Turkey burgers have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional beef burgers. With less fat and calories turkey burgers can be a healthier choice. However, cooking turkey burgers properly is key to safety taste and texture. Getting them to the right internal temperature is critical. Undercooking poses risks while overcooking yields dry, rubbery burgers. So what’s the ideal internal temp for juicy, safe turkey burgers?
Why Temperature Matters with Turkey Burgers
Monitoring temperature when cooking turkey burgers is important for two key reasons:
Food Safety
Ground poultry can harbor harmful bacteria like Salmonella. Cooking turkey burgers thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) kills any dangerous pathogens present. Going below this temp poses potential foodborne illness risks.
Moisture Retention
Turkey meat is very lean without much fat. Without plenty of fat to keep it moist, overcooking turkey easily dries it out. Getting no higher than 165°F retains moisture and prevents the burgers from drying out.
The goal is to reach the safe 165°F mark without going much over to maintain both safety and juiciness Using a meat thermometer and tracking temperature is the best way to nail the perfect doneness for turkey burgers
What Happens at Different Temperatures
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140-150°F (60-66°C) – At this stage turkey burgers are undercooked They’ll appear pink and juicy but aren’t considered safe to eat yet
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160°F (71°C) – Burgers are almost done but still undercooked from a food safety perspective. Juices will run clear rather than pink.
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165°F (74°C) – The USDA’s recommended minimum safe temperature for ground turkey. Harmful bacteria are killed but moisture is preserved.
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170°F+ (77°C+) – Turkey burgers are overcooked, turning dry and tough. All moisture has been cooked out of the meat at this point.
How to Cook Turkey Burgers to 165°F
There are several methods to cook turkey burgers to a safe 165°F while retaining moisture:
Grilling
- Use direct high heat around 375-450°F (190-232°C).
- Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, using an instant read thermometer to check temp.
Pan-Frying
- Heat skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook 4-5 minutes per side, inserting a thermometer sideways to check.
Baking
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake 15-20 minutes until 165°F (74°C) internally.
Tips for Keeping Turkey Burgers Moist
- Don’t press down while cooking – causes moisture loss.
- Brine turkey meat before grinding patties.
- Mix in egg and breadcrumbs to help retain juices.
- Lightly coat patties in oil before cooking to prevent sticking.
- Grill or pan-fry using high heat to sear and lock in juices.
- Rest cooked burgers 5+ minutes before serving to reabsorb moisture.
How to Tell When Turkey Burgers Are Done
There are a few ways to check for doneness beyond just temperature:
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Appearance – No more pink color in meat. Cooked thoroughly brown throughout.
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Juices – Clear juices will run from burgers when poked or cut, not pink.
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Texture – Turkey burgers will firm up when fully cooked to 165°F (74°C).
But don’t rely solely on these signs. Always use a thermometer to confirm turkey burgers have reached the 165°F (74°C) mark for both safety and moisture retention.
Why Eating Undercooked Turkey Burgers is Risky
Consuming turkey burgers before they’ve fully reached 165°F (74°C) internally poses safety concerns:
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Salmonella – Raw turkey often harbors this bacteria, leading to potential food poisoning if undercooked. Proper cooking eliminates salmonella.
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E. Coli – Ground turkey can contain this pathogen, which causes gastrointestinal illness. Heating to 165°F neutralizes it.
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Campylobacter – Another bacteria found in poultry that can cause diarrhea when ingested via undercooked meat.
Eating raw or pink turkey burgers is never worth the gamble. Letting burgers reach 165°F internally is crucial to destroy illness-causing bacteria.
Common Turkey Burger Mistakes
Some common errors lead to overcooked, dry turkey burgers:
- Not preheating grill/pan
- Pressing patties during cooking
- Cooking over low vs high heat
- Constant peeking and flipping
- No resting time after cooking
- Overcrowding the grill or pan
Be mindful of these pitfalls to ensure your turkey burgers come out juicy and tender.
Turkey Burger Doneness Variables
Several factors affect cook times and temperature monitoring:
- Patty thickness – thicker takes longer
- Grill/pan temperature
- Frozen vs thawed – frozen adds time
- Burger composition – more binders speeds cooking
- Patty size – heavier patties need more time
- Cook method – grill vs oven vs pan
Rather than cook times, use a thermometer and cook until 165°F (74°C) to be sure turkey burgers are fully cooked.
Best Practices for Juicy Turkey Burgers
For optimum results when cooking turkey burgers:
- Form thin, uniform patties for even cooking
- Use an instant read digital meat thermometer
- Cook over high direct heat on a preheated grill or pan
- Monitor temperature closely and remove from heat at 165°F (74°C)
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving to maximize juiciness
Getting the internal temperature just right is critical for safe, moist and flavorful turkey burgers. Follow these tips and use a thermometer to nail the 165°F (74°C) target every time.
Is it Safe to Eat Pink Turkey Burgers?
No, any pink color in turkey burgers means they are undercooked and potentially hazardous to eat. Turkey burgers cannot be served rare or pink like beef burgers. Always cook turkey patties thoroughly until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and no pink remains. If a turkey burger still shows pink when cut into, it requires more cooking for food safety. Do not consume turkey burgers that are still pink inside.
