How to cook a Turkey: Turkey is a popular protein option for many meals, especially around the holidays. It is a lean source of protein and is rich in nutrients such as B vitamins, selenium, and phosphorus.
RELATED: How to cook Bacon in the Oven
There are many ways to cook and prepare turkey, including roasting, grilling, and slow cooking. Some popular dishes made with turkey include roast turkey, turkey sandwiches, turkey chili, and turkey pot pie.
Turkey can also be used as a substitute for other meats in many recipes, such as in place of chicken in a stir-fry or as a filling for tacos. Whether you’re looking to cook a whole turkey or use turkey in a recipe, there are many delicious options to choose from.
Table of Contents
How to cook a Turkey
Cooking a turkey can be intimidating, but with a little planning and some basic techniques, it’s actually quite easy! Here is a simple method for cooking a turkey in the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove the turkey from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, both inside and out.
- Place the turkey, breast side up, in a large roasting pan.
- If desired, add a flavor boost by rubbing the turkey with a mixture of herbs, butter, and seasonings. Some good options include minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and paprika.
- Tent the turkey with aluminum foil and roast it for about 2 hours.
- Remove the foil and roast the turkey for an additional 1-1.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- When the turkey is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the meat more tender.
- Carve the turkey and serve it hot, garnished with herbs or your choice of sides.
Here are a few additional tips for cooking a perfect turkey:
- Be sure to allow enough time for the turkey to cook. A general rule of thumb is to allow about 15 minutes of cooking time per pound of turkey.
- To ensure even cooking, position the turkey so that the breast is facing toward the center of the oven.
- Baste the turkey every 30-45 minutes to keep it moist and add flavor.
- If the turkey starts to get too dark on the outside before it is fully cooked, cover it loosely with a piece of foil to prevent it from burning.
- When you’re ready to carve the turkey, use a sharp knife and a sturdy carving fork to slice through the meat. Cut the turkey into slices against the grain for the most tender results.
RELATED: How to eat Dragon fruit
How to cook a Turkey (VIDEO)
How to prepare a Turkey
Here are some tips for preparing a turkey:
- Thaw the turkey: If your turkey is frozen, be sure to allow enough time for it to thaw completely in the refrigerator. A general rule of thumb is to allow about 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.
- Rinse the turkey: Before cooking the turkey, rinse it thoroughly under cold water. This will help to remove any excess surface bacteria.
- Pat the turkey dry: After rinsing the turkey, pat it dry with paper towels both inside and out. This will help to ensure that the turkey cooks evenly and the skin becomes crispy.
- Season the turkey: If desired, season the turkey with a mixture of herbs, butter, and other seasonings. Some good options include minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and paprika.
- Truss the turkey: Trussing the turkey helps to keep it moist and evenly cooked. To truss a turkey, tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven according to the recipe you are using, typically to a temperature of 350-450°F (175-230°C).
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan: Place the turkey, breast side up, in a large roasting pan. Add any vegetables or other ingredients called for in your recipe to the pan around the turkey.
- Roast the turkey: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast the turkey according to the recipe’s instructions. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure that it is fully cooked.
- Let the turkey rest: When the turkey is done cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the meat more tender.
How long to cook a Turkey
The cooking time for a turkey will depend on its size and the desired level of doneness. Here is a general guide for roasting a turkey:
- For a turkey weighing 8-12 pounds, roast it at 350°F (175°C) for 2.5-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- For a turkey weighing 12-16 pounds, roast it at 350°F (175°C) for 3-3.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- For a turkey weighing 16-20 pounds, roast it at 350°F (175°C) for 3.5-4 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- For a turkey weighing 20-24 pounds, roast it at 350°F (175°C) for 4-4.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
Keep in mind that these cooking times are just a general guide and will vary depending on your oven and the size and shape of your turkey. It’s important to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the thigh and the breast.
It’s also a good idea to allow extra time for the turkey to rest after it comes out of the oven. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the meat more tender. Allow the turkey to rest for about 20-30 minutes before carving.
RELATED: How to eat Crawfish (+VIDEO) – Step by Step
How to store uncooked Turkey
Here are a few tips for storing uncooked turkey:
- Keep the turkey in its original packaging: If the turkey is still in its original packaging, leave it in there and store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
- Place the turkey in a plastic bag: If the turkey is not in its original packaging, place it in a large plastic bag and store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator.
- Store the turkey in the coldest part of your refrigerator: The coldest part of your refrigerator is usually at the back, near the bottom. This will help to keep the turkey fresh and prevent the growth of bacteria.
