Slow Roasted Turkey | Greedy Gourmet

Question 1

Why is slow roasting a turkey a good idea?

Accepted Answer

As with any meat, slow cooking turkey is the best way to achieve tender and delicious meat. The slow temperature and longer cooking time allow the meat to take on incredible flavor, while also ensuring that the turkey doesn’t dry out.

Question 2

How do you defrost a turkey?

Accepted Answer

Many people buy turkeys frozen, so getting the defrosting stage right is crucial. In order to properly defrost your turkey so that it’s ready for Thanksgiving or Christmas Day it’s best to leave it to thaw in the refrigerator.

Defrosting turkey this way will ensure the whole turkey thaws evenly, from the leg and thigh meat to the breast meat, which will give you an even cooking temperature.

Unfortunately, you can’t defrost a turkey overnight. Thawing turkey in the refrigerator will take some time and, depending on the size of your turkey, could even take a few days. Allow a day for every 5 pounds of weight.

Another way to defrost turkey that has been done traditionally for many years is to leave the turkey outside. This only works in colder climates, where the temperature doesn’t reach more than 10°C/50°F. This method allows you to free up space in your refrigerator.

Leave your turkey in a sealable larger container and place it in a garage or garden shed. This method also takes a few days.

Question 3

Can you cook a frozen turkey?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can actually cook a partially thawed turkey, although personally I wouldn’t recommend it. Cooking turkey when it hasn’t been properly defrosted means you won’t get that wonderful flavor and texture that comes with slow cooking a fresh turkey.

However, there are times when you might need to cook a partially frozen turkey to save Thanksgiving or Christmas.

If this is the case, you’ll need to allow a lot longer to cook the turkey. For example, a 20lbs turkey will require at least seven hours to cook to a safe temperature.

Question 4

Can you roast a turkey overnight?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can cook a turkey overnight. Turkey cooked overnight will produce spectacular results! Even though you won’t be able to baste the turkey every hour, the slow cooking process ensures the meat stays wonderfully juicy and full of flavor.

For instance, you can cook the turkey on a very low temperature – 135°C/275°F for example. This would take around 20-23 minutes per pound, or 22-25 minutes if stuffed. For a 20 pound turkey, this means 6 ½ to 7 ½ hours of cooking time.

Question 5

What can I do with turkey leftovers?

Accepted Answer

Let’s be honest, we normally buy a turkey that’s way too big to eat in one sitting. One of the themes of Thanksgiving or Christmas is the piles and piles of leftovers. Don’t waste any of it! Especially this wonderful slow roasted turkey… throwing away any of this turkey is a culinary crime!

Make sure you strip the turkey carcass of any good meat that can be used for festive leftovers. This includes the turkey breast or any dark meat. Turkey leftovers generally keep for around 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge, so you’ve got a bit of time to use them.

Here are a few recipe suggestions when it comes to turkey leftovers:

Leftover turkey chowder – a wonderfully tasty winter warmer, with beautifully subtle spices

Leftover turkey soup – soothing winter soups don’t get much nicer than this… and all with leftovers too!

Leftover turkey tacos – a Mexican-inspired recipe that will bring a little bit of spice to your post Christmas celebrations

Leftover turkey stroganoff – deep, rich and delicious, this intensely flavored stroganoff is the perfect leftover meal when you’re craving some comfort food

Leftover turkey curry – one of the best leftover turkey recipes out there! There’s something about leftover turkey that just works wonders when made into a spicy curry

Leftover turkey lasagna – one for fans of Italian cuisine! A lovely little twist on a traditional lasagna, it’s oh so satisfying the day after the main feast

Leftover turkey casserole – another big epic comfort food classic, this turkey casserole is to die for!

Question 6

How do you know when turkey is cooked properly?

Accepted Answer

The internal temperature of turkey should reach 74C/165F. The best way to ensure your turkey is fully cooked to a safe temperature is to use a meat thermometer.

Insert the meat thermometer skewer into the thickest part of the turkey thigh. Give it a few seconds for an accurate reading. If the temperature falls a bit short, place the turkey back in the oven and continue to cook. Then repeat the process until you’ve reached the correct temperature.

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