Many turkey breasts sold at grocery stores come wrapped in a thin plastic netting This netting serves a couple of purposes – it helps the irregular shaped boneless turkey breast hold its shape, and it keeps juices close to the meat during cooking But should home cooks remove this netting before roasting the turkey breast? Here’s an in-depth look at the pros and cons of cooking a turkey breast with versus without the netting.
Why Turkey Breasts Have Netting
Whole turkeys are rarely sold with netting wrapped around them But netting is commonly used on boneless turkey breast halves. There are two main reasons for this
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Maintains Shape – Boneless turkey breasts are irregularly shaped cuts of meat. The netting covers the breast and keeps it contained in a uniform shape for more even cooking. Without the net, the boneless breast would likely fall apart.
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Self-Basting – The tight netting also acts as a self-basting pouch, keeping juices close to the meat during roasting. This helps keep the breast very moist and tender.
Cook Time Impact of Leaving Netting On
If you do opt to leave the netting on during cooking, be aware that it will affect your cook times:
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Cook 15-20 mins longer – The netting slightly insulates the turkey breast, increasing the time it takes to reach safe internal temperatures. Plan for at least 15-20 extra minutes.
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Use a meat thermometer – Don’t rely solely on recipe cook times. Always use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness instead. Cook until 165°F.
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Watch for hot spots – The netting can cause uneven cooking, with hot and cool spots. Monitor temperatures carefully and rotate if needed.
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Let rest 30 minutes – Allowing the cooked breast to rest afterwards enables juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat.
So while it’s certainly possible to roast a turkey breast successfully with the netting left on, you’ll need to account for the extra cook time and use a thermometer to confirm doneness.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Netting
For the best results in terms of browning and crispy skin, it’s recommended to remove the netting prior to seasoning and roasting the turkey breast. Here are some tips for getting the netting off safely:
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Carefully cut netting – Use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut along one side of the netting, leaving the other side partially attached.
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Slowly peel back – Gently peel back the netting, taking care not to tear the breast meat. Go slowly.
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Remove vertical strings – Use shears to clip any remaining vertical netting strings along the surface of the breast.
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Separate skin if needed – If the skin stuck to the meat during net removal, gently loosen it with your fingers.
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Apply rubs/oil – With the breast fully exposed, you can now evenly coat with rubs or oils.
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Roast uncovered – Toss the removed netting. Roasting uncovered allows ideal air circulation for browning.
Yes, removing the netting adds an extra step before cooking. But the improved texture and presentation are worth the little extra effort.
Weighing Pros and Cons of Netting On vs. Off
Here’s a quick comparison of the advantages of leaving the net on versus taking it off before roasting:
Pros of Leaving Netting On
- Ensures moisture retention
- Maintains shape during cooking
- Saves the step of net removal
Pros of Removing Netting
- Ideal browning and crispy skin
- Even application of seasonings
- Shorter overall cook time
- Better monitoring of doneness
For most home cooks, the rewards of uncovered roasting like crispy skin and better browning outweigh the minor time-savings of leaving the net on. But you can decide based on your own cooking needs and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Netting
Here are answers to some common questions about dealing with turkey breast netting:
Should I remove the net for brining?
Brining works effectively with the netting on or off. Just be sure to pat the breast dry before roasting if brined with net on.
Does the net impact how much I should season the breast?
No, use your normal amount of rub or seasoning even if leaving the net on. But removing it allows more even coverage.
Can I reuse turkey netting between the breast and leftovers?
Absolutely not! The netting is designed for single use. Discard it after removing.
What’s the best way to slice a netted breast after cooking?
Let it rest 30 minutes before slicing. Use an electric knife or very sharp chef’s knife to neatly cut thin slices.
Will the breast skin get crispy if I leave the net on?
Unlikely. Netting prevents the air circulation required for crispy browned skin. Remove it for best texture.
Can I roast two netted breasts together?
Yes, place side by side with ample space in between. Remove nets for shorter cook time.
The Bottom Line
While you can certainly cook a turkey breast successfully with the netting left on, removing it prior to roasting generally delivers ideal results in terms of browning, crispy skin, and even cooking. It only takes an extra couple of minutes to remove the netting and the rewards are worth that small effort. Use your judgment to decide what works best for your meal. Just be sure to use a meat thermometer and let the breast rest before slicing. Enjoy your perfect holiday turkey!
