cook juicy turkey

cook juicy turkey

What is Thanksgiving without a perfectly cooked turkey? What are some of the most flavorless birds you have ever encountered? My grandmother passed down a recipe that guarantees tender, moist turkey. What is the star of your holiday feast? Is it easier than roasting a chicken? What is a good recipe for roasting chicken? Holiday celebration in every bite!

cook juicy turkey final dish beautifully presented and ready to serve

What is a Juicy Turkey?

Juicy turkey isn’t just any roasted turkey. Is it a masterpiece of flavor and texture – if it’s succulent, tender, and practically melts in your mouth? What is the gold standard of holiday main courses? What are some of the best techniques to roast a turkey? We achieve this through a combination of brining, careful basting, and precise temperature. It’s not rocket science, but it does require some attention to detail. What’s the goal of a turkey that is not just edible, but genuinely enjoyable – the kind of dish. Why do people rave about their meal long after it’s over?

Why you love this recipe?

What is the secret behind this recipe?flavorIs it out of this world? What is so good about brining a turkey is that every bite is an explosion of flavor. What is it like to eat a deep, rich turkey with hints of herbs and spices? What are some of the best things about gravy?simple. Sure, it takes some time, but the actual hands-on work is minimal. Most of the time, the turkey’s just hanging out in the oven, doing its thing. Trust me. If I can do it, you can too! Third, it’s incredibly amazingly amazing!cost-efficient. You’re using a whole turkey (often on sale around the holidays! ) and simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Plus, leftovers for days! What I love about this is that it turns even the most hesitant turkey eater into a raving fan. My brother-in-law used to say he didn’t like turkey, but after trying this recipe, I’m a big fan of turkey. Is it really that easy to make a turkey? How do I prepare for a stress free Thanksgiving? I even think it tastes better than some of the fancy, complicated techniques out there. Forget the deep frying or the crazy flavor infusions – sometimes simple is best! What’s the best Thanksgiving turkey you’ve ever had? Is it infinitely more satisfying?

How do I make a Juicy Turkey?

Quick Overview

What is the secret of juicy turkey? We’re going to soak the turkey overnight in a flavorful brine, which will help it retain moisture. What happens during cooking? I’ll roast it low and slow, basting it regularly with a mixture of butter and herbs. What’s the result? A golden brown, incredibly juicy, and bursting with flavor. Don’t be intimidated by the brining process; it’s super easy and makes all the difference! What is a spa day for turkey?

Ingredients

For the Brine:
* 1 gallon water* 1 cup kosher salt (Diamond Crystal is my go-to) * 1/2 cup sugar * 1/4 cup salt * 1/3 cup water. 1 cup brown sugar * 1 tbsp black peppercorns* 1 head dried rosemary* Garlic, halved * 1 orange, quartered* 1 lemon, halfes.

For Turkey: What is your view?
* 1 (12-14 pound) turkey, thawed (make sure it’s FULLY THAWED!). ) * 1/2 cup butter, melted * 1 tbsp dried rosemary * 2 teaspoons garlic powder * 1/4 cup thyme powder* 1/2 teaspoon salt *1/2 cup pepper *1 teaspoon sugar *2 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 tsp black pepper * 1 TsP salt * 1/4 Tbs. black

cook juicy turkey ingredients organized and measured on kitchen counter

What are the steps to

Step 1: Prepare the Brine

In a large pot, combine the water, kosher salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, and salt. Stir to combine. What are some good combinations of rosemary, thyme, garlic, orange, Bring to a boil, stirring until the salt and sugar are dissolved. How do you remove something from heat and let it cool completely? Is it safe to put your turkey in a hot brine?

Step 2: Brine the Turkey

Place the thawed turkey in a large brining bag or food-safe bucket. How do you pour the brine over a turkey? If necessary, weigh it down with a plate or heavy object to keep it submerged. Refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or up to 24 hours. Don’t brine a turkey for more than 24 hours, or it might get too salty.

Step 3: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. How do I get crispy skin?

Step 4: Prepare the Turkey for Roasting

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, rosemary, thyme, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and pepper. Set aside. What happens when you brush the mixture on the turkey, inside and out? What is the best butter for turkey?

Step 5: Roast the Turkey

Place the turkey on a roasting rack. How much water should I add to the bottom of a pan? Cover the turkey loosely with foil. Roast for 3-4 hours, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh is read. If you are using Pork Chops, roast for 2 hours. Registers 165°F (74 Baste the turkey with the pan drippings every 30 minutes. Is it necessary to remove the foil during cooking to allow the skin to brown? I always check the temperature in multiple places to be sure!

Step 6: Rest the Turkey

How do I remove a turkey from the oven and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving? This is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier turkey. Tent it loosely with foil while it rests.

Step 7: Carve and Serve

What are some good Thanksgiving side dishes to serve with turkey? What is the best gravy you have ever had? I usually strain the drippings before making the gravy to remove any solids.

