Need info on Thanksgiving Turkey cooking temperature? Read on to find out different Thanksgiving Turkey cooking temperatures based on the method utilized to prepare the bird…
When cooking Thanksgiving turkey, the temperature will vary based on the cooking method utilized. There many ways to cook the turkey and different recipes keep cropping up each year to tantalize the taste buds.
However, some of these can be unsafe so you are well advised to find out what the right Thanksgiving turkey cooking temperatures are.
What to Aim For in Thanksgiving Turkey
The ideal turkey has moist meat on all parts of the body and has a coating of crisp golden brown skin along with a remarkable flavor. Dry turkey is the worst way of serving this bird, which is otherwise very versatile and cookable using a plethora of methods.
Since the bird can be mixed with a many unique ingredients and cooked by broiling, grilling, frying or even roasting, it is a good idea to discover a technique which works for you.
This is a very easy poultry to cook, but you should know how it is to be prepared and treated for different cooking methodologies. Above all when you are interested in cooking turkey or any other poultry you must be mindful of using safe methods to prevent infections from the poultry itself.
Basic Guide for Thanksgiving Turkey Cooking Temperature
Before you start off, make sure you wash your hands and keep washing any equipment that has come in contact with raw turkey and its blood. When you prepare the traditional roast turkey which is not stuffed, you cook it at a temperature of 325°F in the oven.
Cooking time is determined based on the weight of the turkey. To prepare it you must remove the neck as well as the giblet bag from the cavity. Following this you can wash the turkey from the inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels. Place it with the breast side facing upwards on a rack, which is placed on a 2-inch deep roasting pan.
Insert a meat thermometer in the thigh and add a half cup of water to the base of the pan. The turkey should be covered very loosely but completely with an aluminum foil that is heavy-duty. Keep roasting until the temperature on the meat thermometer reads 165°F. Since the wing is the thickest part you must remember this and cook it at a slightly high temperature if desired.
Prepare the dressing of your choice and put it in the oven during the last hour of the roasting time. To brown the skin into a crisp texture and shiny golden color remove the aluminum foil after one and a half hours of cooking.
You can even baste the turkey meat with vegetable oil to facilitate the browning. The minimum internal temperature for a well cooked turkey is 165°F which can be checked with the meat thermometer.
Once the meat is ready, remove it from the oven and let it sit aside for half an hour so that the juices moisten the meat evenly. To ensure the safety of the cooked meat, your best bet is to use a meat thermometer.
