While most people roast a turkey in the oven, the occasion will arise that you may want to boil a turkey. Most cookbooks do not address this method and the cook is left wondering how much time is needed for cooking boiled turkey. There are two basic ways to boil a turkey. One, you boil the turkey whole if you have a large enough stockpot or two, you cut the turkey into pieces before you boil. Either way, no part of the turkey goes to waste.
As a home cook who loves experimenting with new cooking techniques I was intrigued when I first heard about boiling turkey. It sounded like an unusual but tasty way to prepare turkey with moist fall-off-the-bone meat. However, I knew timing would be crucial to prevent undercooked poultry or dry, rubbery meat. I wanted to master the art of boiling turkey so I could enjoy this method’s convenience and flavor benefits. After researching and testing different times and temperatures, I’m sharing everything I learned about how long you should boil a turkey.
Factors That Impact How Long to Boil a Turkey
When determining the time needed to boil a turkey, several factors come into play:
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Turkey size – Larger birds need more time. Allow around 20 minutes per pound. A 12 lb turkey takes 4 hours while an 18 lb turkey needs 6 hours.
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Preparation – An unstuffed turkey cooks quicker than a stuffed one, Removing giblets also speeds up cooking
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Cooking method – Submerging the turkey cooks faster than shallow poaching. Fully submerged turkeys take 20 minutes per pound versus 30 minutes per pound for shallow poaching.
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Temperature – A gentle simmer increases the time versus a rolling boil. Gentle cooking takes longer.
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Altitude – Higher altitudes increase boil time due to lower boiling points. Add 5 minutes per pound per 500 ft above 2000 ft elevation.
Step-By-Step Guide to Calculate Boil Times
Follow these steps to determine the perfect boil time for your turkey:
- Weigh turkey and calculate raw weight in pounds. This determines the base time.
- Add 5 minutes per pound if stuffing and/or leaving giblets in.
- For a fully submerged turkey, allow 20 minutes per pound. For shallow poaching, allow 30 minutes per pound.
- If simmering gently vs. rolling boil, add 10 minutes per pound.
- Check your altitude and add 5 minutes per pound for every 500 ft over 2000 ft elevation.
- Use a timer and start boiling. Check temperature periodically with a meat thermometer.
Sample Boil Times for Different Turkey Sizes and Methods
To give you an idea of how the factors impact boil time, here are some examples:
- 12 lb unstuffed turkey at sea level, fully submerged, gentle simmer:
- 12 lbs x 20 mins per lb = 240 mins or 4 hours
- 18 lb stuffed turkey at 5000 ft elevation, shallow poach, rolling boil:
- 18 lbs x 30 mins per lb = 540 mins
- Add 90 mins for stuffing (5 mins x 18 lbs)
- Add 45 mins for 2500 ft elevation gain (5 mins x 18 lbs x 500 ft increments)
- Total time: 675 mins or 11 hours 15 minutes
Boiling Tips for Tender, Juicy Meat
Follow these tips as you boil turkey to ensure ideal flavor and texture:
- Bring liquid to a boil before adding turkey to help it cook faster.
- Use enough liquid to submerge the turkey by 1-2 inches.
- Maintain a gentle simmer, avoiding a rapid boil which can toughen meat.
- Use an accurate meat thermometer to test doneness even if time has elapsed.
- Let turkey rest 15-30 minutes before carving to redistribute juices.
- Serve turkey with boiling liquids for added moisture and flavor.
Is Boiled Turkey Safe? Follow These Tips
To prevent foodborne illness when boiling turkey, keep these safety guidelines in mind:
- Always thaw frozen turkeys fully in the refrigerator before boiling. Do not boil frozen.
- Verify the thickest part of thigh reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer. Don’t rely solely on time.
- Keep boiled turkey at 140°F or warmer until serving. Discard leftovers after 3-4 days.
- Never leave turkey at room temp more than 2 hours before and after cooking.
Tips for Maximizing Flavor When Boiling Turkey
One of the biggest advantages of boiling turkey is infusing it with flavorful seasonings. Try these tips:
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Add aromatics to the boiling liquid like garlic, onions, celery, carrots, bay leaves, peppercorns, and fresh herbs.
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Use chicken or turkey broth instead of water for a flavor base.
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Spice up the boiling liquid with Cajun seasoning or a crab and seafood boiler seasoning blend.
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Stuff the turkey cavity with fresh herbs, citrus, or garlic before boiling.
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Cool and slice the turkey, then soak in the seasoned boiling liquid to absorb flavor before serving.
