Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and therein lies a hefty challenge—preparing a turkey. No host wants their bird too dry or too bland, especially with all the love and labor that goes into preparing the bird of this season. Let’s get into some tried-and-true tips to create a crowd-pleasing plate.
Try Dry Brining
Brining provides the perfect level of seasoning while creating a crispy skin finish without drying out your turkey. For this method, simply pat dry your turkey, rub it entirely with salt, place it into a plastic bag and let it sit for 24–48 hours. A safe rule of thumb is to use 1 tablespoon of salt for every 2 pounds of turkey—and dried herbs and seasoning can be included as you see fit.
Prepare Dressing on the Side
Stuffing and dressing, like turkey, is a Thanksgiving classic. Most of us love it, and it can be disappointing when it’s not quite right. But what’s the difference? Dressing is prepared outside of the turkey on its own, and preparing it this way ensures both dishes can be cooked to their own specifications. If you normally use stuffing to flavor the bird, you can try filling its cavity with aromatics like rosemary, lemon, onion, sage and garlic instead.
Check the Temperature
Don’t forget to temperature-check your bird! Preparing a turkey can seem like a science, especially since most of us don’t frequently do it. Take out the guesswork and let an instant-read thermometer assist. Insert your meat thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey’s thigh, and be careful not to hit bone. If the temperature reads 165 degrees, your turkey is ready.
Choose the Right Pan and Let Your Turkey Rest
It’s a good idea to opt for a sturdy dark pan to roast your turkey. A solid, heavy pan prevents any warping or buckling due to weight, and dark pans absorb heat for an even cook full of moisture and flavor. Once your turkey is out of the oven, it’s important to let it rest. Thirty minutes is optimal so the juices can reabsorb into the meat.
MidSouth Electric Cooperative wishes you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving!
