How to Use a Meat Thermometer on a Turkey

Meat Thermometer by KYares

Like chicken, turkey needs to be fully cooked in order to be safe to eat. While many brands of turkeys come with a pop-up button that is supposed to signal when the turkey is fully cooked, these are not always reliable. The reason for this is that the pop-up timer is inserted into the breast of the turkey, which may not be as thick as the thigh and it is the thickest part of the meat that takes the longest to cook. A reliable meat thermometer is the best way to determine if the turkey is fully cooked.

Things You'll Need

• Meat thermometer, dial or digital

Instructions

1. Follow the cooking times listed on the wrapper of the turkey. Most will recommend 15 minutes per pound for an un-stuffed turkey and 20 minutes per pound for a stuffed one.

2. Insert the probe end of the meat thermometer into the thickest meat area of the turkey. This is generally the thigh area just above where the thigh attaches to the body of the bird.

3. Read the dial or the digital readout on the thermometer. The internal temperature for a fully cooked turkey is 190 degrees. If the temperature is less than that, return the bird to the oven and let it continue cooking.

4. Check the temperature every 15 to 20 minutes until the correct temperature is achieved.

Tips & Warnings

• Many meat thermometers have the correct temperatures for different meats labeled on the dial or display unit. Always follow these recommendations when cooking meat of any kind. While digital meat thermometers may cost a bit more than a dial version, they can be much more accurate in the temperature they display. A stuffed turkey will always take longer to cook than one that is left un-stuffed. Allow an extra 5 to 10 minutes per pound for a fully stuffed bird.

• Always wash the probe end of the thermometer after inserting it into the meat. The probe can carry bacteria from undercooked meat into the meat after it is done.