How to Cook a Turkey - Thanksgiving Recipe - Real Advice Gal (2024)

As the leaves turn brilliant shades of red and gold and a crispness fills the air, it’s that wonderful time of year again when we gather with loved ones to give thanks and indulge in a mouthwatering Thanksgiving feast. At the heart of this beloved tradition is the majestic turkey, roasted to golden perfection and exuding the delicious scents of holiday joy. But how to cook a turkey?

In this article, we’re here to guide you through the art of roasting the perfect turkey, from preparation to carving, ensuring that your Thanksgiving table is graced with a centerpiece that’s not only tender and succulent but a source of pride for the chef.

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I was scared to cook a turkey. It always looked so hard. I always remembered people looking like they have run a race after cooking this beast. One year, I jumped in and decided I would figure it out. I hope my post how you cook a turkey will help even the newest cook roast a delicious turkey.

Easy and The Best Turkey Recipe for Thanksgiving

Ingredients:

Turkey

Chicken Broth

1 stick of Butter

Salt and Pepper

Olive oil

Herbs (You can use rosemary) I cheat and use Herbes De Provence (it sounds fancy and tastes great)

Roasting pan

foil

This is how you cook a turkey.

INSTRUCTIONS

  1. ) If your turkey is frozen you will need to thaw it in the refrigerator DAYS before Thanksgiving. If you have screwed up and didn’t do this you can put it in cold water. You will need to keep changing the water until it is thawed. I hope you didn’t have plans this will take awhile.

  2. ) Then you will need to actually wash the turkey. You just use water. Do NOT use soap.

  3. ) Then you will pat the turkey dry with paper towels. I can imagine my husband grabbing a dish towel so I am being specific.

  4. ) You will take out everything that is in the turkey. It most likely has stuff in there. This stuff will be used in your gravy.

  5. ) You will cute a little piece of skin to allow for room for your hand to go under the skin. You will make a little clip up near the neck area and on the bottom.

  6. ) You will get the butter and divide it in half. You will take on half and place it in a measuring cup for later. The second half you will cut into thin squares.

  7. ) You will place the butter under the skin of the turkey.

  8. ) You will place the turkey in a roaster pan.

  9. ) Brush the out side of the turkey with olive oil

  10. ) Next place salt and pepper on the outside of the turkey just sprinkle a little bit.

  11. ) Then sprinkle the herb of your choice. I used Herbes De Provence

  12. ) Place 1 cup of chicken broth at the bottom of your turkey roasting pan

  13. ) Then place your turkey in a roasting bag ( I do not do this) You do not need one. It makes clean up easier. I just buy a foil roasting pan.

  14. ) Turn your oven to 400 degrees once the oven has reached this temperature I place my turkey in the oven with foil over the turkey for 60 minutes.

  15. ) Turn down the temperature to 325 degree for the remaining cooking time

  16. ) I set my microwave timer to go off every 30 minutes so I can go over and pour the liquid at the bottom of the pan over the turkey. This is called basting.

  17. ) Thirty minutes before the bird should be done I remove the foil.

  18. ) I check the turkey often to see that it reaches 180 degrees. I do so in the fattest part of the bird.

  19. ) I often crisp the skin by melting that final half of the butter and painting it on the skin of the turkey.

  20. ) Then I turn on broil for about 3 minutes while watching carefully to make sure I do not burn the turkey.

  21. ) Place foil lightly over the top and let the turkey rest before serving.

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Mastering the Art of Carving the Thanksgiving Turkey: Essential Tips and Techniques

Carving the turkey may seem like a daunting task, but with a few key tips and techniques, you can become the hero of your Thanksgiving dinner. Here’s your comprehensive guide to mastering the art of carving the Thanksgiving turkey.

1. Gather Your Tools:

Before you begin carving, ensure you have the right tools at hand. You’ll need a sharp carving knife, a carving fork, a cutting board, a serving platter, and a few small bowls for collecting juices and drippings.

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Electric Knife for Carving

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Carving Knife Set 8″

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Turkey Carving Board

2. Let It Rest:

After removing the turkey from the oven, let it rest for about 20-30 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, making the turkey easier to carve and keeping the meat moist and flavorful.

3. Position the Turkey:

Place the turkey on a clean, stable surface. Use a towel or kitchen paper to stabilize the bird, preventing it from slipping while you carve.

4. Start with the Drumsticks:

Begin by removing the drumsticks. Hold the drumstick firmly with a carving fork, and use your knife to cut through the joint where the thigh meets the body. The leg and thigh can be served whole or separated, depending on your preference.

5. Carve the Wings:

Next, remove the wings. Pull the wing away from the body and locate the joint. Cut through the joint to separate the wing from the breast.

6. Slice the Breast:

The majority of your turkey carving will involve the breast. To do this, make a long, horizontal cut just above the wing joint along the breastbone. Angle your knife slightly downward as you cut. The goal is to get smooth, even slices of breast meat.

7. Angle Matters:

Always carve your turkey against the grain for the most tender slices. The grain of the meat runs along the length of the turkey. So, when slicing the breast, cut perpendicular to the grain, ensuring each slice is juicy and tender.

8. Collect Juices:

As you carve, keep a small bowl nearby to collect any juices and drippings. These can be used for making gravy or for moistening the carved meat.

