How do you cook your turkey

ToRamona · 25-11-2015 7:46pm #1

I heard a recipe on the radio last week for cooking turkey breast and the persons swears its the only way to have a moist turkey.

Boil the turkey breast in chicken stock for two hours, cover in maple syrup and roast for one hour. Has anyone tried this?

I am giving it a go tomorrow to see what it's like.

ads20101 · 25-11-2015 7:51pm

screamer · 25-11-2015 9:13pm

I think that's called broiling it. How do i cook it well first of all stuff it with nice sage breadcrumbs then I seperate the skin from the breast and fill the space with melted butter soy sauce and garlic then I coat the outside in that mixture too then I roast it one hour at 200 then down to about 140 and wait it out

OldMrBrennan83 · 25-11-2015 9:15pm

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ToRamona · 25-11-2015 9:18pm

Patww79 wrote: »

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Do you season it? Is it not very dry?

OldMrBrennan83 · 25-11-2015 9:22pm

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blindside88 · 25-11-2015 9:23pm

I put the turkey in a roasting tray on a wire rack, about a pint or 2 of water underneath and cover in Tim foil. Roast it breast side down for the first 30 - 40 mins then turn over. This allows the juices to keep the breast moist. Make sure that there is water in the roasting dish all of the time.

ToRamona · 25-11-2015 9:23pm

Patww79 wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

I want to try something different rather than the usual stuffed turkey and basting it every half hour.

ToRamona · 25-11-2015 9:26pm

blindside88 wrote: »

I put the turkey in a roasting tray on a wire rack, about a pint or 2 of water underneath and cover in Tim foil. Roast it breast side down for the first 30 - 40 mins then turn over. This allows the juices to keep the breast moist. Make sure that there is water in the roasting dish all of the time.

I never heard anyone cooking it like this, it's interesting and I may try it.

eviltwin · 25-11-2015 9:30pm

I put loads of butter under the skin and around the inside to keep it moist, put a few rashers on the top, put it in foil so its like an oven in an oven and check it every so often. That's from Delia Smith's christmas book. I don't eat meat myself so I can't vouch for it but it seems to go down well here.

byhookorbycrook · 25-11-2015 10:27pm

I like to "brine" it overnight, ie soak it in slightly salted water. Then start it breast down in the oven and turn after an hour or so.

blindside88 · 25-11-2015 11:41pm

ToRamona wrote: »

I never heard anyone cooking it like this, it's interesting and I may try it.

I forgot to mention, take the foil off for the last 20 or 30 minutes to allow the skin to crisp up

freshpopcorn · 26-11-2015 6:49am

Patww79 wrote: »

Put it in a large oven bag with not a thing on it and cook it until it goes fairly dry. Normally drain off the liquid from the bag half an hour before cooking so it can dry out and not be soggy from sitting in it.

That's generally how we cook our turkey. I love the taste of Turkey being turkey and not loads of seasonings.

screamer · 26-11-2015 11:33am

I have to coat mine and marinate it can't stand the look of a white anaemic turkey and my mother refuses to eat it. It has to appeal to the eye too :-) mind you I'd prefer a leg of lamb to a turkey any day.

26-11-2015 11:40am

I put butter mixed with dried cranberries and herbs under the skin and streaky bacon on the outside. Keeps it lovely and moist.

I've never been in the Christmas forum before. Hello everyone

RentDayBlues · 26-11-2015 12:22pm

Strawberry Milkshake wrote: »

I've never been in the Christmas forum before. Hello everyone

Best forum ever!

Mystery Egg · 26-11-2015 12:56pm

Strawberry Milkshake wrote: »

I've never been in the Christmas forum before. Hello everyone

Welcome! It's like the Hotel California around here. You can check out any time you like...but you can never leave.

beertons · 26-11-2015 5:36pm

I boiled a boned and rolled Turkey in chicken stock last year. Much prefer it to roasting. When my dad found out it wasn't roasted, he said I was mad. But when he ate it, his eyes lit up.

Glitzgirl · 26-11-2015 6:11pm

Mystery Egg wrote: »

Welcome! It's like the Hotel California around here. You can check out any time you like...but you can never leave.

