{"id":995,"date":"2019-01-31T19:03:01","date_gmt":"2019-02-01T00:03:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eatturkey.org\/?page_id=995"},"modified":"2022-03-31T10:58:18","modified_gmt":"2022-03-31T14:58:18","slug":"cooking-turkey","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.eatturkey.org\/cooking-turkey\/","title":{"rendered":"Cooking Turkey"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

There are so many options available when it comes to turkey cuts! Plus, turkey’s versatility in the kitchen<\/a> makes this lean protein fit for just as many cooking methods. This quick guide will help you prepare tasty turkey dishes<\/a> every time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey Cut and Cook Type<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Refer to the chart below on the different parts of the turkey along with the cooking method they are best used for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meat Cut<\/th>Fried<\/th>Grilled<\/th>Oven Roasted<\/th>Saut\u00e9ed<\/th>Slow Cooker<\/th>Smoked<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Bone-In
Breast<\/td>		x<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/tr>
Bone-In
Thigh<\/td>		<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/tr>
Boneless
Breast<\/td>		x<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/tr>
Boneless Thigh<\/td><\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/td>x<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Ground
Turkey<\/td>		<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Leg\/Drumstick<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/tr>
Sausage\/Frank<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/tr>
Tenderloin<\/td><\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/td>x<\/td><\/tr>
Turkey Burger<\/td><\/td>x<\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Turkey Chop<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Turkey Cutlet<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Wing\/Drumette<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/td>x<\/td>x<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Preparation Methods<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Roasting Turkey<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cook until temperature reaches 165\u00b0F. Cooking times are for planning purposes only – always use a meat thermometer to determine if the turkey is done. Use the time chart below to see how long to roast a turkey in an oven at 325\u00b0F.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Approximate Turkey Roasting Times at 325\u00b0 F<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Weight<\/th>Cooking Time (Unstuffed)<\/th>Cooking Time (Stuffed)<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
8 to 12 pounds<\/td>2 3\/4 to 3 hours<\/td>3 to 3 1\/2 hours<\/td><\/tr>
12 to 14 pounds<\/td>3 to 3 3\/4 hours<\/td>3 1\/2 to 4 hours<\/td><\/tr>
14 to 18 pounds<\/td>3 3\/4 to 4 1\/4 hours<\/td>4 to 4 1\/4 hours<\/td><\/tr>
18 to 20 pounds<\/td>4 1\/4 to 4 1\/2 hours<\/td>4 1\/4 to 4 3\/4 hours<\/td><\/tr>
20 to 24 pounds<\/td>4 1\/2 hours to 5 hours<\/td>4 3 \/4 to 5 1\/4 hours<\/td><\/tr>
24 to 30 pounds.<\/td>5 to 5 1\/4 hours<\/td>5 1\/4 to 6 1\/4 hours<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Grilling Turkey<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Indirect heat is ideal for cooking whole turkeys, which need slower cooking. With indirect heat, the lid is closed and the meat is placed in a tray or on the unlit portion of the grill. Grill the turkey for approximately 12 to 15 minutes per pound, according to the grill manufacturer’s instructions. Use a meat thermometer to make sure the turkey’s internal temperature reaches 165\u00b0F.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey on the grill may seem a little daunting, especially if you are not used to grilling a whole bird<\/a> all at once or unsure whether you can prepare a perfectly juicy and tender turkey breast<\/a> outdoors. With a good attitude, willingness to learn and the proper grilling tools, you can become the boss of the barbecue in no-time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few resources to help you get started:<\/p>\n\n\n\n