What's your Turkey secret

TCondor
TCondor Posts: 88
edited January 3 in Recipes
There seem to be so many ways of preparing turkey. I was just wondering what some of your favorites are?

I've been brining the past few years and really love the results. The first couple years I did liquid brines & last year a dry. Each one was unique and tasty.

I also love throwing the turkey on the smoker instead of roasting if I have the time. There's just something about firing up the smoker in Novemer in New Englad ... especially if its snowing!

Replies

  • EvilShenanigansTX
    EvilShenanigansTX Posts: 143 Member
    We either grill the turkey - Cut the turkey up and marinate over night with spices and a little EVOO. I let my bird come to room temp before grilling, and I have a hot side and cool side to the grill. Start on the hot side to crisp the skin, finish on the cool side to cook through without burning.

    Or, if I roast my bird I use an oven bag and cook it breast side down. It is not pretty, but it is JUICY and SO good!

    My helpful hint (and I went to culinary school, so take it for what it is worth) - A lot of recipes say to cook the bird until it is 180 F, but it is thoroughly cooked at 165F, so once the deepest parts of the thigh and breast are at 165 F it is done.
  • Chief_Rocka
    Chief_Rocka Posts: 4,710 Member
    An electric turkey roaster. Cooks fast and comes out juicy
  • tdbad1
    tdbad1 Posts: 87 Member
    I always worry abotu the turkey meat being too dry. I used to add water to the pan, but now i add low salt broth. Never have to smother the meat in gravy at our house,lol.
  • gsbrooks1
    gsbrooks1 Posts: 54
    Showtime Rotisserie. I have used it for years just for turkey
  • Lantzbug
    Lantzbug Posts: 58
    Long time turkey eater here, first time roaster....lol. I bought a roaster last year and am breaking out this season. I haven't had a Thanksgiving off in 10 years. So, anyone want to tell me how to use it? :blushing:
  • TCondor
    TCondor Posts: 88
    Thanx for the temp tip. Overcooked turkey is never a good thing.
  • imthejenjen
    imthejenjen Posts: 265 Member
    This isnt the healthy way. It's just the way I've always done it:

    I chop up some onion and celery.. brush some butter all over the outside of turkey. Put the turkey in the bag and then put in a large pan. pour some beef/chicken broth around the turkey IN the bag. Put chopped onions/celery IN the turkey and also AROUND the turkey. Put in oven for 15 min per pound. My turkey has always come out smelling and tasting delicious! Never dry, and ALWAYS slides right off the bird! I LOVE IT! :wink: :wink:

    P.S. I am NOT a great cook by any means. I know how to cook some dishes, and turkey in my opinion, is my ABSOLUTE BEST meal that I can cook.....thats one of the reasons i :heart: Thanksgiving!

    Hope that helps!
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