Let's Talk Turkey
Thanksgiving is upon us again. The turkey will be the centerpiece of our Thanksgiving table, but how do you cook it? And how do you cook grain-free? There are a few things to consider when cooking your holiday bird for success! Follow these tips and you’ll have a tasty, moist turkey that’s perfect for any occasion.
How much turkey should I buy for Thanksgiving?
You’ll need about 1/2 pound per person
Is an organic turkey better?
USDA organic means that the turkeys are raised without antibiotics, chemicals, fillers, and pesticides. These meats are full of flavor- so you can feel good about what goes into your body!
What does Free-range mean for turkey?
Free-range means that the turkey was raised in a healthy environment and allowed to roam free, eating grass and seeds. So their meat is healthier for you!
How long should you let your turkey rest?
Resting the turkey allows the juices to settle into your meat making it more flavorful.
The juice will stay in the meat, not run onto your cutting board.
You can make the gravy while you are resting- otherwise i,f you remove the bird too soon, all of the moisture will be in your pan.
How long does it take to roast a turkey?
Plan on about 20 minutes per pound at 325 degrees F.
The temperature of Cooked Turkey – The temperature must reach a minimum of 165 degrees F. in the thigh before removing from the oven.
Thaw Your Turkey Head of Time
When to take the turkey out of the freezer for Thanksgiving?
Be sure the turkey is completely thawed. Allow 24 hours per 5 pounds of turkey.
Ex: if you have a 15lbs bird you need at least 3 days to thaw
Prep Turkey
Should you season under the skin of a turkey?
Yes.
Seasoning the under-skin of the turkey will add flavor and moisture.
apple slices, celery, carrots, garlic, butter, and herbs in the cavity
Oven Temperature to cook turkey
Set the oven temperature no lower than 325 degrees F.
Put Turkey in Pan
Place turkey breast-side up on a flat wire rack, in a shallow roasting pan, 2 to 2 1/2 inches deep.
Add 1 cup chicken broth/stock to the bottom of the turkey pan before beginning the cooking. This will create a steam room-type environment in the oven, which will help keep the breast moist but will not prevent browning of the skin.
What is the reason for tenting a turkey?
Tenting a turkey is an easy technique for preventing over-browning. The tinfoil reflects the heat to prevent the turkey’s skin from burning and the turkey can continue to cook up to temperature.
Remove Turkey From the Oven
Once you remove the turkey from the oven, tent it with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 20 to 30 minutes, so the meat can firm up and hold the juices, making it easier to carve.
Remove Turkey From the Oven
Remove Turkey From the Oven
Once you remove the turkey from the oven, tent it with aluminum foil and allow it to rest for 20 to 30 minutes, so the meat can firm up and hold the juices, making it easier to carve.
How long should you let your turkey rest?
Resting the turkey allows the juices to settle into your meat making it more flavorful.
The juice will stay in the meat, not run onto your cutting board.
You can make the gravy while you are resting- otherwise if you remove the bird too soon, all of the moisture will be in your pan.
Perfect Thanksgiving Turkey
Ingredients
- 12 pound Turkey thawed
- giblets removed and neck cut off but saved if you want to use it for gravy
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 8 tablespoons butter cut into cubes
- 1 sweet onion peeled and halved
- 5 garlic cloves peeled
- Dry Rub:
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- 1.) Preheat oven to 325°F.
- 2.) Mix your dry rub combine the sea salt, thyme, sage, smoked paprika, & pepper.
- 3.) Rinse the turkey thoroughly inside and out under cold water. Pat dry. Season with dry rub.
- 3.) In a large roasting pan, place the onion halves and garlic cloves in the turkey cavity. Place turkey (breast side up).
- 4.) lift the skin and insert cubes of butter on each half of the bird. Fold wing tips under and tie legs together with twine or cotton cooking string. Trussing keeps chicken moist during roasting and lets heat circulate throughout.
- 5.) Place turkey in the oven and cook until skin is brown and crispy for about 1 hour.
- 6.) After an hour, lower heat to 300°F and baste the turkey with pan drippings. Cover the breast with foil to prevent over-browning- this is called tenting.
- 7.) Roast: cook until a meat thermometer registers 165°F in the thickest part of the inner thigh and wing. Remove turkey from the oven and let rest for 15-30 minutes before carving to allow juices to set.
- 9.) Carve and Serve!
Notes
Tips: Be sure your bird is thawed completely (if frozen)! Turkey should be thoroughly cooked, 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer, but check the temperature in several places just to be sure. Keep your bird moist using a brine or even an ice bath before roasting, and tent it with foil if necessary throughout cooking to prevent over-browning and burning.
How do you thicken turkey gravy without flour?
Garbanzo flour has a nutty rich flavor perfect to thicken your turkey gravy- no need for white flour or cornstarch!
Turkey Gravy (grain-free and gluten-free)
Equipment
- saucepan
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups Turkey drippings cooking liquid from the turkey
- ¼ cup Garbanzo flour
- ¼ cup Butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Option: garlic and onion
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat warm the turkey drippings to hot.
- In a small fry pan add butter, garbanzo flour, salt, and pepper until starts to brown creating a rue. Add rue little by little to the hot liquid thickening the liquid to desired thickness. Let come to a boil; remove from burner. Enjoy the savory flavors.
Storytime
We were at a gathering where we were in charge of cooking about 8 supposedly prepared-to-cook turkeys people brought. We place them in the oven. So the people brought their turkeys and they were to be cleaned and ready to toss in the oven. Someone left the bag of goodies in the cavity of a turkey, plastic and all. It was baked that way and we had to throw the whole stinky turkey away. So make sure you remove all the goodies inside your turkey cavity. Clean the inside of the cavity of your Turkey as well. You can even sterilize it with wine or brandy.
Let's wrap it up
Turkey is a staple for this time of year, but it can be difficult to cook the perfect bird. With these tips and tricks, you’ll have an easy go at cooking your turkey so that’s moist and delicious- no matter how much experience you may have in the kitchen!
Try these tasty Thanksgiving Turkey Tips for success! Happy Cooking!!