- Use the turkey within 3-5 days: Fresh turkey should be used within 3-5 days of purchase. If you won’t be able to use it within this time frame, you can freeze it for longer storage.
- Freeze the turkey: To freeze an uncooked turkey, wrap it tightly in heavy-duty aluminum foil or plastic wrap and place it in a resealable freezer bag. Frozen turkey will keep for about 1 year.
- Thaw the turkey before cooking: When you’re ready to cook the turkey, be sure to allow enough time for it to thaw completely in the refrigerator. A general rule of thumb is to allow about 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.
How to prepare a Turkey
Here are some tips for preparing a turkey:
- Thaw the turkey: If your turkey is frozen, be sure to allow enough time for it to thaw completely in the refrigerator. A general rule of thumb is to allow about 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.
- Rinse the turkey: Before cooking the turkey, rinse it thoroughly under cold water. This will help to remove any excess surface bacteria.
- Pat the turkey dry: After rinsing the turkey, pat it dry with paper towels both inside and out. This will help to ensure that the turkey cooks evenly and the skin becomes crispy.
- Season the turkey: If desired, season the turkey with a mixture of herbs, butter, and other seasonings. Some good options include minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, and paprika.
- Truss the turkey: Trussing the turkey helps to keep it moist and evenly cooked. To truss a turkey, tie the legs together with kitchen twine and tuck the wings under the body.
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven according to the recipe you are using, typically to a temperature of 350-450°F (175-230°C).
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan: Place the turkey, breast side up, in a large roasting pan. Add any vegetables or other ingredients called for in your recipe to the pan around the turkey.
- Roast the turkey: Place the roasting pan in the preheated oven and roast
RELATED: Pornstar Martini: Quick and Easy Pornstar Martini Recipe
How to defrost a turkey
There are a few different ways to safely defrost a turkey, depending on the time you have available:
- In the refrigerator: This is the safest and most effective way to defrost a turkey, but it does take the longest. Allow about 24 hours of thawing time for every 4-5 pounds of turkey. Place the turkey in a large, shallow dish in the refrigerator to catch any juices that may leak.
- In cold water: This method is faster than thawing in the refrigerator, but it requires more attention. Fill a large bowl or clean sink with cold water and submerge the turkey in the water. Allow about 30 minutes of thawing time for every pound of turkey. Be sure to change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold.
- In the microwave: This method is the fastest way to defrost a turkey, but it is not recommended as it can cause the turkey to cook unevenly. Use the defrost setting on your microwave and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for defrosting a turkey.
Regardless of the method you choose, be sure to cook the turkey immediately after it has thawed. Do not refreeze an already thawed turkey.
Turkey Nutrition Facts
Turkey is a lean source of protein that is rich in nutrients such as B vitamins, selenium, and phosphorus. Here are the nutrition facts for a 3-ounce (85-gram) serving of roasted turkey, skinless and boneless:
- Calories: 141
- Total fat: 3.6 grams
- Saturated fat: 1 gram
- Cholesterol: 67 milligrams
- Sodium: 73 milligrams
- Total carbohydrate: 0 grams
- Protein: 26 grams
- Vitamin B6: 14% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin B12: 12% of the DV
- Selenium: 35% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 16% of the DV
Turkey is also a good source of niacin and zinc. The nutrition facts for turkey will vary depending on the cut and whether or not the skin is included. Generally, dark meat cuts of turkey have slightly more fat and calories than white meat cuts. Turkey with the skin left on will also have more fat and calories than skinless turkey.
RELATED: Chia seeds for weight loss: How to use Chia seeds for weight loss
How Much Turkey Per Person?
The amount of turkey you will need to serve per person will depend on the size of the turkey, the appetite of your guests, and whether or not you want leftovers. Here is a general guide for how much turkey to serve per person:
- For a small gathering of 8-12 people, a turkey that weighs 12-14 pounds should be sufficient. This will allow for about 1-1.5 pounds of turkey per person, with some leftovers.
- For a larger gathering of 12-16 people, a turkey that weighs 16-20 pounds will be needed. This will allow for about 1-1.5 pounds of turkey per person, with some leftovers.
- For a very large gathering of 16 or more people, a turkey that weighs 20 pounds or more will be needed. This will allow for about 1-1.5 pounds of turkey per person, with plenty of leftovers.
Keep in mind that these are just general guidelines and the actual amount of turkey you will need will depend on the appetites of your guests and any other dishes you will be serving.