8 Ways to Cook a Holiday Turkey
Thought there was only one way to cook a turkey?
The oven is often needed for side dishes. That means the big bird may have to take an alternate route to the table according to Dr. Pam Duitsman, nutrition and health education specialist with University of Missouri Extension.
“No matter what route you chose, always ensure whole turkeys reach 165 degrees as measured in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast,” Duitsman said.
Here are some things to keep in mind with various turkey cooking methods.
Grilling — This popular method allows a completely thawed bird to cook over indirect heat in an outdoor gas or charcoal grill. Keep the grill covered, and place a pan of water beneath the grilling surface to catch drippings. Do not stuff the turkey – it can be unsafe because the indirect heat may not allow the stuffing to get hot enough to kill bacteria.
Smoking — Smokers vary widely, and use either electricity, gas, or charcoal for heat. Ensure the smoker reaches an internal temperature of 225 to 300 degrees before introducing the completely thawed, unstuffed turkey.
Deep Fat Frying — A whole unstuffed turkey of 12 pounds or less can be successfully cooked in a short amount of time. Follow manufacturer directions, and ensure the oil covers the turkey by 1 to 2 inches. Select a safe location for your fryer, and heat oil to 350 degrees. Slowly and carefully lower the turkey in the hot oil.
Conventional Oven — If you decide to go with your regular conventional oven, set your oven temperature no lower than 325 degrees. Place your turkey on a rack in a shallow roasting pan. For food safety, it’s best to cook stuffing outside of the cavity – in a casserole dish. Cook the turkey immediately and use a food thermometer to check the center of the stuffing and the internal meat have both reached 165 degrees.
More questions? If you have more questions about cooking a turkey call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-888-674-6854, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. ET on Thanksgiving Day.
