For lots of us, Christmas dinner is all about the turkey. Furthermore, depending on how many people you need to feed, a whole turkey can leave you with an enormous amount of leftovers even though an amazing golden roast turkey makes a magnificent centerpiece.
See our Guide to Christmas Turkeys for guidance on selecting the right size to ensure that nothing is wasted.
We hear you if you anticipate the leftovers more than the main course, so go ahead and check out these creative ways to use leftover turkey! However, if you’re trying to cut costs and waste less food at Christmas dinner, a turkey crown is a great substitute that’s equally deserving as the entire bird.
Roasting a turkey crown is a culinary feat that can leave you with a succulent, flavorful centerpiece for your festive feast. But achieving that golden-brown perfection requires precise timing and an understanding of the factors that influence cooking time. Worry not, fellow culinary adventurer, for this guide will equip you with all the knowledge you need to navigate the realm of turkey crown cookery.
Decoding the Cooking Time Formula
The golden rule for determining turkey crown cooking time is a simple equation:
Cooking Time = (Weight of Turkey in kg x 20 minutes) + Additional Time
The additional time depends on the weight of your turkey crown as follows:
- Under 4kg: 70 minutes
- Over 4kg: 90 minutes
For instance a 2.5kg turkey crown would require a cooking time of (2.5 x 20) + 70 = 120 minutes, or 2 hours.
Unveiling the Secrets of Perfect Roasting
While the formula provides a solid foundation, several factors can influence the actual cooking time. Let’s delve into these nuances:
1. Oven Temperature:
The oven temperature plays a crucial role in determining the cooking time. The recommended temperature for roasting a turkey crown is 190°C (170°C fan/gas 5). However, if your oven tends to run hot or cold, you might need to adjust the temperature accordingly.
2. Resting Time:
Once your turkey crown is cooked, it’s essential to let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent and flavorful bird.
3. Stuffing:
If you choose to stuff your turkey crown, keep in mind that it will add to the overall cooking time. You might need to increase the cooking time by 15-20 minutes per 500g of stuffing.
4. Barding:
Barding, which involves wrapping the turkey crown in bacon or streaky pork, helps to keep the breast moist and prevent it from drying out. However, it can also add to the cooking time, so you might need to increase it by 10-15 minutes.
A Handy Table for Your Culinary Convenience
To make things even easier, here’s a handy table that summarizes the cooking times for different turkey crown weights:
| Turkey Crown Weight (kg) | Cooking Time (minutes) |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | 100 |
| 2 | 110 |
| 2.5 | 120 |
| 3 | 130 |
| 3.5 | 140 |
| 4 | 150 |
| 4.5 | 160 |
| 5 | 170 |
Remember, these are just guidelines. The actual cooking time may vary depending on your oven and other factors. It’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the turkey crown reaches 75°C (167°F) before removing it from the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I cook a frozen turkey crown?
Yes, you can cook a frozen turkey crown, but you will need to increase the cooking time by approximately 50%. Make sure to thaw the turkey crown thoroughly in the refrigerator before cooking.
2. What is the best way to baste a turkey crown?
Basting helps to keep the turkey crown moist and flavorful. You can baste it with melted butter, olive oil, or a mixture of both. Use a baster or a pastry brush to apply the basting liquid every 30 minutes during cooking.
3. Can I use a roasting bag for my turkey crown?
Yes, you can use a roasting bag to cook your turkey crown. This will help to keep the turkey moist and prevent it from drying out. However, it may also result in a slightly less crispy skin.
Additional Resources
- Easy Peasy Foodie: Easy Roast Turkey Crown
- Jamie Oliver: How to Cook a Turkey Crown
With this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to confidently tackle the task of roasting a turkey crown. Remember, the key to success lies in understanding the factors that influence cooking time, using a reliable thermometer, and allowing the turkey to rest before carving. So, go forth, culinary adventurer, and conquer the realm of turkey crown cookery!
How to prepare a turkey crown
- You can prepare for the big day by doing all of this work on Christmas Eve. Look inside the main cavity for the giblets bag; if it’s there, save it! Remove the bag and place it on a large roasting tray with a trivet of roughly chopped vegetables (onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and some woody herbs work well). This will result in the most amazing, inexpensive gravy!
- Stuff the neck cavity with your preferred filling, being cautious not to cram it in too tightly. You can use homemade or store-bought stuffing. After tucking the skin under the bird, pull it back over and place the turkey on top of the vegetable/giblet trivet.
- Apply a thin layer of olive oil to the crown and massage it into the meat. Next, cover the tray with kitchen foil and refrigerate for the entire night.
How to cook a turkey crown
- Remove your turkey crown from the refrigerator an hour before it’s time to bake it on Christmas Day. Adjust the oven temperature to 180ºC/350ºF/gas 4. Season the crown with black pepper and sea salt.
- Generally speaking, you should cook a standard bird for 35 to 40 minutes per kilogram and a stuffed higher-welfare bird for 25 to 30 minutes. Therefore, roast a 3 kg crown for 1 hour and 30 minutes, basting often with the delicious juices in the tray.
See our advice and timings for the ideal turkey to learn more about the ideal cooking time for a turkey.