Follow these 5 tips on how to cook a juicy turkey in the oven. Plus the best roast turkey recipe with step by step instructions on how to prepare your turkey from start to finish.
“Hi there! I’ve used this recipe to brine and cook my turkey for the last three years, and I even shared it with my mother for her to cook her turkey last year. It is simply amazing, and everyone always raves about how delicious the turkey is. I also use your maple butter glaze recipe! I’ve stopped by your page because I’m making my shopping list, and thought it’s high time I shared my appreciation. Thank you so much for sharing and making my turkey the star of the show every year!!” ★★★★★-Karen
Growing up, I would listen to the adults talk about how difficult it was to cook a turkey. They described it as labor intensive and stressful.
In addition, the cooked turkey was plain, boring, dry meat that I would have preferred not to eat other than for continuing on tradition for Thanksgiving.
When it became my turn to break into the Thanksgiving Rite of Passage, I was terrified. After doing a little research and experimenting, I discovered that cooking that bird is quite easy; even for a novice.
My turkey always turns out beautifully brown, moist, and full of flavor. I had no idea what I was missing out on. Therefore, I am sharing with you my tips and tricks for cooking the perfect Thanksgiving turkey![feast_advanced_jump_to]
How to Keep Your Turkey Moist: 9 Simple Tips for a Juicy Bird
As the centerpiece of a holiday feast you want your roasted turkey to be perfectly cooked with crispy, browned skin enveloping tender succulent meat. But achieving this ideal balance can be tricky. With its large size and lean breast meat, turkeys are prone to drying out in the oven. Nothing ruins Thanksgiving like slicing into a parched, desiccated bird.
Luckily, a few simple techniques can help you keep your holiday turkey incredibly moist and delicious from the first bite to the last. Follow these effortless methods for foolproof juicy results every time.
Brine the TurkeySoaking the raw turkey in a saltwater brine before roasting infuses flavor while helping retain moisture. The salt allows the turkey to absorb and hold more liquid. Make a basic brine with water, salt, sugar, and aromatics like peppercorns, herbs, citrus, garlic, or onions Submerge the thawed, rinsed turkey, cover, and refrigerate 8-24 hours depending on weight Rinse and pat the turkey dry before roasting.
Rub Butter Under the Skin
Slipping butter or an herb-infused butter mixture directly under the skin of the breast and thighs bastes these quick-drying areas from the inside out. Carefully loosen the skin from the meat and rub the butter evenly underneath, gently massaging it into the meat. As the butter melts during roasting, it keeps the delicate white meat tender and juicy.
Truss the Turkey
Tying the legs and wings snugly to the body maintains the bird’s shape for even cooking. Use kitchen string or silicone trussing bands to hold the extremities close to the body cavity. Trussing prevents thinner extremities from overcooking compared to the thicker breast and thighs.
Cook Low and Slow
High oven temperatures cause turkeys to dry out rapidly. For a moist turkey, use a lower roasting temp around 325°F to gently cook the meat. Monitor doneness by internal temperature, not by time. Plan for approx. 13-15 minutes per pound at 325°F for an unstuffed turkey.
Baste Frequently
Basting doesn’t seal in juices, but it does help keep the turkey skin from drying out. Baste every 30 minutes, tilting the roasting pan to spoon juices over the top. The rendered fat and pan drippings moisturize the skin as it cooks.
Use a Meat Thermometer
Take the guesswork out of doneness by using an instant-read thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of thigh without touching bone. Cook until it reaches 165°F. The temperature will continue rising as the turkey rests. Let stand at least 20 minutes before carving.
Cook Stuffing Separately
Cooking stuffing inside the turkey may lead to underdone stuffing or overcooked meat. Bake it separately to allow both to cook properly without drying out. The stuffing absorbs juices, resulting in a drier bird.
Shield the Breast
Covering the breast with foil during the first half of roasting prevents it from overcooking before the legs and thighs are done. Remove foil during the last 45-60 minutes to brown the skin. The foil protects the lean breast meat, keeping moisture in.
Let It Rest Properly
Never carve immediately out of the oven. Letting it rest allows juices to redistribute so they don’t run out when carved. The internal temperature rises 5-10°F during resting. Loosely cover with foil and let sit 20-30 minutes before slicing for juicy results.
Follow these simple moisturizing methods for the perfect holiday turkey. Brining, basting, monitoring temperature, and ample resting time are keys to a mouthwateringly tender and juicy feast centerpiece. With a few easy techniques, you can serve the best turkey you’ve ever made.
Watch how to cook a turkey in the oven
Follow these steps and you will have the best tasting turkey ever! *Note-The full recipe for cooking the turkey with ingredient measurements is located at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.
What do you brine a turkey in?
Brine your turkey in a stainless steel pot, bucket, or a brining turkey bag such as Large Turkey Brine Bags Heavy Duty for Turkey or Ham XL, 2 pack, with Cooking Twine
The container will need to be able to fit in your refrigerator! You do not want to use a cooler because it will not regulate the correct temperature to keep it from spoilage.
How to Keep Turkey Moist
FAQ
How do I keep my turkey from drying out?
The longer you let it sit after you slice it, the drier it will be. If you need to slice it, cover it with foil or plastic wrap to keep it from drying out.Nov 8, 2024
What is the secret to a moist turkey?
Baste It Another key to a delicious, juicy turkey is to baste as it cooks. Basting is also the key to delicious pan drippings and gravy! I love the combination of melted butter, chicken broth, and a little bit of cooking sherry for this turkey. Rich and flavorful, just as Thanksgiving and the holidays should be.
What to stuff a turkey with to keep it moist?
Fruits: Insert quarters of apple, lemon, orange, lime, or even grapefruit to add moisture and brightness to the turkey.Aug 28, 2020
Should I rub butter or oil on my turkey?
Don’t butter your bird – Instead, rub the skin with vegetable oil before you roast.Nov 23, 2015
How do I Keep my Turkey moist while baking?
Here are a few more tips for keeping your turkey moist while baking: * Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. * Baste the turkey regularly with melted butter or chicken broth. This will help to keep the meat moist.
What are the health benefits of ground turkey?
Ground turkey is a highly nutritious food. It is loaded with protein, vitamins B3, B6, B12, selenium, sodium, phosphorus, and zinc. Here are some of its health benefits: Spaghetti Squash is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, and fiber. It is also rich in antioxidants. Here are some of its health benefits for us:
How do you dry out a Turkey?
Drying out the turkey in a fridge is a method to cook a turkey with a crispy skin. Leaving a turkey uncovered in the fridge will dry it out. This means that less moisture will make the skin soggy while it cooks. Many people pat the turkey’s skin dry with paper towels. This helps dry the skin, but the refrigerator does a more thorough job.