How To Roast A Turkey To Perfection

Are you looking for info on how to roast a turkey? Thanksgiving is approaching, and that means it's time to roast a turkey. But if you've never roasted a turkey before, the task can seem daunting. Here are some simple tips to help you roast a perfect turkey.

First, make sure your turkey is thawed and at room temperature before you start cooking. This will help the turkey cook evenly. You can roast a frozen turkey but it will take longer to cool and sometimes can impact the evenness of the roast.

Here's how to properly defrost a turkey.

Next, preheat your oven to the correct temperature. Then, remove the giblets from the turkey cavity and rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.

Now it's time to roast the turkey. Place the turkey breast side up on a roasting rack in a roasting pan. Rub the skin of the turkey with olive oil or butter, then season as desired with salt, pepper, and other spices. Insert an oven-safe meat thermometer (try a smart thermometer for convenience) into the thickest part of the thigh of the turkey - but be careful not to touch the bone. This is going to be really important because you need to be able to monitor the cook temp of the bird. 

Roast the turkey in a preheated oven for about 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature of the thigh registers at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooking times will vary according to the size of the bird and whether or not you stuff it. Once the turkey is done cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This will allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat so they don't all run out when you carve it.

And there you have it - a perfectly roasted Thanksgiving turkey!

How to Roast a Turkey

Even with experienced cooks, methods of roasting differ in the effort to turn out a delicious roast turkey, and we know that some cooks have spent the day preparing the meal only to end up with dry roast turkeys.

Guests are always polite in these embarrassing situations, but we have the sense that behind their weak compliments they're feeling a sense of pity because they know the secret to a perfectly roasted turkey. When you want nice, moist, tender white meat, it's important to know how to cook it correctly. 

Should you stuff?

One of the first considerations in roasting the turkey is whether or not to stuff it or cook the dressing outside of the bird. Many people like their turkey stuffed, especially on Thanksgiving when it is a common tradition. However, there are some things to consider first. Will you be working with a frozen turkey, for one? And will you have enough time to prepare the bird with stuffing? 

Stuffing the bird requires a longer cooking period. But then the stuffing will be filled with the most wonderful turkey flavor as the juices flow into the stuffing during the roasting process.

However, more and more cooks are opting for cooking the stuffing outside of the bird because of the potential for bacteria. If you have sensitive family members or anyone who might be immunocompromised, you might opt for the safer option, just in case.  

This cornbread stuffing recipe is perfect if you don't have time to cook your bird with the stuffing inside. And if you prefer your stuffing inside the turkey, try this traditional sage stuffing.

Items needed for roasting turkey

The best way to roast a turkey is in a roasting pan with a cover. Whether you stuff the bird or cook it alone, the cover prevents the juices from evaporating and the cooking is virtually maintenance-free.

You only need to baste the bird two or three times during the cooking period. There will be plenty of juices left in the bottom of the pan you can use for flavoring the stuffing. Use the juices to make turkey gravy that is out of this world with flavor.

The cooking temperature should reach 165F to 175 F for a well-done bird. Cook the bird at 325 degrees. Slow roasting will give your bird more flavor and prevent drying. Juices are contained in your turkey by basting but a covered roasting pan is recommended to keep the juices from evaporating.

Covering the bird allows the flavor, caught in the steam, to settle back into the bird. Place the bird on a rack in the roasting pan to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Tips for roasting turkey

Years ago, a certain aluminum foil manufacturer taught us how to place the turkey in a pan and cover it with a foil tent, shiny side down.

The tent keeps most of the moisture in the turkey. The reflective foil allows it to take on a beautiful roasted brown appearance. However, the meat requires frequent basting and can dry out quickly. If you don't own a roasting pan, this is a tried and true method that yields good results.

Some families prefer the taste of turkey breasts and choose them over a whole turkey. If you have one available, a rotisserie works wonderfully well for turkey breasts. If you don't have a rotisserie, use a smaller roasting pan and a tight cover that will keep the juices from escaping.

Since turkey breasts are very lean, they don't produce as many juices as a whole turkey. If you use a rack, place a little water in the bottom of the pan to keep the moisture level.

The truth is, there is almost no way to ruin a roast turkey as long as you keep the moisture in the bird.

You can roast it in the oven, in a covered bar-be-que grill, or over an open fire. However, there are basic preparation steps that are important for those preparing a turkey before it goes into the oven or over the fire.

Don't forget to use the right rub when roasting a turkey!

The turkey should be completely thawed before it is cooked. Wash it inside and out and pat it dry. You can use butter or oil to coat the turkey before you season it with salt or Kosher salt if you prefer. Some people use unsalted butter and fresh herbs to make a rub for their turkey.

If you prefer a bolder taste, consider using a rub. Many of these rubs can be bought ready-made. When you want nice, crispy skin, the rub or seasoning you use on it can also be important. 

Roasting a turkey can be a labor-intensive effort, or it can be a relatively easy process. What will it be for you?

Roasting pans do the majority of the work for you with little need for basting or constant monitoring. That gives you more time to coordinate the rest of dinner and bring it all to a harmonious completion at dinnertime.

More Help for Preparing Turkey

• Hot to cook a turkey - a complete guide
• How to smoke a turkey in a gas smoker
• How to cook a turkey in an electric roaster
• How to smoke a turkey

Whatever method of roasting you prefer, add some love to the seasonings and your family will delight in the wonderful meal you've prepared. I bet they'll taste the love you put into the succulent roast turkey you present to them. When you want your turkey to be a memorable experience, take the time to plan accordingly, prep your bird with the right dry brine or rub, allow proper cooking time for the perfect roast, and then serve up with all your favorite fixins'!