OKEMOS, Mich. –– Preparing a well-cooked turkey for Thanksgiving is no easy task, considering how quickly it can dry out or how easy it is to undercook it. Before you stuff your bird and stick it in the oven this November, follow our tips on how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey the right way.
1. Choose the right size turkey.
Choosing the right size turkey depends on how large of group you're planning to serve this Thanksgiving. In general, a 20-pound turkey will feed a large group, but the best way to estimate the right size bird is to assume each guest will consume about 1 1/2 pounds of turkey, including bones and giblets.
2. Prepare your turkey so it's safe to consume.
Properly cooking a turkey requires preparation. You should thaw your turkey in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of bacteria. Place the bird breast-side-up on a rimmed baking sheet in your fridge, and give 24 hours of thawing time for every four pounds of turkey. After your turkey thaws, remove the giblets and save them for gravy stock. Rinse the turkey under cool water and dry it completely.
3. Stuff your turkey with caution.
If you plan on stuffing your turkey, make sure you do so just before you place the turkey in the oven. This prevents bacteria from having the time it needs to grow, whereas if you stuff your turkey ahead of time, bacteria has plenty of time to grow. Use 10 cups of stuffing for a 12–15-pound turkey, and 12 cups of stuffing for a 15–20-pound turkey.
4. Use a stainless steel roasting pan to cook your turkey.
Using a stainless steel roasting pan will ensure heat is distributed evenly to your turkey as it cooks. Set the turkey on a rack in a shallow stainless steel roasting pan. After the first hour of cooking, regularly baste the turkey in the juices that collect in the pan to keep the turkey moist and help it brown evenly. Roast your turkey until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees.
5. Let your turkey sit after it cooks.
Letting your turkey sit for 15–20 minutes after it cooks allows it to absorb the juices you basted it in, as well as the juices in the pan. This will help your turkey stay moist and finish do a little extra cooking on the inside before you cut into it.
If you're hosting Thanksgiving this November, make sure your know how to cook a Thanksgiving turkey the right way using our tips for reference. On the other hand, if you're traveling somewhere else, check out our Thanksgiving travel tips here. Make sure your vehicle is ready to hit the road and oil change or any auto service it may need from our friendly team of Chevy professionals at Hank Graff Okemos. Call us at (517) 349-8300 or visit our showroom, located at 1748 W. Grand River Okemos, MI 48864. We’re just minutes from Lansing!
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