We've always found that being told how to check the internal temperature of the turkey in one line of instruction is very different than actually doing it. And when we're talking about not only our own health but that of our guests as well, we don't want to get it wrong! Here are a few extra tips to help you out:
In general, the best way to check the temperature of a turkey to to stick an instant-read thermometer in the meatiest part of the thigh (see photo above). This is a part of the turkey that cooks the slowest and is also one of the thickest. That means if it's at the right temperature, you can be sure the rest of the turkey has also finished cooking.
If you're not familiar with turkey anatomy, look at it from above with the smaller neck cavity on top and the larger opening at the bottom. The little wings will be at the top close to the neck opening. The big, meaty legs - the thighs and drumsticks - will be at the bottom. The drumsticks stick out from the body and attach to the thigh at a joint, which in turn attach to the body of the turkey.
In the picture above, the neck opening is to the right with the bottom to the left. The turkey is breast-side up, so the thighs are a little under the drumsticks. To take the temperature, you might need to turn the turkey on its side.
Insert your instant-read thermometer into the thigh meat so that the thermometer is parallel to the body of the turkey. You should feel some resistance as it goes into the meat. If it suddenly slides very easy, that means you've poked through into the turkey cavity. If you hit something, that means you've come to a bone.
Also, make sure you know where the temperature sensor is on your thermometer. Some have it at the tip and others have it about half an inch above the tip. Position your thermometer in the thigh meat accordingly.
Keep the thermometer there until the numbers stop moving. It's best to actually take the turkey completely out of the oven and close the oven door so you don't lose all the heat. Ovens take a long time to come back up to temperature, and leaving it open while you check the temperature is one of the reasons behind the myth that turkeys take so long to cook!
When the internal temperature registers a steady 165F, your turkey is done.
Take it out of the oven, tent it loosely in foil, and let it rest so the juices have a chance to redistribute. If you leave the thermometer in the thigh, you'll notice the temperature rising a bit before the turkey starts to cool again.
Another test to see if the turkey is done cooking is if the juices run clear. Cut a small slit in the meat at various places around the turkey and press just above the cut with the flat of your knife. If the juices that run out are clear, the turkey is done. If you see any red tinge of blood, keep cooking for a little longer.
Do you have any other tips for checking the temperature on a turkey?
See how to cook a turkey: How To Cook a Turkey: The Simplest, Easiest Method
Related: How to Carve a Chicken (Or Turkey, Or Duck!)
(Image: Emma Christensen)
HowStuffWorks "Learn how Everything Works!" HowStuffWorks explains thousands of topics, from engines to lock-picking to ESP, with video and illustrations so you can learn how everything works. How-To Geek - Computer Help from your Friendly How-To Geek The How-To Geek provides helpful articles covering Windows, Linux, Office, and anything else. Houston Texas Weather Texas Weather Conditions & Forecast KTRK ... Current weather conditions for Houston and southeast Texas including county by county live Mega Doppler 13 weather radar. Howcast The best how-to videos on the web Howcast is the best source for fun, free, and useful how-to videos and guides. How To Check Which Carrier/Network Provider Your iPhone Is Locked ... If youre a lover of the iPhone (like I am), than you likely have owned a couple. I tend to aquire the occasionally used iPhone, but with all the Jailbreak/Unlock ... How to Pass a Urine Test & How to Pass a Hair Drug Test Need to know How to Pass a Drug Test in 24 Hours or How to Pass a Drug Test in a Week? Learn about how to Pass a Drug Test and More. TLC Cooking "Food and Recipes" TLC Cooking has recipes for every occasion and serves up expert advice on how to prepare the perfect meal. Get food and nutrition tips on TLC Cooking. Earth911.com - Find Where and How to Recycle Guide to local resources including recycling centers, how to recycle, pollution prevention and how to help protect the environment. How to Videos on MonkeySee - Free Instructional Videos Thousands of professional-quality how-to videos by accomplished experts on every conceivable topic. See how the experts do it! How-to Videos: How-to and DIY Videos - About.com Videos About.com Videos - Whether you want to buy an MP3 player, learn to cook sushi, or find out how to hand-wash clothes, About.com provides practical solutions to ...
No comments:
Post a Comment