Most of the time, we like our burgers medium-rare with a bright pink center—unless they’re made with chicken. When it comes to turkey burgers, the cooking process requires more caution. It’s important to keep an eye on the patties and their internal temperature so that you can grill them all the way through without turning the meat into sawdust.
The ideal temperature for ground turkey is 165 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the USDA. Once the meat crosses this threshold, bacteria like salmonella should die off. A meat thermometer is very helpful for a precise reading and determining if the burger is ready. To tell if the meat is done, the meat should no longer be pink, and if you’re cooking the burger in a pan, the outside will probably be browned. It’s normal for patties to cook a little more than they need to before they’re served, no matter what kind of meat they are.
Turkey burgers have a bad reputation for being dry, and people are afraid to cook them too much, which doesn’t help the situation. But, checking the internal temperature alleviates any temptation to undercook the meat. When cooking on the stove or a hot grill, this should take about five minutes per side.
Turkey burgers have become an increasingly popular alternative to traditional beef burgers. With their leaner and healthier profile, many opt for turkey over beef. However, when it comes to doneness, turkey burgers differ from beef in an important way. So, can you safely eat a turkey burger medium rare?
The short answer is no Turkey burgers should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to eliminate any risk of foodborne illness While beef can be safely consumed at lower temperatures, turkey requires thorough cooking to destroy any potential bacteria.
Let’s explore why it’s crucial to cook turkey burgers through proper cooking methods and how to keep your burgers juicy and flavorful while still cooking them safely.
Why You Shouldn’t Eat Turkey Burgers Medium Rare
There are two primary safety concerns with undercooked turkey:
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Salmonella – Raw turkey commonly carries Salmonella bacteria which can lead to serious food poisoning when consumed Cooking to 165°F destroys Salmonella
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Ground Meat Risks – Bacteria are more likely to contaminate ground meats as they get mixed throughout during processing. Grinding also spreads any pathogens present through the meat.
For these reasons, both the USDA and food safety experts warn against eating undercooked ground turkey. The dangers of salmonella and other foodborne illnesses make it imperative to fully cook turkey burgers to safe internal temperatures.
Proper Cooking Temperatures for Turkey Burgers
To eliminate food safety risks, turkey burgers must reach the following internal temperatures:
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165°F (74°C) – The safe minimum temperature recommended for ground turkey. This kills any present salmonella, E. coli or other harmful bacteria.
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160°F (71°C) – The minimum temperature if using a food thermometer constantly to monitor doneness. The burger must remain at this temp for at least one minute.
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Well Done – If not using a food thermometer, cook until completely brown throughout with no pink showing.
Checking temperature with an instant read thermometer is the only reliable way to confirm safety and prevent overcooking. Visual cues like color are not accurate for doneness, especially with lean turkey meat.
Cooking Methods for Safely Cooked Turkey Burgers
Follow these proper cooking techniques to achieve perfectly cooked turkey burgers:
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Grilling – Preheat grill to medium-high. Grill burgers 6-8 minutes per side until 165°F internally. Avoid charring.
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Pan Searing – Use medium-high heat. Cook 6-8 mins per side. Cover pan between flips.
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Baking – Preheat oven to 350°F. Bake on a sheet pan 15-20 minutes until 165°F internally.
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Sous Vide – Pre-seal burgers. Cook 1-2 hours at 145°F then sear.
No matter the cooking method, monitor temperature closely with a thermometer for the best results. Remove burgers once they reach the safe 165°F zone.
Keeping Turkey Burgers Juicy While Cooking Through
The main challenge with fully cooked turkey burgers is preventing them from drying out. Here are some tips to keep them deliciously juicy:
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Use thighs – Turkey thigh meat stays moister than breast meat when cooking to higher temperatures.
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Add binders – Use eggs, breadcrumbs or grated onions to add moisture and bind the meat.
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Don’t overwork – Gently form patties without over-handling and compressing the meat.
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Brush with oil – Coat burgers with oil or melted butter to help retain moisture while cooking.
