How to Cook a Turkey
There are so many ways to cook a turkey these days, but the tried and true method of cooking it in the oven is still the most popular today. The end result is the same: producing a terrific turkey with moist white meat, tender dark meat, golden brown skin and amazing flavor. Here is how to cook a turkey so it comes out perfect every single time.
The first thing you need to know is how long to cook your turkey. The standard oven temperature to cook a turkey is 325 degrees. You need to take into account whether your turkey is stuffed or unstuffed and how big it is. For an 8-12 pound turkey, it will take 2 ¾- 3 hours unstuffed and 3- 3 ½ hours stuffed; 12-14 pounds is 3- 3 ¾ hours unstuffed and 3 ½- 4 hours stuffed; 14-18 pounds is 3 ¾- 4 ¼ hours unstuffed and 4- 4 ¼ hours stuffed; 18-20 pounds is 4 ¼- 4 ½ hours unstuffed and 4 ¼- 4 ¾ hours stuffed and 20-24 pounds is 4 ½ – 5 hours unstuffed and 4 ¾- 5 ¼ hours stuffed.
Now, let’s cook the turkey. Take the giblet packet out from the neck area and discard, unless you are using it for broth. You don’t need to wash the turkey but it is recommended that you drain the juices and blot dry with a paper towel. Using salt, rub the neck area and cavity interior.
You want to cook the turkey in a roasting pan with the breast side up. Rub some oil or butter on the skin to prevent burning. You want to cook the turkey according the times above. The turkey is done when a meat thermometer reads 180 degrees in the thigh and 165 degrees in the breast.
If you notice that the skin is browning too fast, place a tent with aluminum paper on top. The turkey needs to be covered with foil and stand for about 20 minutes after you take it out of the oven and before carving.
If you like this post, see more DIY, recipes and tips on Pinterest.
Come follow me on Facebook and Twitter.
Leave a Reply