°F. However, washing before cooking is not recommended.
What happens if you don’t wash turkey before cooking?
Nothing happens if turkey is not washed before cooking. Not washing it helps avoid cross-contamination. Proper cooking makes it safe to eat.
The Takeaway
- Do not rinse or wash raw turkey breast before cooking
- Washing turkey can spread harmful bacteria around the kitchen
- Cooking turkey thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F kills bacteria
- Focus on safe handling, prepping and cooking turkey breast instead of washing
- Only rinse turkey after brining, and do so carefully without splashing
Following food safety guidelines doesn’t have to be complicated. By skipping washing and focusing on proper cooking, you can enjoy delicious turkey breast dishes without worrying about bacteria. Just head from the package straight to the cooking vessel for wholesome homecooked meals.
Should You Clean a Turkey Before Cooking It?
Well… you dont! Just like with other meat, the USDA recommends skipping washing your turkey before you cook it. It doesnt matter if youre roasting, frying, or smoking your turkey, theres no need to give it a rinse unless youve brined it (more on that below). Cooking the turkey kills any bacteria, but washing a turkey before you cook it opens the door to dangerous cross contamination. Instead, take your turkey straight from the package to the roaster.
Do You Wash the Inside of a Turkey Before Cooking It?
Nope! Just like with the outside of a turkey, theres no need to rinse the cavity. All you need to worry about is removing the neck and giblets. Now, if youre working with a brined bird, you will need to rinse the inside. Ree Drummond likes to rinse the inside and outside of her turkey under a running faucet with cold water for several minutes. Then, shell fill up a big pot with cold water, submerge the rinsed turkey, and allow the bird to soak for about 15 minutes. This flushes away some of the saltiness. Its best to soak the turkey in a pot rather than your sink to control the spread of germs.