Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and enjoy a delicious meal. One of the stars of the show is usually the turkey. Cooking a turkey can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not used to it. However, one thing that people often forget is that letting the turkey rest before cutting is just as important as cooking it properly. In this article, we’ll discuss how long to let turkey rest before cutting, so you can serve up a perfectly juicy bird.
Contents
Why is Resting a Turkey Important?
When you cook a turkey, the heat causes the juices to move towards the outside of the bird. If you cut into the turkey right after it’s out of the oven, those juices will escape, leaving you with a dry and tough bird. Allowing the turkey to rest gives those juices time to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist and flavorful turkey.
How Long Should You Let the Turkey Rest?
The general rule of thumb is to let the turkey rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. However, the size of your turkey will determine how long it needs to rest. If you have a smaller turkey, you can get away with resting it for 15 minutes. For larger turkeys, you’ll want to rest them for closer to 30 minutes. Keep in mind that the turkey will continue to cook as it rests, so you don’t need to worry about it getting cold.
How to Rest a Turkey
Resting a turkey is easy. Once you’ve taken the turkey out of the oven, transfer it to a cutting board or platter. Tent the turkey with foil to keep it warm and let it rest for the appropriate amount of time. You can use this time to finish up any side dishes or make gravy. Once the turkey has rested, you’re ready to carve it up and serve.
Other Tips for a Perfectly Juicy Turkey
Resting your turkey is just one part of the equation for a perfectly juicy bird. Here are some other tips to keep in mind:
1. Brine your turkey. Brining helps to keep the turkey moist and adds flavor. You can brine your turkey for anywhere from a few hours to overnight.
2. Baste the turkey. Basting the turkey with butter or pan juices helps to keep it moist.
3. Use a meat thermometer. The only way to know if your turkey is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey (usually the thigh) and make sure it reads 165°F.
4. Let the turkey come to room temperature before cooking. Taking the turkey out of the fridge an hour or two before cooking helps it to cook more evenly.
Conclusion
Letting your turkey rest before cutting is essential for a juicy and flavorful bird. The general rule of thumb is to let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes, but larger turkeys may need up to 30 minutes. Remember to also brine your turkey, baste it, use a meat thermometer, and let it come to room temperature before cooking for a perfectly cooked and juicy turkey.