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According to a recent Butterball-commissioned survey, 85 percent of U. S. adults who are planning on celebrating Thanksgiving with a meal are planning on serving turkey. But just because our menus will look the same doesnt mean our turkeys will look the same. According to a 2019 Whole Foods survey, over 40% of us didn’t plan to roast our birds the traditional way. Maybe we dont want to crank up our gas or electric ovens for hours on end. Maybe we dont have ovens. Or maybe we just want something different.
If any of the aforementioned scenarios describe you, here are some substitute appliances you can use to prepare a turkey for Thanksgiving, along with links to purchase them. Were talking recommendations on smokers, deep fryers, air fryers, Instant Pots and slow cookers.
Additionally, make sure to include our online turkey purchasing guide on your pre-Thanksgiving reading list if you’re attempting to avoid potential supply-chain problems or long lineups at the grocery store.
In the Whole Foods survey, smoked turkey was the most popular alternative to a traditional oven roast. The Intermountain Farmers Association calls a smoked turkey “likely to be the best-tasting, easiest-to-cook turkey youve ever eaten. You can find a Martha Stewart recipe here and the IFAs smoking turkey tips here. See our notes on equipment below.
Greetings, fellow food enthusiasts! Thanksgiving is upon us, and while the aroma of roasted turkey traditionally fills the air, unexpected circumstances or limited kitchen space might require us to get creative. But fear not, for this guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to cook a delicious Thanksgiving feast without relying on your trusty oven.
Embrace the Grill:
Transform your grill into a Thanksgiving culinary haven. Try Rodney Scott’s Smoked Turkey, a spatchcocked bird seasoned and basted with a vinegar mopping sauce, or indulge in Grilled S’mores Pie, a sweet ending to your feast. For a vegetarian option, consider Grilled Hen-of-the-Woods Mushrooms with Sesame. Don’t forget to grill your vegetables, like Carrots with Preserved Lemons and Dates, or Coal-Roasted Sweet Potatoes with a sweet-spicy maple-chile butter.
Air Fryer to the Rescue:
If you’re looking for an indoor solution, your Air Fryer is your new best friend. Start with the Air Fryer Basque Cheesecake, a creamy delight that needs to chill overnight. Then, move on to the Air Fryer Turkey Breast, resulting in juicy meat and crispy skin For sides, try Shredded Parmesan Brussels Sprouts or Cauliflower with Green Olives and Pine Nuts, both cooked to perfection in minutes.
Instant Pot Magic:
The Instant Pot is a Thanksgiving hero, especially when your stove is overflowing Use it to create Curried Carrot and Apple Soup, or quickly cook green beans and dress them with Parsley-Lemon Pesto Mashed potatoes are a breeze in the Instant Pot, and the Make-Ahead Smoky Madeira Gravy will save you from last-minute stress. Leftovers? The Instant Pot Leftover Roast Turkey and Chinese Egg Noodle Soup is the perfect solution.
Additional Tips and Tricks:
- Plan ahead: Decide which dishes you’ll cook using alternative methods and adjust your overall menu accordingly.
- Invest in a meat thermometer: Ensure your turkey reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- Use a grill pan: If you don’t have a grill, a grill pan on the stovetop can replicate the smoky flavor.
- Get creative with side dishes: Explore recipes that don’t require an oven, like salads, cold soups, or fruit-based desserts.
- Embrace the challenge: Cooking Thanksgiving without an oven can be a fun and rewarding experience. Enjoy the process and experiment with new flavors and techniques.
With this guide, you’re now empowered to navigate Thanksgiving cooking without an oven. Embrace the challenge, experiment with different methods, and create a delicious feast that will impress your guests and leave you with unforgettable memories. Happy Thanksgiving!
Ninja DZ201 Foodi 6-in-1 (8-quart)
The Ninja DZ201 Foodi 6-in-1, an “Amazons Choice” product, has settings for air broiling, roasting, baking, reheating, dehydrating, and yes, airfrying. With the help of its dual basket design, you can divide its 8-quart capacity into 4 quarts for one item and 4 quarts for another.
Slow cookers, as their name suggests, take their time. Over the course of hours, the long-popular countertop appliances use steady low temperatures to extract flavor and juicy goodness from your meat or food of choice. According to the National Turkey Federation, theyre a good fit for a number of different turkey cuts, including bone-in and boneless breasts and thighs, legs, cutlets and wings.
These are two of the best slow cookers on Amazon that might make your Thanksgiving meal something to look forward to.
Masterbuilt MES 130B digital electric smoker
In our CBS Essentials review, we highlighted the Masterbuilt MES 130B digital electric smoker as a fantastic option for novice cooks and caters to all budgets and culinary styles. Its billed a no-fuss machine that needs only to be plugged in to start working its magic. Its got enough rack space to smoke up to two turkeys. (Turkey size is not specified by the manufacturer. ).
Note: To view the price on the Lowes website, enter your zip code. Our buy button below is for Lowes. (Just so you know, we tried a few different zip codes, and each time we received the same price: $189. ).
How do I cook a turkey without an oven?
FAQ
How do you cook a turkey when you don’t have an oven?
What kind of pan do you cook a turkey in?
Can you cook a turkey without an oven?
You can’t cook a whole turkey on a pan on the stove, but you can turn to these oven-free methods instead. There are plent of reasons to cook a turkey without an oven, whether you just don’t have one that works or you want to change things up this holiday season. Luckily, there are a few ways to do it.
Can one have turkey and carrots?
Eating turkey and carrots is part of healthy habits. The turkey has meat like chicken and is another healthy poultry option. Carrots are rich in carotenoids, it is a source of vitamin A, fiber, potassium and vitamin B3.
How do you cook a turkey without burning it?
Turkey’s legs and breasts are significantly thicker than chicken, and therefore make it challenging to safely cook the meat without burning the exterior. The best way to effectively sauté turkey is to cut it down to small sizes, cubes even, to ensure it cooks through and is nice and golden brown on the exterior.
Can you cook a turkey without a grill?
Remove the turkey and place it on a sheet pan. Let it rest for 20 minutes, then carve. Or, place it in the oven to keep the turkey warm, while you use the liquid in the pan to make gravy. If you don’t have an oven to cook your turkey and prefer not to do it on the stove or the grill, there are other avenues to explore.