What should I serve it with?

What is the best Thanksgiving turkey recipe? What are some of my family’s favorite pairings?

For Thanksgiving: What isWhat are some classic Thanksgiving side dishes like mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, green beans casserole, etc.? What are some good sweet Potato Casserole recipes? My family loves Brussels sprouts. Isn’t that a good dish? I always make sure to have a variety of sides to please everyone.

For Christmas:We often serve this turkey with roasted vegetables like carrots, parsnips and potatoes. What are some good side dishes to serve with cornbread dressing? Is it a really beautiful and festive spread?

What is a good cozy Sunday dinner?What are some good side dishes to serve with turkey? Sometimes I make homemade rolls to go with it. Is it a really comforting meal?

Wine Pairing:What is the best white wine to pair with turkey? What is a good red wine to drink: Pinot Noir or Beaujolais? What are some good ways to serve your favorite wine with it? My family usually drinks both red and white wine with Thanksgiving dinner.

What is the best gravy you’ve ever had? What are some great Pumpkin Pie recipes? Thanksgiving is about food, but also about company.

How do you make a delicious turkey?

What are some tips to take your juicy turkey game to the next level?

Don’t skip brine!What is the key to a juicy and flavorful turkey? The brine helps the turkey retain moisture during cooking, so it doesn’t dry out.

Make sure your turkey is fully thawed before brining.What is the best way to ensure that the brine penetrates the turkey evenly.

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey.How do I cook a chicken through? The thickest part of the thigh should register 165°F (74°C).

Baste the turkey regularly with the pan drippings.How do I keep my hair moist and give it a golden brown color?

Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier turkey. I always tent mine with foil during this time.

Don’t overcook the turkey! Overcooked turkey is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that it’s cooked to the proper temperature. This is the most important tip to remember!

For extra flavor, add some aromatics to the cavity of the turkey. I like to use onions, carrots, celery, and herbs. I also like to add some lemon or orange slices for a bright flavor.

If the turkey starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. This will prevent it from burning.

Use a good quality roasting pan. A heavy-duty roasting pan will distribute heat evenly and prevent the turkey from sticking.

Make sure you have a sharp carving knife. This will make carving the turkey much easier. I always sharpen my knife before carving the turkey.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your juicy turkey:

Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving cooked turkey at room temperature for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible.

Refrigerator Storage: Store cooked turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. I usually slice the turkey before storing it to make it easier to reheat.

Freezer Instructions: To freeze cooked turkey, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Make sure to label and date the packaging before freezing.

Reheating: To reheat cooked turkey, preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Place the turkey in a baking dish with a little bit of broth or water to keep it moist. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat turkey in the microwave, but it may not be as moist. When I reheat, I add a little gravy to the dish to help keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different kind of salt for the brine?
Kosher salt is preferred because it dissolves easily and doesn’t contain any additives. If you use table salt, you’ll need to reduce the amount by half, as it’s more concentrated. I wouldn’t recommend using sea salt, as it can add a bitter taste.
What if I don’t have time to brine the turkey overnight?
While brining overnight is ideal, you can brine the turkey for as little as 4 hours. However, the longer you brine it, the juicier it will be.
Can I use a frozen turkey?
Yes, but you’ll need to thaw it completely before brining and roasting. A large turkey can take several days to thaw in the refrigerator, so plan accordingly. I usually put it in the fridge a week before!
How do I prevent the skin from burning?
If the skin starts to brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil. You can also baste it with pan drippings or melted butter.
Can I make gravy ahead of time?
Yes, you can make gravy ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently before serving. I prefer to make it the day of so it is the freshest.

Final Thoughts

cook juicy turkey slice on plate showing perfect texture and swirl pattern

This juicy turkey recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s a tradition. It’s the taste of family gatherings, the smell of holidays past, and the joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. I truly believe that this recipe will become a staple in your family for years to come. And if you enjoyed this, you should absolutely check out my recipe for classic Thanksgiving stuffing. It’s the perfect complement to this incredible turkey. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how your juicy turkey turns out!

Cook Juicy Turkey

This recipe guides you through cooking a juicy and flavorful turkey. Perfect for Thanksgiving or any special occasion!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 120 kcal

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb Turkey Breast
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil

Instructions
 

Preparation Steps

  • Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).
  • Season turkey breast with salt and pepper.
  • Drizzle olive oil over the turkey.
  • Roast in preheated oven for approximately 3 hours, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Notes

Let the turkey rest for 10-15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Nutrition

Serving: 200gCalories: 120kcalCarbohydrates: 120gProtein: 120gFat: 120gSaturated Fat: 120gPolyunsaturated Fat: 120gMonounsaturated Fat: 120gTrans Fat: 120gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 120gSugar: 120gVitamin A: 120IUVitamin C: 120mgCalcium: 120mgIron: 120mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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