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Allow resting – Let cooked burgers rest 5 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.
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Add cheese – Top turkey burgers with cheese towards the end of cooking for extra flavor and moisture.
Safely Enjoying Turkey Burgers
While turkey burgers shouldn’t be consumed rare or pink like beef, you can still find ways to highlight their flavor:
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Experiment with bold spices, herbs, sauces and condiments on your cooked turkey burger.
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Try a juicy turkey burger stuffed with cheese, peppers, spinach or other fillings.
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Make turkey burger sliders which stay tender since they cook quickly due to their size.
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Opt for a turkey-veggie burger blend for extra moisture and nutrition.
So while turkey burgers aren’t safe to eat medium rare, with some simple cooking techniques you can enjoy fully cooked burgers that are moist, delicious and most importantly, safe to eat. Follow proper handling and the recommended 165°F temperature, and your turkey burgers will please any crowd!
Add more moisture to turkey burgers for the best results
You can avoid under- or overcooking your turkey burger by keeping a close eye on the temperature. However, there are other ways to protect the lean protein. Start by adding moisture to the patties to further help them from drying out. Because ground turkey has less fat than ground beef, it tastes better when extra ingredients are added and different parts of the bird are mixed in. When making burgers from scratch, use a mix of dark and white meat or all dark meat to make them last longer and taste better. Dark meat tends to have more flavor and lipids.
The water content of fresh produce can also become an advantage for turkey burgers. Consider adding grated onion and chopped, juicy mushrooms or zucchini to make it sweeter and add even more liquid. Or, borrow a trick that prevents dry turkey meatballs and add eggplant or yogurt. A spoonful of mayo can also revive the lean meat and add extra fat. Put the patties in the fridge for a few hours or the freezer for half an hour to firm them up if the mixture gets too sticky.
Cross-hatch grill marks look great in the summer, but you may find it easier to control the meat in the oven or on the stove. You can cook the patties on high heat on a grill pan or add them to a buttery skillet and baste them while they sizzle instead of having to deal with unruly flare-ups and changing temperatures.
Best Ever Juicy Turkey Burgers
FAQ
Is it okay if turkey burger is a little pink?
Is it okay to eat a turkey burger medium?
Is turkey ok to eat medium rare?
Can you eat undercooked turkey burgers?
Can you eat medium-rare turkey burgers?
The USDA recommends that all ground turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 °F. Eating insufficiently cooked turkey burgers can lead to food poisoning, as the ground turkey may still contain harmful bacteria after cooking.
Can you eat a turkey burger at 165 degrees?
When the temperature reads 165 degrees, the turkey burger is safe to eat. You should always insert the thermometer into the thickest portion of the patty. The edges of the turkey burger will cook faster than the centers. If you take the temperature from around the edges, there’s no guarantee that the rest of the burger will be fully cooked.
Are smoked turkey burgers safe to eat?
In fact, if you’re making smoked turkey burgers, the pink color is all but inevitable. As long as the internal temperature of the meat reaches 165 degrees, it’s safe to consume. This method is recommended only if you’re a seasoned griller who can tell the difference between raw and cooked meat through touch alone.
What temperature should a turkey burger be cooked to?
Never consume a turkey burger that’s been cooked to a medium or medium-rare temperature. The most reliable way to test meat for doneness is with a high-quality instant-read thermometer. When the temperature reads 165 degrees, the turkey burger is safe to eat. You should always insert the thermometer into the thickest portion of the patty.
Is it safe to eat a medium rare burger?
Burgers, unlike steak, need to be cooked all the way through since the harmful bacteria grows on the surface and is incorporated into the whole patty during the grinding process. Therefore, it’s not technically safe to eat a medium rare burger.
Are turkey burgers healthy?
Turkey burgers are a healthier alternative to beef patties because the meat is lower in fat and calories. It’s also a great source of protein, in addition to being rich in vital nutrients like selenium and potassium. Before purchasing ground turkey for your burgers, check the fat content on the label.