Is 150 Degrees Safe for Your Turkey?

Cooking a turkey can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to figuring out the right temperature. While the USDA recommends cooking turkey to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, some argue that 150 degrees is safe and results in a juicier bird. So, what’s the truth?

The Safety Factor: 165 Degrees

The USDA’s recommendation of 165 degrees Fahrenheit is based on ensuring the elimination of harmful bacteria, particularly Salmonella. At this temperature, Salmonella is killed within 10 seconds, making it a safe consumption point.

However, some argue that this temperature is overkill, especially for the breast meat Cooking the breast to 165 degrees can result in dryness and a less flavorful experience

The Juiciness Factor: 150 Degrees

Proponents of cooking turkey to 150 degrees argue that this temperature is sufficient to kill Salmonella, while also preserving the juiciness of the breast meat. They point to studies that show Salmonella is killed at lower temperatures if held for a longer duration.

For example, at 150 degrees Fahrenheit, Salmonella is killed within 3.8 minutes. By resting the turkey for at least 10 minutes after cooking, the internal temperature will continue to rise, ensuring the elimination of any remaining bacteria.

The Trade-Off: 150 vs. 165 Degrees

Ultimately, the decision of whether to cook your turkey to 150 or 165 degrees is a personal one. If you’re concerned about food safety and prefer a well-done bird, then sticking with 165 degrees is the safest option.

However, if you’re looking for a juicier and more flavorful turkey, then cooking the breast to 150 degrees and the dark meat to 165 degrees could be a good compromise. Just make sure to rest the turkey for at least 10 minutes after cooking to ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level throughout the bird.

Additional Tips for Cooking Turkey

Use a meat thermometer: This is the most accurate way to ensure your turkey is cooked to the proper temperature.
Brine your turkey: Brining helps to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.
Let the turkey rest: This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the bird, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
Don’t overcook the turkey: This is the biggest mistake people make when cooking turkey. Overcooked turkey is dry and tough.

Whether you choose to cook your turkey to 150 or 165 degrees, the most important thing is to follow safe food handling practices and use a meat thermometer to ensure the bird is cooked to the proper temperature. With a little planning and care, you can cook a delicious and juicy turkey that everyone will enjoy.

Pasteurization Time for Poultry With 5% Fat Content (7-log10 lethality)

Temperature	Time
136°F (58°C)	65.3 minutes
140°F (60°C)	29 minutes
145°F (63°C)	10.8 minutes
150°F (66°C)	3.7 minutes
155°F (68°C)	1.2 minutes
160°F (71°C)	26.1 seconds
165°F (74°C)	Instant

According to the USDAs own data, as long as your turkey spends at least 3. 7 minutes at or above 150°F (66°C), it is safe to eat. Put another way, you should be set to go by the time it has finished resting (you do let your turkey rest before carving, right?).

Check out the video for how to take the temperature of your roasted turkey for more details.

turkey at 150 degrees

Thermapen is still the gold standard for kitchen thermometers, offering remarkable speed, an extended probe, superior accuracy and precision, water resistance, and several other useful features. However, if you don’t want to spend $100 on a thermometer, go with one of the top models (like the $35 ThermoPop 2) from our review of the best cheap digital thermometers. Both are accurate and reliable.

Straight to the Point

To cook your turkey to perfection, you need an instant-read thermometer. Our favorite instant-read thermometer is the ThermoWorks Thermapen ONE. For a budget-friendly pick, we like the ThermoWorks ThermoPop 2.

Throw out the timing charts and forget about cooking your turkey “until the juices run clear” if you want to ensure that it will be juicy and tender. ” Just use a thermometer. As long as you know where to check the turkey’s temperature and what it should be, it’s the only way to ensure perfectly cooked meat. The deepest part of the breast, the joint between the thigh and the body, and the joint between the drumstick and the thigh are the three places you should take the turkey’s temperature for optimal results.

This video will show you exactly how to do that. 2:32

Is turkey OK at 150 degrees?

FAQ

Is 150 degrees safe for turkey?

According to the USDA’s own data, as long as your turkey spends at least 3.7 minutes at or above 150°F (66°C), it is safe to eat. In other words, by the time it’s done resting (you do let your turkey rest before carving, right?), you should be good to go.

How long does it take for a turkey to go from 150 to 165?

For the juiciest meat, you’ll want to remove your bird from the oven when the temperature reaches 150°F. The temperature will continue to rise as the turkey rests and should reach 165°F within 30 minutes of being removed from the oven.

What is the lowest safe temperature to cook a turkey?

Mar 24, 2023 It is not safe to cook any meat or poultry in an oven set lower than 325 °F.

Can you cook a turkey at 140 degrees?

That said, turkey cooked and held at 140°F for 30 minutes is just as safe as turkey cooked and held at 165°F for 10 seconds. Knowing the safety guidelines for this kind of pasteurization is the key to making sure that your sous-vide turkey is safe.