Do you want to cook a turkey for the very first time? You certainly want to review top turkey recipes that answer your turkey-related questions. A common question you might have is how long it takes to cook a turkey.
But before we answer this, we will first debunk a myth that you should only cook turkey, the traditional Christmas bird, only on Christmas. This is a common myth that makes many choose chicken instead.
Turkey provides all the nutrients found in chicken but has less fat than chicken. This means you can eat a turkey any day you feel like throughout the year. However, turkey is available in small portions rather than as a whole bird.
So, how do you prepare your turkey? How long do you cook a turkey? This article will answer these questions and address your concerns when cooking a turkey for the first time.
Understanding Turkey Cooking Times
Your preferred method of cooking the turkey is the first consideration that determines the cooking time. However, other aspects, such as the size of the bird and stuffing, can influence how long the tur will take to prepare it.
For every pound of an unstuffed bird, you should leave 13-15 minutes of roasting at 325o F. A stuffed turkey takes about 15-30 minutes per pound. So, a turkey weighing 12 pounds will take 2.5-3 hours in the oven.
However, this is not cast in stone and might not apply in every situation since other factors, such as the quality of the turkey meat and the things stuffed in the turkey can affect the cook time. For curate results, use a meat thermometer to determine if the internal temperature is 165°F and above to remove the turkey from the cooker.
Factors That Affect Cooking Time
Several factors determine how much time you will need to cook turkey. Here’s how each factor affects the cooking time:
Size and Weight of the Turkey
As anybody would expect, a big turkey will need more time in the cooker than a smaller one. So, you should weigh the turkey first to know its weight and the ideal cook time.
You should give the turkey 15 minutes of cooking time per pound of unstuffed turkey and 15-30 minutes per pound when preparing an unstuffed turkey. With this in mind, you can plan carefully to avoid delays, especially if you have guests.
Type of Turkey (Fresh vs. Frozen)
A fresh turkey will certainly cook faster than a frozen one for obvious reasons. The frozen turkey will need more time to thaw and attain the high internal temperature required to kill germs.
Since thawing can take a long time, you should give the frozen turkey enough time before cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
Stuffed vs. Unstuffed Turkey
An unstuffed turkey will take less time in the oven than a stuffed turkey. This is because the stuffing, which depends on your preferences, requires time to cook and reach a safe temperature of 165oF.
The safest method of ensuring the turkey is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer to determine if the internal temperature is safe.
Recommended Cooking Times By Weight
Weight is a crucial factor when determining how long to cook a turkey. Therefore, you should keep the following figures in mind when choosing the ideal cooking times.
8-12 Pound Turkey
If you allocate 13-15 minutes of cooking time for every pound of unstuffed turkey, you will need 2.5 or 3 hours to cook an 8-12-pound turkey. However, preparing a similar stuffed turkey will take 3 or 3.5 hours.
12-16 Pound Turkey
You will need at least 3-4 hours to cook an unstuffed turkey weighing 16-20 pounds to ensure it is well cooked. If it is stuffed, cooking in an oven takes 3 to 4 hours.
16-20 Pound Turkey
Preparing an unstuffed 16-20-pound turkey will take about 4 to 4.5 hours to cook and 4.5 to 5 hours when stuffed.
20+ Pound Turkey
A turkey that weighs 20 pounds or more will take approximately 4.5 to 5 hours in the oven if it is unstuffed and 5 to 5.5 hours if it is stuffed. The meat will be juicy and tender when cooked properly and will have an internal temperature of 165o F.
Temperature and Cooking Methods
Depending on your preference, you can roast, deep fry, or slow-cook your turkey. However, the cooking temperature should vary from one cooking method to another. The turkey will not cook properly if you increase or reduce the temperature. Here’s a cooking temperature guideline to consider.
Oven Roasting
This is a traditional method of cooking turkey that is still popular today. To ensure the heat is evenly distributed and achieve a beautiful brown skin, preheat the oven to 325oF before placing the turkey, with the breast side facing up.
You should put the turkey in a roast pan and cook it for several hours, depending on its size, until the internal temperature reaches 165oF.
Deep Frying
Deep frying is a quicker cooking method if you want a turkey with a crispy exterior. You only need to heat oil to 350oF using a fryer or a pot that matches the size of the turkey. When frying turkey, you should allocate 3-4 minutes per pound and avoid dipping the turkey before checking the oil temperature to prevent scalding accidents.
Slow Cooking
Slow cooking is ideal for turkey parts or smaller birds. It involves cooking turkey in low heat of about 225°F to 250°F for about 8 hours to make the meat tender and delicious. This method is popular because it helps lock in moisture.
How to Tell When a Turkey Is Done
You can check the visual signs or use a meat thermometer to determine whether the turkey is ready. Here’s how each method works.
Using Meat Thermometer
Before removing your turkey from the cooker, open the oven and insert a thermometer into a thick part of the breast meat. If the thermometer indicates 165oF, then your turkey is ready.
Visual Signs of Doneness
When your turkey is ready, the skin should have a rich brown color. If you pierce or cut with a knife or fork, it should produce clear juices. If the turkey releases pink juices, you should allow it more cooking time.
Another sign is assessing tenderness by moving the legs; if they wiggle easily, then the meat is tender and ready.
Resting the Turkey Before Carving
When you remove the turkey from the cooker, rest it for at least 30 minutes. Resting ensures the juices are reabsorbed back, making the turkey more delicious.
Cover the turkey lightly if you want the skin to stay crisp and warm. When serving, ensure the thickest parts of the turkey have no pink sections, which could indicate that those parts are not well cooked.
Conclusion: Perfectly Cooked Turkey Every Time
Cooking a turkey is easy, even if you are a beginner. But you should figure out how long to cook a turkey and learn to check if it is well cooked. So, regardless of the method you choose for the Christmas bird, you need to know how to determine if it is well-cooked and ready to eat. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the meat is ready for serving.
