I'm cooking a turkey today for my son's birthday, and I don't have a meat thermometer. How can I tell if it's done? I'm so afraid I'll underdo it or cook it dry. The turkey is really small, about 5 pounds or 2.5 kilos, and I'm roasting it in the oven stuffed only with two small onions.
2007-01-09 01:01:13 · 14 answers · asked by Melinda 2 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
I was gonna say when it stops screaming..
But this will probably be better information
Weight Approximate Cooking Time in 325° Oven Internal Temperature (ºF)
6 to 8 pounds ...... 3 to 3 1/2 hours ..... 185º
8 to 12 pounds .... 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 hours .. 185º
12 to 16 pounds .. 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 hours .. 185º
16 to 20 pounds .. 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 hours.. 185º
20 to 24 pounds ... 6 1/2 to 7 hours ....... 185º
2007-01-09 01:13:35 · answer #1 · answered by mary L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Approximate Roasting Times for Unstuffed Turkey
Turkey Weight Hours
6 to 8 pounds 2-1/2 to 3 hours
Roasting times may vary greatly, depending on a number of variables that affect the cooking time such as the shape of the turkey breast, the proportion of meat to bone, the variations in different ovens, the altitude, and if the turkey is fresh or frozen and then thawed. Adding the confusion is that almost every source providing roasting times is different from one another. However, the only true gauge for determining proper doneness is with a meat thermometer. The breast must reach an internal temperature of 170°F.
Without a meat thermometer there is no way to know when the turkey is done without being overdone. But lacking a thermometer, make sure the juices are clear when the skin is pricked before removing from the oven and if you pinch the thigh meat it stays depressed rather that springing back into shape.
2007-01-09 01:15:16 · answer #2 · answered by bnkr27 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have the oven preheated to 330 degrees.
When the meat thermometer shows 180 degrees Fahrenheit when stuck in the turkey's breast, let the turkey cook for another 10 minutes and then remove it from the oven. Have the turkey's breast (only) covered throughout with aluminum foil and remove it 30-40 minutes before the turkey is cooked to brown the breast.
2007-01-09 01:14:13 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have purchased turkey bags...very inexpensive...they come with a chart that shows you not only the temperature that the turkey should be at but the cooking time as well.
Since you will be relying solely on cooking time, make sure your oven is preheated to the proper temperature (also on the chart) for at least 20 minutes. Cook the turkey for the recommended amount of time. It should be fine. Remember...there are procedures and policies that have to be followed in order for a company to release information in regards to food items. The cooking times have been tested many times before even releasing to the public.
Even if you do not use the turkey bags the couple dollars you spend on them is worth the chart alone. Keep your chart in your recipe box for future reference. FYI: This cooking chart has times and temps for all different types of meat on it...not just turkey. Good luck!
2007-01-09 01:09:54 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A five pound bird only takes 2-3 hours in a covered pan. The easiest way is to slice down the middle between the breast and look for pink. I hate an over done bird. So pick up a new thermometer.
2007-01-09 01:25:08 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
15-18 minutes per pound, oven @ 425 degrees. I guess working in that turkey shack did something for me. You should buy a thermometer though, if not just make sure to buy turkeys with the thermometer in them already. Also for a great turkey, buy the flavor marinade packets with the meat injector, makes a great turkey every time
2007-01-09 01:11:57 · answer #6 · answered by king.8307 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've always cooked the turkey at 350 degrees, for an hour per every 3 to 4 pounds. When the legs can break off easily, then it's done.
2016-05-22 22:31:36 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When the juices run clear the turkey is done.
You will need to cook it about two hours and let rest 15 min before carving.
2007-01-09 01:52:37 · answer #8 · answered by Smurfetta 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you cook any bird, there is an easy way to know that it is done. Try to move the joint of the leg or arm using a spoon or fork. If it moves then it is done. If it is still hard to move then wait. This goes also when you boil chicken in water.
2007-01-09 01:50:37 · answer #9 · answered by Balsam 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
half kilo=30 mins in 180c oven.....preheat oven beforeputting the turkey in......
2007-01-09 01:29:20 · answer #10 · answered by sherpei 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