Haha creepy but accurate! You'll never want to leave lol

Glitzgirl · 26-11-2015 6:12pm

Strawberry Milkshake wrote: »

I've never been in the Christmas forum before. Hello everyone

Welcome strawberry milkshake !

baby and crumble · 26-11-2015 6:56pm

I've never done a turkey in it but slow cooker chicken is THE BEST so I'd love to try it in the slowcooker sometime. Sadly turkeys are flippin massive so no dice.

Usually I treat it very much like a traditional roast chicken. Make a tent out of tinfoil over the bird, stuff mountains of butter up in between the skin and the meat (zero point putting it on top of the skin, it just melts of into the bottom of the dish) and stick a few onions and maybe a lemon up in the cavity. Get your timings right and voila.

A friend of mine did his in ribena one year and said it was really nice but I'm not too sure...

fussyonion · 26-11-2015 7:38pm

I line a large tray with foil, throw in chopped carrots, celery, onions, garlic cloves and fresh parsley and thyme.

I rub a parsley & thyme infused butter under the skin of the turkey and rub.

I rub the rest of this butter all over the bird, lay on streaky rashers, throw some slivers of onion, garlic cloves and half a lemon inside the cavity.

Season the bird with salt and pepper.
Tightly wrap tin foil over the bird and the whole tray, sealing well.

I remove the foil for the last 40 minutes of cooking to allow it to brown.
I've been doing the bird this way for years and it's never dry.

fro9etb8j5qsl2 · 26-11-2015 7:43pm

byhookorbycrook wrote: »

I like to "brine" it overnight, ie soak it in slightly salted water. Then start it breast down in the oven and turn after an hour or so.

I was considering brining mine this year. I've seen a recipe where you brine it in a bucket of herbs and spices for 2 a few days before cooking and it supposedly makes it more moist. Does it make much of a difference?

Posy · 27-11-2015 1:57am

I'm just sticking with my usual method of lashing a load of butter and herbs under the skin and then basting every 4 minutes!
I worry starting it off upside down would flatten it. :pac:

Strawberry Milkshake wrote: »

I've never been in the Christmas forum before. Hello everyone

Hello!!

RentDayBlues · 27-11-2015 8:20am

I cooked mine breast down one year, forgot I had done that and then when I went to carve it I couldn't get much meat off it. I was disgusted as I had told the butcher I needed it for 6 adults and leftovers

Realised the day after when I went to portion the remaining turkey. I will add I was 8 months pregnant and sleep deprived thanks to a sick toddler

lazeedaisy · 27-11-2015 8:26am

Nigellas way.

In a bucket overnight, with various herbs etc... Then cook a 4.4kg turkey for 2 hours 15 mins, first hour and half upside down, last one to crisp up the top.

Leave to sit for one hour...

Perfect every time.

I did not eat turkey for years, sawdust cooked for hours... But I have to say, this is tried and tested, works every time

Ingredients SWITCH TO CUP MEASURES

for the turkey brining
approx. 6 litres water
1 large orange or 2 smaller (quartered)
250 grams maldon salt (or 125g / ½ cup table salt)
3 tablespoons black peppercorns
1 bouquet garni
1 cinnamon stick
1 tablespoon caraway seeds
4 cloves
2 tablespoons allspice berries
4 star anise
2 tablespoons white mustard seeds
200 grams sugar
2 onions (unpeeled and quartered)
1 x 6 cm piece of fresh root ginger (unpeeled and cut into 6 slices)
4 tablespoons maple syrup
4 tablespoons runny honey
stalks from 1 bunch fresh parsley
1 x 5.5 kilograms turkey
for the basting glaze
75 grams goose fat (or butter)
3 tablespoons maple syrup

touts · 27-11-2015 8:34am

I've tried the turkey bags the last couple of years and while the meat has been nice and moist I found the skin sticks to the parts of the bag ruining the appearance of the turkey when I take off the bag. Anyone know how to avoid this?

lazeedaisy · 27-11-2015 9:16am

I stopped using the bags several years ago because of this.

