Food & Drink
Thanksgiving meal: Bird basics 101
Defense Commissary Agency, StatePoint
November 21, 2024
(123rf)
How much turkey to buy
Plan on 1 pound per person for a regular bone-in turkey; about 1/3 pound per person for a boneless breast or turkey roast. Allow more, if you want plenty of leftovers, or to accommodate guests who favor only white or only dark meat.
As with all raw meat, turkey can spoil quickly if not handled properly, so make the commissary the last stop on your holiday shopping trip. And make the turkey the last item placed in your grocery cart. At home, place the turkey in the refrigerator or freezer immediately.
How to thaw turkey safely
In the refrigerator: Turkeys can be thawed using one of three methods, but the safest, most foolproof, and most recommended is to thaw them in the refrigerator. In addition to being the safest method, this will also result in the best finished product.
Plan ahead and allow about 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of bird weight. Place the turkey, in the original wrapper, on a shallow-rimmed baking sheet or platter in the refrigerator.
• Refrigerator Turkey Thawing Time (40 degrees F)
| Turkey Weight | Days to Allow for Thawing Turkey |
|---|---|
| 8 to 12 pounds | 2 to 2.5 days |
| 12 to 16 pounds | 2.5 to 4 days |
| 16 to 20 pounds | 4 to 5 days |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 5 to 6 days |
The Cold Water Method: If you need to thaw the turkey more quickly, use this method. Cover the turkey, still sealed in the original wrapper, with cold water. Change the cold water every 30 minutes. Allow about 30 minutes per pound for complete thawing.
• COLD Water Turkey Thawing Time
| Turkey Weight | Hours to Allow for Thawing Turkey |
|---|---|
| 8 to 12 pounds | 4 to 6 hours |
| 12 to 16 pounds | 6 to 8 hours |
| 16 to 20 pounds | 8 to 10 hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 10 to 12 hours |
The Microwave Method: Even though thawing can be safely done in the microwave, it is the least desired method for producing a good-quality finished product, and the turkey must be roasted immediately after thawing. Follow your microwave manufacturer’s directions for thawing. Roast the turkey immediately, once thawing is complete.
How long to cook oven roasted turkey
Cook until temperature reaches 170 degrees Fahrenheit in the breast and 180 F in the thigh. Cooking times are for planning purposes only - always use a meat thermometer to determine doneness. (Approximate Timetable for Roasting a Turkey at 325 degrees F)
| Unstuffed Turkey | Time to Cook | Stuffed Turkey | Time to Cook |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 to 12 pounds | 23/4 to 3 hours | 8 to 12 pounds | 3 to 31/2 hours |
| 12 to 14 pounds | 3 to 33/4 hours | 12 to 14 pounds | 31/2 to 4 hours |
| 14 to 18 pounds | 33/4 to 41/4 hours | 14 to 18 pounds | 4 to 41/4 hours |
| 18 to 20 pounds | 41/4 to 41/2 hours | 18 to 20 pounds | 41/4 to 43/4 hours |
| 20 to 24 pounds | 41/2 to 5 hours | 20 to 24 pounds | 43/4 to 51/4 hours |
| 24 to 30 pounds | 5 to 51/4 hours | 24 to 30 pounds | 51/4 to 61/4hours |
|---|
- Defense Commissary Agency
Tips for choosing and preparing a holiday turkey
Set yourself up for success with two simple rules: stick to the basics and start with great quality meat. If possible uses a turkey with no antibiotics or animal by-product in feed. Choose turkeys from farms that have achieved Global Animal Partnership 5-Step Animal Welfare Rating so you know your holiday bird was raised with care.
For the juiciest, most flavorful meat, start with a fresh organic turkey and layer in flavor with a simple brine or herb rub. Try a brine kit, such as one from 365 Everyday Value, and then stuff chopped herbs under the skin before roasting. If you like bronzed, crispy skin, blast your turkey with heat at the beginning or end of cooking, breast side up. Roast until your meat thermometer reads 165 degrees Farenheit.
Once done, let your turkey rest for 30 minutes before carving so juices redistribute. This locks in moisture and makes for smoother carving. It’s all about knowing where your turkey came from and the best way to lock in its juices and flavor.
- StatePoint