Although most people roast their turkeys in the oven, there may be times when you’d prefer to boil one. The majority of cookbooks don’t cover this technique, leaving the cook in the dark about how long boiling turkey takes. There are two basic ways to boil a turkey. If you have a big enough stockpot, you can either boil the turkey whole or cut it into pieces before boiling. Either way, no part of the turkey goes to waste.
Gobble gobble! Looking for a unique and flavorful way to cook your Thanksgiving turkey? Look no further than boiling! This method yields incredibly juicy and tender meat that falls right off the bone. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for those without an oven or who simply want to try something different.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of boiling a turkey to perfection. So, grab your pot and get ready to experience a whole new world of turkey goodness!
Gather Your Supplies:
- A large stockpot or deep roasting pan with a lid
- A whole turkey (fresh or thawed)
- Water or broth
- Assorted herbs and spices for flavor (bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, pepper)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prep the Turkey: Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. Rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Fill the Pot: Fill your stockpot or roasting pan with enough water or broth to completely submerge the turkey. Add your desired flavorings like bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Submerge the Turkey: Place the turkey into the pot, breast side down, ensuring the liquid covers it entirely.
- Bring to a Boil: Cover the pot with a lid and bring the liquid to a boil over high heat.
- Simmer and Cook: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer the turkey for approximately 20 minutes per pound. For a 12-pound turkey, this translates to roughly 4 hours of simmering.
- Prepare Side Dishes: While the turkey simmers, use this time to prepare your favorite side dishes or work on a delicious gravy.
- Remove and Rest: After the recommended cooking time, carefully remove the turkey from the pot using tongs or oven mitts. Place it on a cutting board or platter to cool slightly.
- Rest and Carve: Let the turkey rest for about 15 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist turkey. Carve the turkey into desired portions and serve with your favorite accompaniments.
FAQs:
Can you really boil a whole turkey?
Absolutely! Boiling is a fantastic method that can produce a moist and tender turkey with a unique flavor. It’s a great option if you’re looking to experiment with new cooking techniques or simply want a change from the traditional roasted turkey.
How long does it take to boil a turkey?
The cooking time depends on the size of your turkey. As a general rule, plan for around 20 minutes of boiling time per pound of turkey. So, a 12-pound turkey will take approximately 4 hours to boil.
What ingredients should I use to boil a turkey?
For a flavorful broth or stock to enhance the taste, you can use vegetable, chicken, or turkey broth, depending on your preference. Additionally, adding herbs and spices like thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, and garlic can infuse the meat with more flavors.
How do I prepare the turkey for boiling?
Before boiling the turkey, it’s essential to clean and remove the giblets from the cavity. Rinse the turkey thoroughly with cold water, inside and out. If desired, you can also season the turkey with salt and pepper before placing it in the boiling liquid.
What equipment do I need to boil a turkey?
To boil a turkey, you’ll need a large stockpot or a deep pot that can comfortably accommodate the size of your turkey. Make sure the pot is large enough to have an inch or two of space above the turkey to allow for boiling. Additionally, you’ll need a sturdy pair of tongs or a meat fork to handle the turkey safely.
How do I know when the turkey is fully cooked?
The best way to ensure that your boiled turkey is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the turkey’s thigh without touching the bone. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to indicate that the turkey is safely cooked.
What can I do with the turkey broth after boiling?
The flavorful turkey broth that results from boiling can be used in various ways. You can save it to use as a base for soups, gravies, or sauces. Alternatively, you can freeze the broth in smaller portions and use it for future cooking endeavors to enhance the flavor of your dishes.
Additional Tips:
- For a Cajun-inspired twist, try the Cajun Boiled Turkey recipe from al.com. It adds a spicy kick to your Thanksgiving feast with a unique boiling method using dry and liquid crab/seafood boil, garlic, and onions.
- Explore the Recipes.net guide on How to Boil a Turkey for detailed instructions, helpful tips, and a FAQ section to address any further questions you might have.
- Remember, boiling a turkey may not be the most traditional method, but it can certainly deliver a tasty and succulent bird. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a tender and flavorful turkey like never before!
Enjoy your boiled turkey feast!
Boiling a Whole Turkey
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Unwrap the turkey and rinse the outside and inside cavities with cool, running water. With a sharp knife, slice several long slits into both breasts, legs and thighs. Place the bird in a large stockpot and completely cover with water. Bring the pot to a rolling boil and then turn the heat down to a fast simmer. Cover the pot and let the turkey cook for 2 hours. Skim off any foam that stays on the surface of the water as needed. Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the breast and thigh to test for doneness. Should the meat fail to reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit, allow it to boil for an additional 30 minutes and recheck.
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If you cut the turkey into parts, i. e. the turkey will cook more quickly if the legs, wings, and breast are removed. It will also allow you to use a smaller stockpot as you can arrange the parts to fit. As with a whole turkey, cover the parts with water and bring to a full, rolling boil. Turn the heat down and simmer for an hour. Test the meat with a meat thermometer. The turkey is fully cooked when all parts have an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. This can take between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size of the parts.
Making Soup or Stock
While your turkey is boiling, you might want to think about saving the water for stock or soup for later. Just the turkey will flavor the water; however, if you add some additional ingredients, the turkey will taste better and the water can be saved for soup stock after straining. As the turkey boils, think about adding one or two cloves of garlic, two quartered onions, two or three sliced carrots, salt, and pepper to taste. You can also add any additional seasonings you wish to add to the water. Strain the broth, after youve remove the turkey, through a fine mesh colander. Allow the broth to cool and package in freezer bags and freeze. The broth will keep for several months in the freezer.
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