fro9etb8j5qsl2 · 27-11-2015 12:00pm

RentDayBlues wrote: »

I cooked mine breast down one year, forgot I had done that and then when I went to carve it I couldn't get much meat off it. I was disgusted as I had told the butcher I needed it for 6 adults and leftovers

Realised the day after when I went to portion the remaining turkey. I will add I was 8 months pregnant and sleep deprived thanks to a sick toddler

Happened me with a ready cooked chicken from tesco, I took it out of the bag upside down. Ranted and raved to OH about the lack of meat on it and he was just about to take it back and complain when I realised my mistake

I was too embarrassed to tell OH though, I just told him it wouldn't be worth the hassle bringing it back

Funnily enough, I was also pregnant at the time :pac:

Thanks lazeedaisy that was the recipe I was after. I'm going to give it a go and see does it really make a difference. I've seen a few videos of American's deep frying their turkeys but I wouldn't be brave enough to try

lazygal · 27-11-2015 9:31pm

I'm trying Nigella's method this year. I've tried a turkey crown and a full turkey, the 'normal' way and it was fine.

cassid · 02-12-2015 12:43am

I put it on a tray with water to bake slowly.

If a full turkey, loads of butter, and onion, lemon inside and rashers over the top and a few root vegs

Cover with tin foil.

Keep topping up with water.

I cook by eye so could not tell you how long or what temp sorry

mahoganygas · 02-12-2015 9:06am

Has anybody ever boned and rolled their own turkey?

I'm getting one from a farm this year.

rowr · 05-12-2015 7:41am

mahoganygas wrote: »

Has anybody ever boned and rolled their own turkey?

I'm getting one from a farm this year.

The last couple of years I bone my turkey, then fill it with ham (uncooked but flattened out), then put stuffing inside that and sew it up. It's a bit of work, but there is no post xmas mess and its very easy to carve.

Watch your fingers and hands when boning the turkey btw

Jude13 · 06-12-2015 10:42am

I brine the turkey the day before and then pat off.

I snip off the wing tips and put some halved oranges inside it. I then put loads of butter under the skin.

Then I wrap the turkey (not the bottom) with tin foil.

Here I then put it on the BBQ with indirect heat, with a drip tray underneath, topping up the coals and wood every hour. Taking the foil off for the last hour.

In Ireland I just last it in the oven.

When i think it needs about 20 mins more I whip it out. Throw tinfoil and cloth over it and leave it sit for about 30 mins.

Always moist and tasty.

fro9etb8j5qsl2 · 06-12-2015 11:10pm

Those of you who brine the turkey-where do you leave it while brining? My fridge definitely isn't big enough to accommodate a big bucket of turkey and I've a colony of feral cats living in the scrub behind my garden so not brave enough to leave it outside as nigella suggests. Our house would be way too warm to just leave it sitting out. Would it be ridiculous to consider housing it overnight in the boot of my car? :pac:

Jude13 · 07-12-2015 4:54am

I brine it in a bin we bought specially for it. In Ireland it stays in the shed and here it goes into a pantry under the stairs that is baltic and has its own AC

Snaggerman · 07-12-2015 7:48am

Davion Fit Leg wrote: »

Those of you who brine the turkey-where do you leave it while brining? My fridge definitely isn't big enough to accommodate a big bucket of turkey and I've a colony of feral cats living in the scrub behind my garden so not brave enough to leave it outside as nigella suggests. Our house would be way too warm to just leave it sitting out. Would it be ridiculous to consider housing it overnight in the boot of my car? :pac:

We just use a portable cooler box, few litres of brined water and a bag of ice cubes on top. Fits perfect and stays refrigerated

duckduck1991 · 07-12-2015 8:39am

I just stick mine in the microwave

Loughc · 08-12-2015 7:20pm

Tesco have put up a video of buttermilk turkey recipe.

https://www.facebook.com/TescoIreland/videos/929243123828325/

deisemum · 08-12-2015 7:46pm

I've been using Nigella's recipe for brined turkey since her Christmas book came out and I'd cook turkey throughout the year too and it's never been dry. Brined turkey also cooks a lot quicker than non brined turkey.

