No, you don’t have to tie your turkey legs together. While it’s a common practice, it’s not essential for cooking a delicious and evenly cooked turkey.
Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons of tying turkey legs:
Pros:
- Presentation: A trussed turkey looks more aesthetically pleasing, especially if you’re planning on carving it at the table.
- Even Cooking: Some argue that tying the legs helps the turkey cook more evenly, as it creates a more compact shape and reduces the risk of the legs overcooking while the breast is still raw.
Cons:
- Overcooked White Meat: Trussing can actually lead to overcooked white meat, as the legs are closer to the heat source and cook faster than the breast.
- Increased Cooking Time: A trussed turkey takes longer to cook than an untrussed one, which can be inconvenient if you’re short on time.
- Potential for Dryness: Trussing can also decrease the surface area of the turkey, which can lead to a drier bird.
Alternatives to Tying:
If you’re concerned about the legs overcooking, you can try these alternatives:
- Spatchcocking: This involves removing the backbone and flattening the turkey, which allows it to cook more evenly and quickly.
- Tenting: Cover the breast of the turkey with foil during the first part of cooking to prevent it from drying out.
- Basting: Baste the turkey regularly with butter or pan juices to keep it moist.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to tie your turkey legs is up to you. Consider your personal preferences and cooking style when making your choice.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- Do I have to tie my turkey legs together? – Seasoned Advice: https://cooking.stackexchange.com/questions/28585/do-i-have-to-tie-my-turkey-legs-together
- How to Truss a Turkey – The Spruce Eats: https://www.thespruceeats.com/how-to-truss-a-turkey-435370
- Spatchcocking a Turkey – Serious Eats: https://www.seriouseats.com/spatchcocking-a-turkey
How to Truss a Turkey
FAQ
What happens if you don’t tie the turkey legs?
Some say that the splayed legs of an untrussed bird cook faster due to more exposure to hot air, plus more of the skin crisps. Others claim that the breasts of an untrussed turkey aren’t protected by the legs and therefore overcook.
Can I leave the plastic tie on my turkey?
“A hock lock secures the hind legs—or hock—of a chicken or turkey. It can be made of heat-resistant nylon or metal, and it’s perfectly safe to leave it in the bird while it roasts.
How do you truss a turkey without string?
Dental floss: Tie up your bird or bundle with dental floss. It’ll hold things together just as securely as the twine. Stick to plain, unwaxed floss so you don’t flavor your food with mint or risk having melted wax ignite in the oven.