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The best part of Thanksgiving is undoubtedly the leftovers. The ingredients of a Thanksgiving meal can be used to create a plethora of new recipes! Ree Drummond, in particular, is a big fan of repurposing leftover turkey; just take a peek at her recipes for leftover turkey shepherd’s pie, leftover turkey soup, and turkey tetrazzini! However, you probably wonder how to reheat turkey if you just want to eat a big plate of leftovers and keep things simple.
There are proper and incorrect ways to reheat turkey, as you may have discovered if you’ve ever placed a piece of leftover turkey in the microwave only to have it come out unpleasantly dry. You can keep your Thanksgiving turkey perfectly juicy for the big feast and beyond by following these tips! If you do it correctly, your bird will taste freshly roasted days after Thanksgiving! Speaking of which, did you know that you can make a Thanksgiving turkey ahead of time and reheat it on the big day? Talk about a lifesaver!
Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and of course, mountains of delicious food. But what happens when the feast is over and you’re left with a fridge full of leftover turkey? Fear not, fellow turkey enthusiasts, for reheating sliced turkey doesn’t have to be a dry, flavorless affair. With the right techniques, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers just as much as the original meal.
The Secret to Moist and Flavorful Reheated Turkey
The key to juicy, flavorful reheated turkey lies in low and slow heating. Microwaves, while convenient, tend to dry out the meat, leaving you with a chewy, unappetizing mess. Instead, we’ll turn to our trusty ovens to bring our leftover turkey back to life.
Step-by-Step Guide to Reheating Sliced Turkey in the Oven:
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Gather your ingredients:
- Sliced turkey
- Chicken or turkey broth (or water)
- Butter (optional)
- Baking dish
- Aluminum foil
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Place the sliced turkey in a baking dish. Arrange the slices in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap too much.
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Drizzle with broth or water. Aim for a few tablespoons of liquid, just enough to moisten the turkey without drowning it.
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Optionally, add a pat of butter to each slice. This will add richness and flavor to the reheated turkey.
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Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil, This will trap the moisture and prevent the turkey from drying out,
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Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the turkey is heated through. The internal temperature of the turkey should reach 165°F (74°C).
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Let the turkey rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and juicy meat.
Bonus Tips for Reheating Sliced Turkey:
- For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine or apple cider to the broth.
- If you have leftover gravy, drizzle some over the turkey before baking.
- To crisp up the skin, broil the turkey for the last few minutes of baking.
- Reheat only the amount of turkey you plan to eat. Repeated reheating can dry out the meat.
Alternative Reheating Methods:
While the oven is the preferred method for reheating sliced turkey, there are a couple of other options:
- Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can reheat sliced turkey in the microwave. However, be sure to cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on low power in 30-second intervals, checking for doneness after each interval.
- Slow cooker: For a hands-off approach, place the sliced turkey in a slow cooker with a bit of broth. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through.
No matter which method you choose, remember that low and slow is the key to juicy, flavorful reheated turkey. With these tips, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving leftovers to the fullest, without sacrificing taste or texture.
Additional Resources:
- The Pioneer Woman: How to Reheat Turkey to Keep it Juicy and Tender
- BBC Good Food: How to reheat turkey and keep it moist
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How long can I store leftover turkey in the fridge?
A: Leftover turkey can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q: Can I freeze leftover turkey?
A: Yes, leftover turkey can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Q: What are some other ways to use leftover turkey?
A: Leftover turkey can be used in a variety of dishes, such as sandwiches, soups, salads, and casseroles.
Enjoy your delicious, reheated turkey!
How do you reheat turkey without drying it out?
Quicker is not always better, and thats especially true when it comes to reheating turkey. The best way to keep leftover turkey moist and delicious is reheating it low and slow. Yes, it means avoiding the microwave! Although they can quickly reheat turkey, microwaves dry out the meat and leave the skin unpleasantly chewy. Instead, turn to your oven return your Thanksgiving turkey to hot, juicy, just-baked perfection. Toss in the carved meat in a baking dish, preheat the oven to 300 degrees, and pour in some chicken broth or turkey stock. The meat will absorb some of the liquid as it heats, making it nice and juicy. Place the pan in the oven and cover it tightly with foil. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the meat is hot. Before you know it, youll have fresh turkey once again!.
Can you cook a turkey the day before and reheat it?
Yes, you can! If you find it intimidating to roast a bird on Thanksgiving, prepare your turkey the day before. This simple tip will not only help you save time on Thanksgiving, but it will also significantly reduce your stress level. The best part? You can roast your bird as normal, let it cool completely, and then carve it into large pieces without anyone knowing! Remove the wings, drumsticks, thighs, and breasts, keeping the pieces whole with some skin attached. Place the carved turkey pieces back into the roasting pan, cover well, and store in the fridge.
To reheat, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. While the turkey is still in the roasting pan, moisten the meat by brushing it with a small amount of stock (turkey, chicken, or vegetable stock or broth will work). Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the turkey is warmed through. Then carve the turkey into slices and serve!.