Look no further for the perfect turkey recipe!
The turkey is the star of the show at Thanksgiving so you want to make sure you roast and dress your celebrity bird to perfection. Our method is fail-proof and after much testing, we are sure you will agree -it is the best!
You might be asking yourself questions if it is your first time making a Turkey so we are going to help you answer them here.
How do I choose the right size turkey?
We recommend budgeting one and a quarter pound of turkey per person, keep in mind the larger the turkey the more time it is going to take to roast. Time can be saved and so can oven space by preparing your appetizers and side dishes the day before then using the oven after the turkey is done to reheat them.
How Long Should I cook my turkey for?
(refer to this chart below for any unanswered questions)
Your turkey's internal temperature should read 170 degrees when it is finished, a great way to know for sure if your turkey is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer for accuracy. Generally speaking, a 12-14 lb turkey will require anywhere from 3-4 hours in the oven. Keep in mind that if your turkey is frozen you will need to add 50% more time in the oven than a thawed turkey. Proper cooking time for any turkey does have a few variable factors such as whether or not you have chosen to stuff the bird, the size of the bird, and if it is thawed or not. Using the thermometer simplifies all of this extra thinking by giving you a clear-to-read indication that your turkey has been fully cooked. Using a meat thermometer is simple, insert the probe into the thickest part of the thigh and make sure it reads 170 degrees, make sure to check the temperature of the breast as well, and that the thermometer reads a temperature of 165 degrees.
How do I thaw my turkey?
A frozen turkey typically requires one day in the fridge to defrost; However, if you purchased a large bird you will want to thaw the turkey out for two full days to ensure that it is completely defrosted.
Should I use a roasting Rack?
You don't necessarily need a roasting rack to make the perfect turkey, you will find that since a roasting rack allows air to circulate the bottom part of the turkey and that helps to prevent the turkey skin from getting soggy. The choice is yours, don't stress to much it is a holiday and should be enjoyable.
How can I make sure my Turkey Skin is Crispy:
Always start with your oven HOT HOT HOT, we recommend setting the starting temperature to 450 degrees and then lowering it to 350 after about thirty minutes this gets the skin crispy enough to lock in the moister of the meat and prevents the skin from burning during the remainder of the cooking time.
The secret to turning your turkey's skin perfectly golden brown is to use the Dry Brine method. Make sure your turkey is completely thawed out, remove the turkey from your refrigerator and pat it completely dry with paper towels, season the turkey with salt and pepper and then place the turkey back in the refrigerator uncovered for 24-48 hours. Doing so will allow the turkey skin to release excess moisture, which is a major component to successfully obtaining beautiful golden brown skin. The old saying "butter makes everything better" is true when it comes to making the perfect turkey. Prior to cooking the turkey lather butter thoroughly and make sure not to forget to get the inside as well. ADD LOTS OF BUTTER, you will not be disappointed when you pull your golden brown turkey out of the oven and bite into delicious tender moist meat while receiving the praise and adoration of your holiday guests! While the turkey is cooking use the drippings in the roasting pan to baste the turkey, this also helps to produce that crispy, yummy golden skin we all love.
Always start with your oven HOT HOT HOT, we recommend setting the starting temperature to 450 degrees and then lowering it to 350 after about thirty minutes this gets the skin crispy enough to lock in the moister of the meat and prevents the skin from burning during the remainder of the cooking time.
DONT RUSH IT.
Once your turkey is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for fifteen minutes. Cover the turkey with foil to keep it warm. You can create a tent with foil to prevent the skin from getting soggy.
Don't forget to use the leftover drippings to make gravy or incorporate them into your other side dishes.
Happy Thanksgiving, enjoy your foolproof turkey recipe, and let us know what you think.