9. Plate It Beautifully:

Arrange the carved turkey slices on a serving platter, decorating it with herbs or garnishes for a stunning presentation. The dark and white meat can be separated and arranged in an attractive pattern.

10. Serve with Confidence:

Now that you’ve successfully carved the turkey, serve it to your guests with confidence. Remember, it’s not just about the visual appeal but also the delicious flavor you’ve unlocked through proper carving techniques.

11. Practice Makes Perfect:

Carving a turkey might seem intimidating at first, but like any skill, practice makes perfect. Consider practicing on a smaller chicken or turkey before your big Thanksgiving meal to build confidence and sharpen your skills.

12. Share the Experience:

If you’re carving the turkey at the table, share the experience with your guests. Talk about the process, and explain your technique—it can be a great conversation starter and make your Thanksgiving dinner more engaging and memorable.

With these essential tips and techniques, you’ll confidently carve a succulent and impressive turkey that will be the highlight of your Thanksgiving feast. So, this Thanksgiving, take charge of the carving duties, and relish the joy of sharing a beautifully carved turkey with your loved ones.

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How to Cook a Turkey - Thanksgiving Recipe - Real Advice Gal (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to cook a turkey at 325 or 350? ›

Oven-Roasted Turkey

We recommend starting the turkey in a 425 degree oven for 30-45 minutes before tenting the pan with foil and lowering the temperature to 350 degrees until a meat thermometer reads 165 degrees when inserted into the thickest part of the bird.

Should you bake a turkey covered or uncovered? ›

To achieve a perfectly golden, juicy turkey, let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered in the oven. We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out; then, during the last 30 minutes or so of cooking, remove the cover so the skin crisps in the hot oven.

Why put onions in turkey cavities? ›

Classic Aromatics

Add halved onions, carrot chunks, celery and fresh herbs to the cavity of your turkey, inserting them loosely. These flavor builders are the base of stock and most soups. As your turkey cooks, they'll steam and infuse your bird with moisture and flavor.

What cooking method is best for turkey? ›

Roasting the bird slowly, at a lower temperature is the best way to achieve tender meat. You should still prep the bird with butter, salt, and pepper, as described above (or dry-brine it). To cook, set your oven to 325°F and roast for 3½ to 4 hours for a 12- to 14-pound bird.

How long does it take to cook a 15 lb turkey at 325? ›

How Long Do You Cook a 15-Pound Turkey at 325 Degrees? An unstuffed bird of 15 pounds will likely finish at around the 4-hour mark (or just before). A stuffed turkey will take at least 4 hours to cook, and typically takes an extra 15 minutes until you've hit that desired internal temperature.

How long does a 20lb turkey take at 350? ›

The simplest way to roast a whole turkey: The most straightforward approach is to roast an unstuffed turkey, breast-side up, for 13 minutes per pound of turkey at 350°.

Do you cook a butterball turkey at 325 or 350? ›

Preheat oven to 325° F. Drain juices and pat dry with clean paper towels. Place turkey breast-side-up on a flat rack in a shallow roasting pan 2 to 2½ inches deep. Turn the wings back to hold the neck skin in place.

Do I need to wash my turkey? ›

Wash your hands, but not the turkey! Many consumers think that washing their turkey will remove bacteria and make it safer. However, it's virtually impossible to wash bacteria off the bird. Instead, juices that splash during washing can transfer bacteria onto the surfaces of your kitchen, other foods and utensils.

Do you put water in the bottom of the roasting pan for turkey? ›

"Often, consumers will inquire about adding water to the bottom of their roasting pans. We do not recommend adding water to the bottom of the pan. Cooking a turkey with steam is a moist heat-cook method and is acceptable, sure, but is not the preferred method for cooking your turkey."

How long to take turkey out of the fridge before cooking? ›

Before it goes in the oven, the turkey should be at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge (1 hr for a whole turkey, or 30 mins for a cut) before cooking. Keep it covered in a cool place.

How does Bobby Flay roast a turkey? ›

Put the turkey on top of the vegetables, put in the oven and roast until lightly golden brown, about 45 minutes. Reduce the heat to 350 degrees F and continue roasting, basting with the warm chicken stock every 15 minutes, 2 to 2 hours 15 minutes hours longer.

How to cook a turkey chart? ›

Here are our recommended cook times for a frozen turkey: 6-8 pounds: 2 hours – 2 hours and 45 minutes. 9-11 pounds: 3 hours – 3 hours and 45 minutes. 12-14 pounds: 4 hours – 4 hours and 45 minutes.

How to keep a turkey moist when cooking? ›

The simple secret to a truly juicy roast turkey is to season the turkey with a rub a couple of days before roasting. This is called dry brining and it makes the flesh beautifully moist, and you can even do it while the turkey is still FROZEN!

What is the general rule for cooking a turkey? ›

The most straightforward approach is to roast an unstuffed turkey, breast-side up, for 13 minutes per pound of turkey at 350°. That works out to approximately 3 hours for a 12- to 14-pound bird (a 12-pound turkey is pretty standard).

Should you use aluminum foil when cooking a turkey? ›

The short answer to what's the best turkey cooking method is oven bags and aluminum foil. They're both great options to keep your turkey moist and delicious. Not only are they safe to use in the oven, but they also offer unique benefits that can enhance the cooking process.

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