There’s always that one dish that doesn’t entirely turn out how you wanted it to. Maybe the turkey was undercooked, or the casserole was too dry, but don’t worry, you can try to recook it! Here are a few tips on how to make your undercooked turkey taste great again.
Do you end up with undercooked turkey at the Thanksgiving feast? It can be tricky to get it just right. Luckily, you can recook your undercooked turkey and still enjoy all of the deliciousness!
Jump to:
- What to do if the turkey is rare
- How to recook the undercooked turkey
- Tips to make sure your turkey is cooked through
- Is it safe to eat undercooked turkey?
- What are the risks of eating undercooked turkey?
- How to cook a turkey
- What to serve with cooked turkey
- How to use leftover turkey
- FAQs about recook turkey
What to do if the turkey is rare
If you find that your turkey isn’t fully cooked, don’t panic. There are a few things you can do to save it.
Take the turkey out of the oven and check the internal temperature. If it’s below 165 degrees Fahrenheit, you need to recook it longer.
If the turkey is undercooked, you can try to recook it a bit longer at a lower temperature.
This will help the inside of the turkey cook without drying out the outside.
How to recook the undercooked turkey
If you want to try recooking your turkey, there are a few things you need to do.
First, if the internal temperature is below 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it needs to be cooked longer.
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Next, place the turkey in a roasting pan and add a little water or chicken broth to the bottom of the pan. This will help keep the turkey moist while it cooks.
Cook the turkey for about 20-30 minutes longer, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Check the turkey periodically to make sure it is not drying out. If it seems dry, you can cover it with aluminum foil.
Once the turkey is cooked through, let it rest for a few minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute and make the turkey moist.
Read our post How To Tell When Ground Turkey is Done.
Tips to make sure your turkey is cooked through
You can do a few things to ensure your turkey is cooked through. One of them is checking the internal temperature of the turkey with a meat thermometer.
Another tip is to cook the turkey until the juices run clear. To do this, insert a skewer or knife into the thickest part of the turkey. The turkey needs to cook longer if the juices are pink or reddish.
Another way to tell if the turkey is done is to move the leg. If it moves easily, it’s done. If it is difficult to move, it needs to be cooked longer.
Read our post How Long Does Turkey Bacon Last.
Is it safe to eat undercooked turkey?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is not safe to eat undercooked turkey.
Every year, thousands of people get sick from eating turkey that has not been cooked properly.
Raw turkey contains a bacterium called Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning.
In severe cases, Salmonella can lead to hospitalization or even death.
The best way to prevent food poisoning from Salmonella is to cook turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
This temperature will kill the bacteria and make the turkey safe to eat.
Here you can read more about this.
When you recook undercooked turkey, make sure to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast.
For ground turkey, cook it until it is no longer pink in the middle.
Following these simple tips will help you enjoy a safe and delicious Thanksgiving meal.
What are the risks of eating undercooked turkey?
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and turkey.
But before you sit down to enjoy your holiday feast, it’s essential to ensure that your turkey is properly cooked.
Undercooked turkey can be a dangerous food to eat, as it can lead to food poisoning.
Symptoms of food poisoning from undercooked turkey include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, it can even lead to death.
So how can you make sure your turkey is cooked properly? The best way is to use a meat thermometer.
Insert it into the thickest part of the turkey, making sure not to touch the bone.
Once cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, turkey is safe to eat.
So this Thanksgiving, don’t take any risks – cook your turkey thoroughly and enjoy a safe and delicious holiday meal!
How to cook a turkey
Cooking a turkey is one of the most traditional ways to celebrate Thanksgiving.
And while it may seem like a daunting task, with a little planning and preparation, anyone can cook a delicious holiday meal.
The first step is to choose the right bird.
Once you’ve chosen your turkey, it’s time to start thawing it. This process can take time, so be sure to plan ahead.
When the turkey is thawed, it’s time to start preparing it for cooking.
The general rule of thumb is to roast your turkey at 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
Every oven is different, so be sure to check on your bird periodically during cooking. When the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s done!
Remove it from the oven and let it rest for 20 minutes before carving and serving.
With a little planning and preparation, cooking a holiday turkey isn’t as difficult as it may seem.
Read our post How To Cook Store Bought Smoked Turkey Legs.
What to serve with cooked turkey
When it comes to Thanksgiving dinner, turkey is often the star of the show’s star.
But while a roasted turkey is undoubtedly delicious, it can be a bit dry and bland.
On the other hand, an undercooked turkey is not what you want and be ready to recook it.
Also, choosing the right side dishes to accompany your bird is essential.
A simple green salad is a great way to add some color and texture to your plate, and it can also help balance out the meal’s heaviness.
Roasted vegetables are another popular option; you can easily customize them to suit your taste.
Winter squash, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts are all classic Thanksgiving sides that pair well with turkey.
Whether you go traditional or mix things up, there are plenty of delicious options to choose from regarding what to serve with your baked turkey.
So experiment until you find the perfect combination for your holiday table.
For more options read our post How To Make a Cheeseboard.
How to use leftover turkey
Thanksgiving is over, and you’re left with a huge tray of leftover turkey. What now?
First, don’t stress! There are plenty of delicious ways to use up that turkey.
One easy way is to make a turkey pot pie.
Add chopped veggies and gravy to your turkey meat, then top with a store-bought or homemade pie crust.
If you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, try making a Turkey Waldorf Salad.
Mix chopped turkey with grapes, celery, apples, mayo, and yogurt.
Or, for something different, try using your turkey in a Thai-style curry.
Add curry paste, coconut milk, and chopped veggies to your cooked turkey meat.
You can also make a turkey sandwich or wrap
FAQs about recook turkey
The best way to tell if the turkey is done is to use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the turkey, making sure not to touch the bone. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Undercooked turkey can be dangerous, as it can cause food poisoning. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the turkey is thoroughly cooked.
If turkey is not fully cooked, you can place it back in the oven to recook it and cover it to prevent dryness. To recook undercooked turkey slices, place them in a roasting pan with chicken broth, cover them with aluminum foil, and return to the oven until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
To avoid food poisoning, do not partially cook meat or poultry and refrigerate it before finishing the cooking process.
When cooking a turkey, use a food thermometer to be sure it has reached a safe minimum internal temperature. Turkey can remain pink even after cooking to that temperature.
Yes, you can refrigerate a whole cooked turkey. It’s best to store it as soon as possible after cooking and not let it sit at room temperature for very long. You can keep it in your refrigerator for up to 4 days, or in your freezer for up to 3 months.
Don’t let undercooked turkey ruin your meal! With these tips, you can easily cook it again and enjoy all its deliciousness.
