To make a perfect Thanksgiving turkey, first ensure it’s fresh or thawed properly. Plan to purchase one pound of turkey per person. Clean and prepare the turkey by removing packaging, giblets, rinsing inside/out with cold water and seasoning with salt, pepper, and herbs. For roasting, preheat the oven to 325°F, place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan, brush with butter or oil, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest the turkey for at least 15 minutes before carving. For deep frying, thaw and dry the turkey, cook for four to five minutes per pound in oil heated to 350°F, and rest before carving.
How to make the perfect Thanksgiving turkey: Tips for a juicy, flavorful bird
Getting Started
Before you start cooking your turkey, you’ll need to do a few things to ensure it turns out delicious and juicy.
Selecting your turkey
When selecting your turkey, ensure that it is fresh or properly thawed if it was previously frozen. Plan on purchasing one pound of turkey per person.
Cleaning and preparing your turkey
- Remove the turkey from its packaging and remove the giblets from the body cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.
- Pat the turkey dry with paper towels and tuck the wing tips under the bird’s back.
- Season the turkey with salt and pepper inside and out. You can also use herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme or parsley to give it extra flavor.
Cooking Your Turkey
Now that your turkey is seasoned and prepared, it’s time to cook it to perfection. Follow these simple steps to ensure your turkey turns out juicy and full of flavor.
Roasting Your Turkey
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan breast side up, and brush it with melted butter or oil for added flavor.
- Cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Cover the turkey loosely with foil and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.
Deep Frying Your Turkey
- Ensure that your turkey is completely thawed and dry. Fill the fryer with oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C)
- Carefully lower the turkey into the hot oil and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per pound.
- Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), carefully remove the turkey and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.
Conclusion
Follow these simple steps for a delicious and juicy Thanksgiving turkey that your guests will love. With proper selection, cleaning, and cooking methods, your turkey will be the star of the show!
Recipe: Herb Roasted Thanksgiving Turkey
Ingredients:
- 1 fresh or thawed turkey (12-14 pounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon dried rosemary
- 1 tablespoon dried sage
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Place the turkey in a roasting pan breast side up.
- In a small bowl mix together melted butter, salt, rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley and pepper.
- Brush the butter mixture all over the turkey.
- Cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Cover the turkey loosely with foil and allow it to rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.