How Long to Boil Turkey Parts
If boiling turkey pieces instead of a whole bird, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Boneless turkey breast – 45-60 minutes
- Bone-in breast with skin – 60-75 minutes
- Turkey drumsticks – 60-90 minutes
- Wings – 30-45 minutes
- Thigh pieces – 45-60 minutes
Use a meat thermometer to confirm safe doneness of 165°F. Bones and skin will increase the cooking time.
Serve Up Delicious Boiled Turkey Meals
Once you’ve mastered the boil time, you can serve moist boiled turkey in many mouthwatering ways:
- Slice the breast for turkey sandwiches and wraps.
- Shred thighs and drumsticks over salad or for turkey tacos.
- Dice or shred turkey for soups, stews, chilis, and casseroles.
- Pair with cornbread, mashed potatoes, or rice for a turkey feast.
With the proper time and temperature, boiling yields impressively juicy, tender turkey full of flavor. I hope these tips help you successfully add this cooking method to your turkey repertoire!
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Boiling a Whole Turkey
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Unwrap the turkey and rinse the outside and inside cavities with cool, running water. With a sharp knife, slice several long slits into both breasts, legs and thighs. Place the bird in a large stockpot and completely cover with water. Bring the pot to a rolling boil and then turn the heat down to a fast simmer. Cover the pot and let the turkey cook for 2 hours. Skim off any foam that stays on the surface of the water as needed. Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast and thigh to test for doneness. The thermometer should read 165 degrees F; if the meat is not at that point, let it boil another 30 minutes and check again.
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If you cut the turkey into parts, i.e., remove the legs, wings, cut the breast in half, the turkey will cook faster than if left whole. It will also allow you to use a smaller stockpot as you can arrange the parts to fit. As with a whole turkey, cover the parts with water and bring to a full, rolling boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for an hour. Test the meat with a meat thermometer. The turkey is fully cooked when all parts have an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This can take between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the parts.
How long do you cook a turkey per pound in the oven?
FAQ
How long does it take for turkey to boil?
If you cook the turkey as a separate dish, put it into boiling water, which ensures juiciness and higher nutritional value. Separate pieces of turkey cook for 1-1.5 hours. If needed, add the water to at all times cover the surface of the meat.
Can you cook a turkey in water?
Place the whole turkey in the water. Reduce the heat to medium high. Leave the lid off. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a slow roll ( a small boil). Boil for 45 minutes, then remove the Turkey from the water, and submerge the whole turkey in a bowl of ice water.
How long does it take to boil turkey innards?
So while the turkey is roasting the next day, place the neck and giblets into a medium saucepan, cover it with water by about 2 inches, and bring it to a boil. After it boils, reduce the heat to a strong simmer and cook them for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, until the meat is totally cooked through.
How long does it take to boil a Turkey?
Allow the turkey to cook in the pot. Cook times range from 45-55 minutes for a 12-13 pound bird to one hour-one hour and 15 minutes. for a 15-18 pound turkey. I boiled this bird for one hour and 10 minutes and it was perfect. Is it safe to boil a turkey?
How long does it take to cook a 10 pound turkey?
The cooking time for a turkey will vary depending on its size. A general rule of thumb is to cook a turkey for 15 minutes per pound, plus an additional 30 minutes. So, a 10-pound turkey would take about 3 hours to cook.
How long do you cook a boiled turkey breast?
Simmer turkey breast for about 20 minutes per 1 lb. It should reach an internal temp of 165°F. Use tongs to transfer turkey to a plate. Tent loosely with foil and let rest 10-15 minutes before slicing. And your perfectly boiled turkey breast is ready to enjoy! With poultry, proper doneness is crucial for safety. Follow these tips:
How do you cook a whole turkey?
One, you boil the turkey whole if you have a large enough stockpot or two, you cut the turkey into pieces before you boil. Either way, no part of the turkey goes to waste. Unwrap the turkey and rinse the outside and inside cavities with cool, running water. With a sharp knife, slice several long slits into both breasts, legs and thighs.
What temperature do you boil a Turkey?
The ideal temperature for boiling a turkey is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check the internal temperature of the turkey using a meat thermometer. The turkey is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F. What is the best way to boil a turkey?
Can You boil a Turkey too long?
Boiling a turkey is a classic holiday tradition, but it can be tricky to get it right. If you boil a turkey for too long, it will be dry and tough. If you don’t boil it long enough, it will be undercooked and unsafe to eat. In this article, we’ll discuss the best way to boil a turkey so that it comes out perfectly juicy and flavorful.