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November 19, 2024
If you’re looking to cook a turkey, one of the most reliable sources for guidance is Alton Brown, the beloved food scientist and host of the hit cooking show Good Eats. Brown has become known for his meticulous approach to cooking, and his turkey recipes are no exception.
When it comes to determining how long to cook a turkey, Alton Brown has some tried and true methods that will ensure a perfectly cooked bird every time. One of his key recommendations is to use a meat thermometer to monitor the internal temperature of the turkey. This is a crucial step to achieving juicy and fully cooked meat without drying it out.
According to Alton Brown, the general rule of thumb for cooking a turkey is to roast it at 325°F (165°C). He suggests calculating the cooking time at approximately 15 minutes per pound (0.45 kg) of turkey. However, it is important to note that this is just a rough estimate, and factors such as the type of oven, the size and shape of the bird, and the stuffing can all affect the cooking time.
Pro Tip: To get an accurate cooking time, Alton Brown recommends starting to check the internal temperature of the turkey about 3/4 of the way through the estimated cooking time. The turkey is done when the thermometer registers at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh. Make sure to check multiple areas to ensure the entire bird is cooked to perfection.
So, if you’re wondering how long to cook a turkey, it’s always a good idea to consult Alton Brown. By following his guidelines and using a meat thermometer, you can ensure that your turkey is cooked to perfection, with juicy meat and crispy skin.
How to Cook a Turkey Alton Brown’s Way
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Alton Brown has become known for his no-nonsense approach to cooking, and his method for preparing a turkey is no exception. By combining science and traditional cooking methods, Alton Brown’s turkey recipe produces a perfectly cooked bird with deliciously crispy skin. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook a turkey Alton Brown’s way.
Ingredients:
– One whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 1 tablespoon black pepper
– 1 ½ teaspoons paprika
– 1 ½ teaspoons dried thyme
– 1 ½ teaspoons dried sage
– 1 ½ teaspoons dried rosemary
– 1 ½ teaspoons dried parsley
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, chopped
– 1 carrot, chopped
– 1 celery stalk, chopped
– 4 cups chicken or turkey broth
– 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
2. Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out, then pat dry with paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, combine the kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, dried sage, dried rosemary, dried parsley, minced garlic, and half of the melted butter. Mix well.
4. Rub the herb butter mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin. Make sure to coat the entire bird evenly.
5. Place the chopped onion, carrot, and celery in the bottom of a roasting pan. Pour the chicken or turkey broth into the pan.
6. Place the turkey on a rack in the roasting pan, breast side up. Tuck the wings behind the turkey’s back.
7. Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil, making sure it doesn’t touch the skin.
8. Transfer the roasting pan to the preheated oven and cook for about 13 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Remove the foil during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow the skin to brown and crisp up.
10. Once the turkey is cooked, transfer it to a serving platter and let it rest for at least 20 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
11. Serve and enjoy your perfectly cooked turkey Alton Brown’s way!
By following these instructions, you can confidently cook a turkey that will impress your family and friends with its moist and flavorful meat, as well as its stunning appearance.
Preparing the Turkey
Before cooking the turkey, it is important to properly prepare it to ensure a delicious and juicy end result. Follow these steps to prepare your turkey:
1. Thawing the Turkey
If you purchased a frozen turkey, you will need to thaw it before cooking. Thawing the turkey in the refrigerator is the safest method and allows for a slower thaw, which helps retain the turkey’s moisture. Place the turkey on a tray or in a shallow pan to catch any drips and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for approximately 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds of turkey.
2. Removing the Giblets
When the turkey is fully thawed, remove the giblets from the cavity. Giblets typically include the neck, heart, gizzard, and liver. These organs are often packaged in a bag located inside the turkey. Set the giblets aside for later use in gravy or stuffing, if desired.
3. Cleaning and Patting Dry
Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water to remove any excess salt or ice. Pat it dry using paper towels. It is important to thoroughly dry the skin to ensure a crispy result during cooking.
4. Seasoning the Turkey
Seasoning the turkey is an essential step in enhancing its flavor. Alton Brown recommends using a dry brine, which involves sprinkling salt on the turkey inside and out. The salt should be evenly distributed and will help to tenderize the meat while adding flavor. Let the turkey sit in the refrigerator with the salt for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
Following these steps will ensure that your turkey is properly prepared for cooking and ready to be roasted to perfection.
Brining the Turkey
Brining a turkey is an excellent way to ensure a juicy and flavorful meat. Alton Brown, a renowned chef, recommends brining the turkey before cooking it. Brining involves soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution, which helps to break down the proteins in the meat, allowing it to absorb moisture. This process leads to a moist and tender turkey.
Ingredients for the Brine:
| 1 cup kosher salt | 1/2 cup brown sugar |
| 1 gallon vegetable broth | 1 tablespoon black peppercorns |
| 1 tablespoon whole allspice berries | 1 tablespoon candied ginger |
| 1 gallon ice water | – |
To prepare the brine, combine the kosher salt, brown sugar, vegetable broth, black peppercorns, allspice berries, and candied ginger in a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the salt and sugar. Once the mixture has boiled for a few minutes and the salt and sugar are fully dissolved, remove it from the heat.
