We have the basic instructions you need to know to make carving turkeys easy, whether you’re searching Google for “how to carve a turkey” or you just need a quick refresher.
The Mom 100’s creator, Katie Workman, created a guide to help you with this crucial task. Her advice? Don’t be intimidated, don’t rush and take it one step at a time.
This turkey tutorial, edited for clarity, comes courtesy of the National Turkey Federation. See more turkey recipes at www. eatturkey. org.
Ah, Thanksgiving. A time for family, friends, and of course, the centerpiece of the feast: the turkey But before you dive into that juicy bird, there’s an important step you shouldn’t skip: letting it rest
Why Resting Matters
Resting your turkey isn’t just about patience; it’s about science. When you take a turkey out of the oven, it’s still cooking internally. The juices are running wild, and if you carve it right away, they’ll all come gushing out, leaving you with a dry, disappointing bird.
Resting allows the turkey to cool down and redistribute those precious juices This results in a more flavorful and moist turkey that’ll have your guests singing your praises,
How Long to Rest
The general rule of thumb is to rest your turkey for at least 20 minutes, but 30 minutes is even better. For larger birds, you might want to go up to 45 minutes or even an hour.
Tips for Resting Your Turkey
- Remove the turkey from the oven when it reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the thigh.
- Place the turkey on a rack in its roasting pan. This allows air to circulate around the bird, helping it cool evenly.
- Tent the turkey loosely with foil. This helps keep it warm without making the skin soggy.
- Resist the urge to peek! Every time you open the foil, heat escapes, slowing down the resting process.
Don’t Skip the Rest
Resting your turkey is a crucial step in achieving the perfect Thanksgiving bird. So, take a deep breath, resist the temptation to dig in, and let your turkey rest for at least 20 minutes. Your taste buds will thank you.
Bonus Tip: While your turkey is resting, use the time to prepare your sides and gravy. This will help keep the meal on track and ensure everything is ready at the same time.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Step 4: Separate the thigh and the drumstick
Wipe down your cutting board. Return the turkey legs to the cutting board, skin side up. Separate the thighs from the drumsticks by slicing between them at the joint. Repeat with the other leg. Place the drumsticks on the serving platter.
Step 2: Remove the wings.
Remove the wings in the same way you removed the legs. If the wings are tucked behind the bird, untuck them. Using your knife, cut through the skin between a wing and the bird. Gently pull the wing outward, then cut through the joint separating the wing from the body. Remove the second wing. Place them on the serving platter.
How to Rest Your Turkey Before Carving
FAQ
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