Are you a turkey burger recipe? It’s a bit different from cooking with ground beef.
How do you know if the turkey burger is done? You wouldn’t want to serve undercooked food.
Keep reading for some tips on checking your burger for doneness.
Table of contents
How to Tell if a Turkey Burger Is Done
If a turkey burger has an internal temperature of 165°F, it is ready to eat.
Simply check the burger temperature with your favorite meat thermometer.
What if you don’t have a food thermometer? Then buy a thermometer.
That is truly the best way to check the doneness of meat.t
However, there are other ways to tell if your burgers are ready to serve.
Use the Timer
Most turkey burgers need about 5 minutes of cook time per side.
If you’re cooking frozen turkey burgers, cook each side for eight minutes.
This test isn’t the most reliable for a variety of factors.
The size and thickness of the burgers will alter the cooking time.
The temperature of the grill or stove will also play a role in the length of time.
If they seem ready, apply the other tests.
Check the Juices
If your press on the burger patty and clear juices come out, it is ready to eat.
If you notice a red or pink tint to the juice, put it back on the grill. Check again after a few minutes of cooking time.
Once the juices are clear, you know you have fully cooked meat.
Touch the Burger
Experienced chefs can test the doneness by simply touching the burger.
If it’s cold, put it back over medium-high heat. If it’s slightly warm, cook it for a few extra minutes.
If it’s hot, firm, and springy, you can eat it. Only try this method if you are familiar with cooking turkey burgers.
Can You Eat Medium Rare Turkey Burgers?
You cannot eat a medium-rare turkey burger.
Poultry must reach a safe temperature before eating.
What if the Turkey Is Pink?
Pink turkey is safe to eat if it is at least 165°F.
Turkey has a protein called myoglobin. This protein leaves a pink tint in the turkey.
Ground Beef vs Ground Turkey
Turkey is leaner than beef. So it is a healthier option.
However, the lower fat content will lead to dry burgers.
You may want to add liquids and bold spices to your turkey burgers.
Beef burgers are naturally delicious and juicy with just kosher salt and pepper.
Note: here are some tips if think ground turkey has gone bad.
Are Turkey Burgers Healthy?
Turkey burgers are a healthy alternative to ground beef.
Turkey is a lean meat with less fat and calories. However, too much meat can lead to health concerns.
If you’re worried about your health, you should switch to white meat. Or you can eat less meat.
Both of those options allow you to eat burgers without worrying about health risks.
How Do You Cook Turkey Burgers?
You can cook turkey burgers the same way you cook beef burgers.
You can use a grill, skillet, air fryer, or oven.
You will want to season turkey burgers generously for the best results.
You should add some liquid to keep the burger moist.
Cover the homemade burgers while cooking to help retain some of the moisture.
If you’re cooking frozen burgers, you should completely defrost them first.
Now you’re ready to impress your friends with your newest burger recipe!
Smoke On!
Charlie
Hi, I’m Charlie, I have been meat-smoking and grilling for the past 15 years. I have an array of different smokers, thermometers, and have a love for finding the right wood and charcoal combo My favourite recipes are my EXTRA CRISPY smoked pork belly, juicy pulled pork, smoked brisket, duck poppers, and ANY SEAFOOD I grill).
I loves sharing his tips with beginners, helping them navigate the world of smoking. I find it’s not just about cooking; it’s a quest for that perfect smoky flavor.
You will usually find me playing with the kids, perfecting my brisket bark, or sipping beers with boys around the fire. Can’t wait to share all my delicious smoking and grilling recipes with you!
You can read more about me on our About Us page.
Hungry For More?