Allow the brine to cool completely. This is crucial as you don’t want to cook the turkey while brining it! Once the brine has cooled, add the ice water to the pot and stir well to combine. The addition of ice water helps to bring down the temperature of the brine and ensures that the turkey stays at a food-safe temperature while brining.
Brining the Turkey:
Place the turkey in a large container or brining bag. Pour the brine over the turkey, making sure it is fully submerged. If necessary, use a heavy plate or other weight to keep the turkey fully immersed in the brine.
Refrigerate the turkey in the brine for 12 to 24 hours. The length of brining time depends on the size of the turkey. Alton Brown recommends brining a 12-pound turkey for about 12 hours.
After the brining time is up, remove the turkey from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the brine. Now your turkey is ready to be cooked! Following Alton Brown’s cooking instructions, you are on your way to a delicious and juicy turkey.
Seasoning the Turkey
One of the most important steps in cooking a delicious turkey is properly seasoning it. Alton Brown, a renowned chef, suggests the following steps to ensure a flavorful bird:
Step 1: Brine the Turkey
Brining involves soaking the turkey in a saltwater solution, which helps to infuse the meat with moisture and enhance its flavor. To brine the turkey, you will need:
- A large container or brining bag
- 1 cup of kosher salt
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- Herbs and spices of your choice (optional)
- Cold water
Combine the salt, brown sugar, herbs, and spices with cold water in the container, stirring until the salt and sugar are dissolved. Place the turkey in the brine, making sure it is fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 12-24 hours, then remove the turkey from the brine, pat it dry, and let it sit at room temperature for 1 hour before cooking.
Step 2: Season the Skin
To add flavor to the skin of the turkey, you can create a seasoning mixture. Alton Brown suggests using a combination of salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure to season the entire surface of the turkey, including underneath the skin, for the best results.
Remember that the precise amount of seasoning can vary based on the size of your turkey and personal preference, so feel free to adjust the quantities accordingly.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your turkey is well-seasoned and packed with delicious flavors that will impress your guests.
Cooking the Turkey
When it comes to cooking a turkey, Alton Brown has some expert advice. Here are the steps to follow for a perfectly cooked turkey.
Brining the Turkey
Brining is an important step in ensuring moist and flavorful turkey. Alton Brown recommends using a brine solution made of water, salt, sugar, and flavorings such as herbs and spices. The turkey should be submerged in the brine for about 1 hour per pound of turkey. This helps the turkey absorb moisture and flavor, resulting in a juicy and delicious bird.
Prepping the Turkey
Before roasting the turkey, Alton Brown suggests prepping it by patting it dry with paper towels and letting it sit at room temperature for about 1 hour. This helps the turkey cook more evenly and reduces cooking time. Additionally, Alton Brown recommends seasoning the turkey with salt, pepper, and any other desired herbs and spices.
Note: Make sure to remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity before cooking.
Roasting the Turkey
Alton Brown’s preferred method for cooking the turkey is roasting. He suggests using a roasting pan with a rack to elevate the turkey off the bottom of the pan. This allows for better air circulation and more even cooking. The turkey should be placed breast-side up on the rack.
Alton Brown recommends starting the turkey in a preheated oven at 500°F (260°C) for 30 minutes to help brown the skin. Then, the oven temperature should be lowered to 350°F (175°C) and the turkey should continue to roast until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Note: It is important to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure it is safely cooked.
Once the turkey is cooked, Alton Brown advises letting it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful turkey.
By following Alton Brown’s expert advice, you can cook a delicious turkey that will impress your guests and make your Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner a success.
Q&A
How long do I need to cook a turkey according to Alton Brown?
Alton Brown recommends cooking a turkey for about 13 minutes per pound at a temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is Alton Brown’s method for cooking a turkey?
Alton Brown’s method for cooking a turkey involves brining the turkey overnight, then roasting it at a high temperature for the first 30 minutes, followed by reducing the heat and cooking it for about 13 minutes per pound.
Can I cook a turkey at a higher temperature to save time?
While it is possible to cook a turkey at a higher temperature to save time, Alton Brown recommends cooking it at a lower temperature of 325 degrees Fahrenheit for a more even cooking and to prevent it from drying out.
Do I need to baste the turkey while it cooks?
According to Alton Brown, there is no need to baste the turkey while it cooks as it does not actually make the meat juicier. However, basting can help in achieving a golden brown skin.
How do I know if the turkey is cooked thoroughly?
To ensure the turkey is cooked thoroughly, Alton Brown suggests using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey is safe to eat when the thermometer reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh.
What is the recommended cooking time for a turkey according to Alton Brown?
According to Alton Brown, the recommended cooking time for a turkey is about 15 minutes per pound at a temperature of 325°F (163°C).
How long should I cook a 20-pound turkey according to Alton Brown’s method?
According to Alton Brown, if you have a 20-pound turkey, you should cook it for about 5 hours at a temperature of 325°F (163°C).