Turkey Burger Temperature Guide
on May 09, 2022
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When perfectly cooked, they’re tender, juicy, and delicious. In this post, we’re sharing some tips and guidelines on the proper turkey burger temperature and how to cook them so that they are juicy and delicious every time.
Turkey burgers are a favorite at outdoor get-togethers. If you plan on serving turkey burgers at your next outdoor party, you’ll want to ensure that they’re properly cooked.
What is the Proper Internal Temperature for Turkey Burgers?
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), ground turkey meat must reach a minimum temperature of 165°F to be safe to eat.
The meat will continue to cook even after it’s been removed from the heat source, so you can remove the burgers from the grill when they reach 160°F.
As they rest, covered with foil, the temperature will increase and they’ll be ready to eat when an instant-read thermometer reaches 165°F.
How to Tell When Turkey Burgers Are Done: Use an Instant Read Thermometer
The most reliable way to test meat for doneness is to use an instant-read thermometer. Insert the probe into the center of the burger for a few seconds and check to see if it has reached a minimum of 160°F.
Remove the burgers from the heat and let them rest, covered with foil, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Back Up Method (without Instant Read Thermometer)
Judge from the Juice
Pierce the thickest part of the burger with the tip of a small sharp knife or a fork. If the juices run clear, the burger should be done. If the juices are pink or red, you’ll need to cook the burger longer. Test again after the burger has cooked for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Touch with Your Thumb
If you’re an experienced griller, use the touch test. Press your thumb into the center of the burger. If it feels cold to the touch and has a flesh-like texture, it needs more time to cook. If it feels warm to the touch, let it cook a little longer. If the burger is very hot to the touch and feels firm and springy, it’s likely ready to eat.
How Long to Cook Turkey Burger
Turkey burgers should be cooked over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side. The exterior should be brown and crispy.
Use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. Insert the probe into the center of the burger at the thickest part. If it registered 160°F, the burgers can be removed from the heat to rest.
As they rest, covered with foil, the temperature will continue to rise. The burgers are safe to eat when the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
Tips to Avoid Overcooking Turkey Burger
- Turkey is lean meat that can easily dry out when cooking. Resist the urge to press down on the burgers as they cook. This will cause the juices to run out and the burger could end up dry.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burgers. They can be removed from the heat source to rest when an instant-read thermometer reaches 160°F.
- As the burgers rest, covered with foil, the internal temperature will continue to rise. They’re safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Cook a Turkey Burger to Medium-Rare?
Absolutely not. Unlike cuts of beef which can be served medium-rare, poultry must reach a minimum internal temperature of 165°F to kill off harmful bacteria.
What If The Turkey Burger Is Pink In The Middle?
A touch of pink in the middle of a turkey burger doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t cooked. The best way to determine doneness is to use an instant-read thermometer. As long as the internal temperature of the burger has reached 165°F, it’s safe to eat.
How to Grill Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
- 4 frozen turkey burgers
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat your grill for a direct, high-heat setup.
- Oil the grill grates well.
- Place the frozen turkey burger patties on the grill.
- Season the burgers with salt and pepper to taste.
- Grill for a total of about 10-12 minutes, flipping once.
- Insert an instant-read thermometer into the center and thickest part of the patties to check for doneness. If the temperature registers 160°F, the burgers can be removed from the grill and covered with foil to rest. The internal temperature of the burgers will continue to increase. The burgers are safe to eat when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
