Where to insert a meat thermometer in a turkey
Cooking a turkey perfectly can be a bit of a challenge on account of its size. There is also the fact that other parts of the turkey may cook faster than other parts. This makes it difficult to determine where to put the thermometer in the turkey.
Ensure that you use a well-calibrated thermometer or have an offset in mind to increase the accuracy of your readings.
How To Take Accurate Turkey Temperature
In order to check turkey temp, you need to check the temperature in the thickest part of the turkey breast as well as the thickest part of the thigh. Both of these parts have thick muscles that will generally take longer to cook.
How To Put Digital Thermometer In Turkey
To get the best reading to insert the thermometer in the space between the wing and the drumstick at the thickest part of the turkey breast. Make sure the thermometer does not touch any bones as they tend to have a different temperature as compared to the meat.
How Long Do You Leave A Meat Thermometer In A Turkey?
Most thermometers nowadays are instant in nature and they should register a temperature in 10 to 20 seconds. As such, you do not need to leave the thermometer in the turkey as it cooks. Always remember to wipe down the thermometer after use and before using it again to avoid cross-contamination. As you will be measuring the temperature are different stages of doneness.
The good thing is you can leave it for long enough without standing there is you are using a wireless Bluetooth meat thermometer.
How To Tell A Turkey Is Done Without A Meat Thermometer?
This requires you to pierce the turkey preferably in the thigh since that part takes the longest time to cook. If the juices run clear, the turkey is done. If the juices run reddish pink, then you need to cook the turkey a bit more. Then check again to see if the juice will run clear.
As a general of thumb, calculate the cooking time it would take to cook the size of turkey you have. On average, a 20-pound turkey will take about 4 hours to cook at 325°F. As long as you do not open the oven to peek at least for the first 3 hours. As this will reduce the oven temperature and prolong the cooking time.
Check this too: How To Clean A Meat Thermometer