I put the turkey in a cool box with some bagged ice blocks.

corazon · 08-12-2015 9:01pm

The last three years I used this method. The turkey is done in less than an hour with no hassle and the kids will actually eat it as it is crispy and brown and not all dried out from too long in the oven. I do the stuffing on the side and there is way less stress on Christmas day as you have more time for the rest of the dinner. The best part is it is easier to coordinate the timing of potatoes, veg, etc, so everything is ready at the same time.

fro9etb8j5qsl2 · 08-12-2015 9:39pm

corazon wrote: »

The last three years I used this method. The turkey is done in less than an hour with no hassle and the kids will actually eat it as it is crispy and brown and not all dried out from too long in the oven. I do the stuffing on the side and there is way less stress on Christmas day as you have more time for the rest of the dinner. The best part is it is easier to coordinate the timing of potatoes, veg, etc, so everything is ready at the same time.

That is amazing I'm very tempted to give it a go but I'd be bricking it in case I made a balls of it

Do you use a digital thermometer? I only have a regular one.

corazon · 08-12-2015 10:29pm

I don't bother with a thermometer. Cooking it this way is as easy as cooking a chicken. The only hard part is cutting out the backbone. You will need a good heavy knife preferably with a serrated edge. You may need a second person to hold the turkey while you cut. It is a bit intimidating the first time but five to ten minutes work will have it ready. There are plenty of videos on the web to help you. Try this one.

fro9etb8j5qsl2 · 09-12-2015 9:50am

I don't mind the boning part, I've done that a few times before, but I would be worried about the cooking times etc. I'm definitely going to have a look at a few videos though to see can I ease my worries. It'd be so much handier to not be stuck to the oven for 4 hours

leahyl · 09-12-2015 11:20am

My mum cooks it on breast side down for a while and then turns it back the other way and puts streaky rashers on top, she stuffs the cavity with bread stuffing and the neck with potato stuffing.....sooooo good and soooo moist! I'm starving just thinking about it....gravy is made from the juices and bisto then

Rubberchikken · 09-12-2015 11:23am

stick it in a tin foil lined tray. rub butter all over - the turkey:)
let it cook away while i go for long christmas walk with family. baste when i'm back. voila, one perfect turkey.
have been doing it this way for 30+ years. moist...mmm

beertons · 09-12-2015 12:38pm

Rubberchikken wrote: »

stick it in a tin foil lined tray. rub butter all over - the turkey:)
let it cook away while i go for long christmas walk with family. baste when i'm back. voila, one perfect turkey.
have been doing it this way for 30+ years. moist...mmm

There's something I don't trust about this. Maybe it's your username...

fro9etb8j5qsl2 · 13-12-2015 4:09pm

Am I right in thinking that there's no point doing the brining etc if I'm going to spatchcock the turkey?

Toots · 14-12-2015 1:20am

Has anyone ever deep fried it like this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxXLzNlG1hM

I'd be curious to try it, but if you look on youtube, there's a whole pile of 'fail' videos where people have basically set fire to the house while frying it!

That being said, someday I want to try this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=srVe-XIFN4k

I'm sure I could have the fire services on standby

yellowlabrador · 14-12-2015 1:26am

Reading through this thread makes me realise why no one ever boasts about 'having eaten this wonderful breast of turkey at a top class restaurant. Even moist it's not the best. I've basted it, stuffed it, bought self basting and I've given up. No more turkey for me.

Cherrycola · 14-12-2015 1:19pm

I've tried it everyday over the years, my mothers way, my own way, nigellas way, Jamies, Gordon's, but this way had been the absolute best and easiest, and I've never had a dry turkey since!!

lol

Follow the instructions to the letter, seal it well , boil for 5mins on the hob, and you won't go wrong. All the timings for different sized turkeys and crowns are included.
He was on This Morning today, he does it every year, so it might be on the UTV player. Or YouTube.

http://www.vickery.tv/phil-vickerys-recipes/christmas/item/phil-s-perfect-roast-turkey

How do you cook your turkey

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