Basic recipe
Put in a roasting tin, breast-side up, and roast for 40 mins per 1kg for the first 4kg, then 45 mins for every 1kg over that weight, or until the internal temperature reaches 65-70C . For a turkey of this weight, the cooking time should be 31⁄2-4 hrs.
Do you cover a turkey when cooking?
To achieve that balance, the ideal is to let the bird spend time both covered and uncovered : We recommend covering your bird for most of the cooking time to prevent it from drying out, then removing the cover for the last 30 minutes or so to allow the skin to crisp.
What is the most popular way to cook a turkey?
Roasting is without a doubt the most popular method used to cook a whole turkey. And what's not to love? It's easy and straightforward and yields delicious results.
Do you put butter on a turkey before cooking?
Impart rich flavor and add moisture to your Thanksgiving turkey by adding a layer of butter under the skin before roasting .
Do you cook a 12 pound turkey at 325 or 350?
If your turkey weighs 12 to 14 pounds, roast it at:
350°F for 23⁄4 to 3 hours. 325°F for 3 to 33⁄4 hours .
Should I cover my turkey with foil while cooking?
Butterball suggests that after the turkey has been cooking for 2/3 of the amount of time needed (depending on the size of the bird), that you cover the breasts with a small tent made of aluminum foil. This will slow down the cooking process of the turkey breasts.
What temperature is best for roasting a turkey?
Put the turkey in the oven at 400°F , uncovered. For the 15 lb turkey, start the cooking at 400°F for the first 20 minutes to brown it. Then reduce the heat to 325°F for the next 1 to 2 hours, until the internal temperature of the breast reaches about 140°F to 145°F or so.
Should a turkey be washed before roasting?
Wash Hands and Surfaces; not the Turkey
According to the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service, washing raw poultry, beef, pork, lamb, or veal before cooking it is not recommended . Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils, and surfaces.
Do you put water in bottom of roasting pan when cooking a turkey?
Place on the bottom of your roasting pan. Place the turkey, breast-side up on top of the vegetables. Add about a half-inch of liquid (water or stock) to the roasting pan . This will keep the oven moist, and the turkey juicy.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter for turkey?
Unsalted butter should always be used for a brined turkey . If you use salted butter and brine the turkey, it will come out salty. Allow the turkey to rest after cooking in the oven.
How often should I baste my turkey?
How often to baste a turkey. Most recipes will tell you to baste your turkey every thirty minutes. But our rule of thumb is actually every forty minutes , and here's why. You don't want to open the oven too many times, or else the whole bird will take much long to cook, and that's a huge inconvenience.
How do I make sure the bottom of a turkey is cooked?
Place turkey breast side DOWN in a roasting pan.
Tuck the wing tips under the bottom of the turkey so they don't burn . Put water in pan around the bird but not over it; you don't want to wash away the butter or seasoning. Cook turkey at 500 degrees for 30 minutes.
Do you season turkey?
You can season your turkey the night before or as far in advance as two days . Salt is a great (and non-negotiable) place to start, but there are so many seasonings that really rev up the flavor of a bland bird.
How do you cook a Butterball turkey?
Should you wash your 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.
Should I put olive oil on my turkey?
How to Get Extra Crispy Turkey Skin. If crispy turkey skin is your goal then use olive oil on turkey instead of butter . Using olive oil on turkey skin will yield a much crispier skin than butter. It's simply the best oil for roasting turkey.
Where do I inject butter into turkey?
How long does it take to thaw out a 14 pound turkey?
So, if the turkey weighs 4 to 12 pounds, plan for it to defrost in the fridge for one to three days . If it's 12 to 16 pounds, make sure it's placed in the fridge three to four days before the holiday arrives.
How long do you cook a 12 pound turkey at 325?
For one 8- to 12-pound turkey, roast at 325°F for 23⁄4 to 3 hours . For one 12- to 14-pound turkey, roast at 325°F for 3 to 33⁄4 hours. For one 14- to 18-pound turkey, roast at 325°F for 33⁄4 to 41⁄4 hours.
Is turkey done at 165 or 180?
While some recipes state that turkey should be cooked to 180 degrees Fahrenheit, the meat is safe to consume once it reaches the 165-degree mark . Cooking the breasts past 165 can result in dry meat, but the dark meat can be cooked to 180.
Should you baste a turkey?
Basting is optional when roasting a turkey . To ensure a moist turkey, the key is to not overcook it. Try using a remote digital thermometer that will alert you when the turkey is fully cooked yet still juicy. If you choose to baste the bird, do so every 30 minutes.
How long do you cook a 12 pound turkey?
This method is best for a 12 to 16 pound bird. (Buy 1 to 1 1/2 pounds turkey for each guest.) How long to cook the turkey? 13 minutes of cooking time for each pound of turkey if roasting empty and 15 minutes per pound if stuffed .
How do you make a juicy turkey not dry?
Here is a fantastic tip: to protect the turkey breast and keep it juicy: Fold a large square sheet of foil into a triangle. Rub one side of your triangle with olive oil and shape the foil (oil-side-down) over the turkey breast, then remove foil; it will shield your turkey breast and keep it from getting dry.
When should I start cooking my turkey?
Season it the night before and pop it in the oven Thanksgiving morning. When you should start cooking: Season the turkey the night before and start cooking it Thanksgiving morning . While it's best to actually cook your turkey on Thanksgiving day, Holzman recommends seasoning your turkey the night before.
How long should you let a turkey sit out before cooking?
First, Bring Your Bird to Room Temp
Your turkey will cook more evenly and faster if you start it out at room temperature so remove the turkey from the refrigerator 1 hour before roasting.
How long do I cook a 22 pound Butterball turkey?
- 6-7 pounds: 2-21⁄2 hours.
- 7-10 pounds: 21⁄2-3 hours.
- 10-18 pounds: 3-31⁄2 hours.
- 18-22 pounds: 31⁄2-4 hours.
- 22-24 pounds: 4-41⁄2 hours.
- 24-30 pounds: 41⁄2-5 hours.
