How To

How to Tell When a Turkey Is Done

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(29 Ratings)

You've calculated the time it takes to cook the turkey, but you want to be absolutely sure it's done. Here's a way to tell.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Turkeys
  • Electric Carving Knives
  • Meat Thermometers
  • Platters
  1. Step 1

    After your bird has roasted for approximately the right length of time (four hours for a 10-lb. bird, for example) insert a meat thermometer into the upper thigh of the turkey without touching the bone.

  2. Step 2

    When the internal temperature reads 170 to 175 degrees F, the turkey is safe to eat.

  3. Step 3

    Double-check the temperature reading by looking at the juices that flow from the point of insertion of the thermometer. When the juices are clear, the turkey is done.

Tips & Warnings
  • An instant-read thermometer is best for measuring the internal temperature of meats.
  • Ignore the turkeys that have pop-up indicators that are supposed to signal when the turkey is done. These indicators (you might call them idiot birds) can be faulty. You don't want an overly dry turkey.

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