Yes, turkey burgers can be a little pink even when fully cooked and safe to eat.
Here's why:
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Color is not a reliable indicator of doneness: The pinkness in cooked turkey, or any poultry, is not always a sign that it's undercooked. Several factors can affect the color, including:
- Nitrites/Nitrates in the feed: These compounds, present in some poultry feed, can react with the meat pigments, causing a pink color even at safe temperatures.
- Oven environment: Cooking in a gas oven, which produces nitrogen dioxide, can also lead to pink meat.
- Myoglobin levels: The amount of myoglobin (a protein responsible for the color of meat) in the turkey can vary. Higher levels might result in a more pronounced pink hue.
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Safe Internal Temperature is Key: The only accurate way to determine if a turkey burger is safe to eat is to use a food thermometer.
- The USDA recommends cooking ground turkey to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the burger, avoiding bone if applicable.
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What to do if your turkey burger is pink: If your turkey burger is pink but has reached 165°F throughout, it is safe to eat. If it hasn't reached that temperature, continue cooking until it does.
In summary, don't rely solely on color to determine if a turkey burger is cooked through. Always use a food thermometer to ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
