Get ready to wow your guests with a perfectly roasted turkey this holiday season! This guide will walk you through the simple yet effective technique of putting butter under turkey skin, resulting in a juicy, flavorful bird that’s sure to be the star of the show.
Why Put Butter Under Turkey Skin?
This simple trick is a game-changer when it comes to roasting turkey. By creating a layer of butter between the skin and the meat, you’re essentially infusing the turkey with flavor and moisture from the inside out. This results in a crispy, golden-brown skin and incredibly tender, juicy meat that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Your hands: The best tool for the job!
- Softened butter: Aim for room temperature butter for easy spreading.
- A whole turkey: Choose a fresh or thawed turkey, preferably around 14-16 pounds.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Loosen the skin: Gently separate the skin from the breast using your fingers, working carefully to avoid tearing.
- Create pockets: Continue loosening the skin on both breasts and legs, creating pockets for the butter.
- Spread the butter: Use your hands to spread the softened butter evenly under the skin, ensuring it reaches all areas.
- Don’t forget the legs: Spread butter generously under the skin on the legs as well.
- Season and roast: Season the turkey with salt and pepper, then roast according to your recipe’s instructions.
Pro Tips:
- Use high-quality butter: The better the butter, the better the flavor. Opt for unsalted butter to control the saltiness.
- Don’t overstuff: Avoid packing the butter too tightly under the skin, as this can prevent even cooking.
- Baste during roasting: For extra flavor and browning, baste the turkey with pan drippings throughout the cooking process.
- Let it rest: Allow the turkey to rest for at least 30 minutes before carving to ensure juicy, tender meat.
Additional Resources:
- Video Tutorial: Watch the Epicurious video for a visual demonstration of the technique.
- Herb Butter Recipe: Explore Martha Stewart’s recipe for a flavorful herb butter to elevate your turkey.
- Roasting Tips: Find helpful tips and tricks for roasting the perfect turkey on Martha Stewart’s website.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How much butter do I need? Aim for about 1 stick of softened butter for a 14-16 pound turkey.
- Can I use other fats instead of butter? Yes, you can use olive oil or even mayonnaise, but butter provides the best flavor and browning.
- Do I need to truss the turkey after putting butter under the skin? Trussing is optional, but it can help the turkey cook more evenly.
Putting butter under turkey skin is a simple yet effective way to ensure a juicy, flavorful, and impressive turkey for your holiday feast With this guide and a little practice, you’ll be a turkey-roasting pro in no time!