A beautifully bronzed and juicy turkey breast makes an elegant centerpiece for any special meal. Many recipes call for trussing or tying the turkey breast with netting or kitchen string before roasting. But is this extra step really necessary? Let’s explore the pros and cons of cooking turkey breast with netting so you can decide if it’s worth it.
What is Turkey Netting?
Turkey netting, also called poultry netting, is a loose mesh net sleeve designed to wrap around poultry while cooking. It comes in a tube shape so you can slip it over the turkey breast before roasting or smoking. The netting holds the turkey breast together neatly in a uniform shape.
Kitchen string can also be used to truss or tie up a turkey breast into a tidy bundle before cooking The terms trussing and netting are sometimes used interchangeably when referring to tightly binding meat
The Purpose of Netting Turkey Breast
There are a few reasons trussing or netting turkey breast is traditionally recommended:
- Holds shape for attractive presentation
- Allows for even cooking
- Prevents meat drying out
- Keeps stuffing in place (for a stuffed breast)
- Makes it easier to carve
The idea is that firmly binding the turkey breast helps it hold its shape, cook evenly all over stay moist and look beautiful at the table.
Should You Bother Netting Turkey Breast?
Whether or not to take the extra step of netting or trussing a turkey breast is a matter of personal preference. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros of Netting:
- Attractive shape for serving
- Can help prevent overcooking thinner sections
- May keep stuffing contained (if stuffed)
- Easier to slice a compact shape
Cons of Netting:
- Added hassle
- Can cause uneven cooking if too tight
- Skin may not crisp as nicely
- Minimal impact on moisture
Many home cooks feel the effort of trussing turkey is unnecessary and skip this step with no issues. If presentation is important to you or you want a more cohesive shape for carving, netting can be useful. But it’s no guarantee of perfect results.
How to Cook Turkey Breast With and Without Netting
If you choose to net your turkey breast, place the mesh tube over the breast and secure the ends underneath with kitchen string or twine. Make sure it’s snug but not overly tight.
To roast without netting, simply prepare and season your turkey breast as desired and place directly on a roasting rack or pan.
In either case, roast at 350°F, allowing about 15-18 minutes per pound for an unstuffed breast. Monitor the thickest part of the breast meat for doneness and remove it from the oven when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Let the turkey rest at least 15 minutes before removing any netting and carving. This allows the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness and moisture.
Going Net-Free for Simplicity
At the end of the day, it’s not imperative to truss or net a turkey breast before roasting if you don’t want to bother with it. With proper seasoning, cooking technique and resting time, you can achieve a beautiful and delicious turkey breast without netting or string. Many home cooks opt not to truss their roasts for simplicity and find the results turn out just fine.
Give it a try net-free if you prefer. Just be sure to monitor the thinner areas closely so they don’t overcook. Your elegantly roasted, juicy turkey breast will be a stunning centerpiece regardless!
Easy Air Fryer Turkey Breast
FAQ
Do you remove turkey breast netting?
Why is turkey breast netted?
Do you cook butterball turkey breast with the netting on?
Do you remove string from turkey before cooking?
How to cook a turkey breast with netting?
To cook a turkey breast with netting, you will need the following ingredients: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). 2. Rinse the turkey breast and pat it dry. 3. Rub the turkey breast with the olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, and garlic powder. 4. Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. 5.
What happens if turkey breast is cooked without netting?
When turkey breast is cooked without netting, the meat can shrink and become misshapen. Netting helps to prevent this by holding the meat in place. Third, netting can help to reduce the amount of mess that is created when cooking turkey breast. When turkey breast is cooked without netting, the meat can release juices and fat during cooking.
Can you cook a boneless turkey breast in the oven?
Many of these tips are helpful whether you are cooking a boneless turkey breast in the oven, or the whole bird, and will help you achieve a roast turkey that has golden skin, and juicy, evenly cooked meat! Typically, boneless turkey breasts are sold with netting. Be sure to keep the netting on, since this helps keep the shape of the turkey.
How to cook a turkey breast in the oven?
Sprinkle the spices all over the turkey breast and rub them into the meat. Cut the butter into small slices and place the slices over the seasoned turkey. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 1 hour or more, or until the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees. Test the thickest part of the turkey with a meat thermometer.
How long do you cook a boneless turkey breast?
Combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, thyme, onion powder, garlic powder and pepper in a small bowl, then rub evenly over the boneless turkey breast (do not remove the netting). Bake at 350 degrees for 90 minutes or until a thermometer inserted into the center registers 160 degrees. Let stand 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
What is Turkey netting used for?
Netting can be used for a variety of cooking methods, including roasting, grilling, and smoking. When cooking turkey breast, netting can help to keep the meat moist and evenly cooked. It also helps to prevent the meat from drying out or becoming overcooked. Additionally, netting can help to create a more uniform presentation for the finished dish.