Key Takeaways on Turkey Burger Internal Temp
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Cook to 165°F (74°C) minimum for food safety.
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Go no higher than 165°F (74°C) to prevent overcooking.
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Use an instant read thermometer for accuracy.
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Don’t rely on visual cues alone.
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Rest 5 minutes after cooking for juiciness.
Getting turkey burgers up to the proper internal temperature is crucial for both destroying any harmful bacteria present and keeping the lean patties as moist as possible. Following proper temperature guidelines will ensure safe and mouthwateringly delicious turkey burgers every time.
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Healthy, flavorful meals are well within reach for anyone. Cook Smart, Eat Well is full of recipes that are easy to put together quickly with basic cooking techniques.
Use a thermometer to ensure you don’t overcook and dry out the turkey burgers. They’ll continue cooking for a few minutes after being taken off the heat, so cook them to an internal temperature of 160°F. Allow them to rest a few minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Onion, 1 cup(s), chopped, measured after chopping in food processor
- Ground turkey, extremely lean, ½ lb(s), look for “ground turkey breast” or “fat-free ground turkey”
- Garlic powder, ½ tsp(s)
- Onion powder, ½ tsp(s)
- Cumin, ground, ½ tsp(s)
- Cilantro, fresh, 2 tbsp(s), chopped
- Salt, ½ tsp(s)
- Black pepper, ¼ tsp(s), ground
- Eggs, 1 large
- Olive oil spray, 1 x two-second spray(s)
- Panko breadcrumbs, ¼ cup(s), (to be used if mixture is too wet)
Method
Chop the onion in a food processor. In a medium bowl, mix the turkey breast, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cilantro, salt, pepper and egg.
Heat a grill or medium nonstick sauté pan to medium heat. Lightly coat the grill or pan with cooking spray. Form the burger mixture into two 4-ounce patties. If the mixture is too wet, add the panko.
Place the patties on the grill or in the pan and cook approximately 5 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Remove the patties from the heat and let rest until reaching a temperature of 165°F.
Serve the turkey burger patties on whole wheat buns with your choice of condiments.
Nutrition facts per serving Makes 2 servings
Food Groups
| V Vegetables | 1.3 |
| F Fruits | 0 |
| C Carbohydrates | 0.8 |
| PD Protein/Dairy | 1.5 |
| Ft Fats | 0.2 |
| S Sweets | 0 |
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 264 |
| Total Fat | 6.4 g |
| – Saturated Fat | 1.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 155.4 mg |
| Sodium | 779 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.8 g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g |
| – Total Sugars | 4.4 g |
| — Added Sugars | 0 g |
| Protein | 32.9 g |
Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe
FAQ
What temperature should turkey burgers be?
- Turkey is a lean meat that’s susceptible to drying out.
- Turkey burgers will continue cooking for a few minutes after you take them off the heat.
Is turkey burger done at 165 or 180?
Your grilled turkey burger temperature should be 165 degrees F. Turkey burgers must be cooked completely with no pink remaining in the center. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your burgers are fully cooked.
How long to cook burgers at 350 F?
Dip both sides of patties in remaining coating. Place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until no longer pink, turning once.
Is ground turkey safe at 155?
Note: There are three important temperatures to remember when cooking meat or eggs at home: Eggs and all ground meats must be cooked to 160°F; poultry and …
What temperature should turkey burgers be cooked to?
* Cook the burgers to your desired doneness. Turkey burgers can be cooked to your desired doneness. If you like your burgers rare, cook them to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit (63 degrees Celsius). If you like your burgers well done, cook them to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
How to make a healthy burger?
There are different ways to make a healthy burger. Traditional bread can be replaced by wholemeal bread or skillet bread rich in fiber or other similar preparations. The sauce used can be a homemade avocado sauce or beet hummus for example. Meat can be prepared at home with ground beef and natural seasonings or you can use shredded chicken breast or canned tuna. Lettuce, tomato and onion are also welcome and a healthy burger.
How do you cook a turkey burger?
The best way to ensure that your turkey burgers are cooked to the correct internal temperature is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the burger and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). * Cook turkey burgers over medium heat.
How do you check the internal temperature of a turkey burger?
To check the internal temperature of a turkey burger, you can use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the burger, and cook until the temperature reaches 165 degrees. Cooking turkey burgers to the correct internal temperature will help to ensure that they are safe to eat and that you enjoy them.
Can you eat a turkey burger at 165 degrees?
Clear juices will run from burgers when poked or cut, not pink. Don’t rely solely on visual signs though. Use a thermometer to be 100% sure turkey burgers hit the 165°F mark for both safety and optimum juiciness. Eating turkey burgers before they’ve reached 165°F internally poses safety issues:
Can you cook a turkey burger in a pan?
A: Yes, you can cook them in a pan over medium-high heat. Follow the same temperature guidelines and cooking times. Grilling the perfect turkey burger is all about precision and technique. By following these tips and using a reliable thermometer, you can achieve juicy, flavorful burgers that are both delicious and healthy.