Keywords: turkey burger, medium rare, food safety, bacteria, internal temperature, ground turkey, safe to eat, pink in the middle, cooking temperature, ground beef, E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, foodborne illness
Turkey burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to beef burgers. However, there is some confusion about whether or not turkey burgers can be eaten medium rare. In this article, we will discuss the food safety of turkey burgers and answer the question: can you eat a turkey burger medium rare?
Food Safety of Turkey Burgers:
It is important to remember that ground turkey is a raw meat product and can contain harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella and Campylobacter. These bacteria can cause foodborne illness, which can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Cooking Temperature for Turkey Burgers:
The USDA recommends cooking ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is high enough to kill harmful bacteria
Can You Eat a Turkey Burger Medium Rare?
No, you should not eat a turkey burger medium rare. Medium rare means that the burger is cooked to an internal temperature of 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is not high enough to kill harmful bacteria.
Tips for Cooking Turkey Burgers:
- Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of your turkey burgers.
- Cook your turkey burgers to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Do not rely on the “check if it is no longer pink” method to determine if your turkey burgers are safe to eat.
- If you are unsure about the safety of your turkey burgers, it is best to err on the side of caution and throw them out.
Turkey burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to beef burgers. However, it is important to remember that ground turkey is a raw meat product and can contain harmful bacteria. You should always cook your turkey burgers to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not eat turkey burgers medium rare.
Additional Resources:
- USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service: https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/meat/turkey-food-safety
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/pdfs/turkey-holiday-tips.pdf
FAQs:
Q: Why can’t you eat turkey burgers medium rare?
A: You can’t eat turkey burgers medium rare because ground turkey is a raw meat product and can contain harmful bacteria. These bacteria can cause foodborne illness, which can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
Q: What is the safe internal temperature for cooked turkey burgers?
A: The safe internal temperature for cooked turkey burgers is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q: How can I tell if my turkey burgers are cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit?
A: You can use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of your turkey burgers.
Q: What should I do if I’m unsure about the safety of my turkey burgers?
A: If you’re unsure about the safety of your turkey burgers, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw them out.
Note: This information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for any questions or concerns you may have.
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To make sure the turkey burgers don’t dry out and overcook, use a thermometer. After turning off the heat, they will continue to cook for a few minutes, so make sure they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Let them rest for a few minutes or until their internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Onion, 1 cup(s), chopped, measured after chopping in food processor
- Look for “ground turkey breast” or “fat-free ground turkey” when purchasing ½ pound(s) of extremely lean ground turkey.
- Garlic powder, ½ tsp(s)
- Onion powder, ½ tsp(s)
- Cumin, ground, ½ tsp(s)
- Cilantro, fresh, 2 tbsp(s), chopped
- Salt, ½ tsp(s)
- Black pepper, ¼ tsp(s), ground
- Eggs, 1 large
- Olive oil spray, 1 x two-second spray(s)
- ¼ cup of panko bread crumbs, or more if the mixture seems too moist.
Method
Chop the onion in a food processor. Combine the turkey breast, onion, cumin, cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and egg in a medium-sized bowl.
Turn up the heat to medium in a grill or medium nonstick sauté pan. Lightly coat the grill or pan with cooking spray. Form the burger mixture into two 4-ounce patties. If the mixture is too wet, add the panko.
After putting the patties on the grill or in the pan, cook them for about five minutes on each side, or until they are 160°F inside. After taking the patties off of the burner, allow them to cool until they reach 165°F.
Top the turkey burger patties with your preferred condiments and serve them on whole wheat buns.
Nutrition facts per serving Makes 2 servings
Food Groups
| V Vegetables | 1.3 |
| F Fruits | 0 |
| C Carbohydrates | 0.8 |
| PD Protein/Dairy | 1.5 |
| Ft Fats | 0.2 |
| S Sweets | 0 |
Nutrition Facts
| Calories | 264 |
| Total Fat | 6.4 g |
| – Saturated Fat | 1.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 155.4 mg |
| Sodium | 779 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 18.8 g |
| – Dietary Fiber | 2.3 g |
| – Total Sugars | 4.4 g |
| — Added Sugars | 0 g |
| Protein | 32.9 g |