How To Keep Turkey Moist?

Answer 1

To prevent a turkey from drying out in the oven, you can cover it with aluminum foil; this prevents the juices from escaping as it cooks. If the turkey is already cooked and is too dry, you can put butter on it, or cover it with gravy.

Answer 2

The day before cooking, I would butterfly the turkey so it would lie nice and flat. Then I would soak it for 24 hours in the refrigerator in a salt water solution, which not only seasons the meat, but helps it remain moist when it cooks. The next dry, dry the turkey really well, any excess moisture on the skin will prevent it from browning properly. Flatten the turkey out in a roasting pan, I'd add some chicken broth, maybe a little white wine or vermouth in the pan to help keep everything moist and flavorful.

Answer 3

Browning Bags: One way to cook a moist turkey is to buy a 'roasting bag' at any large grocery store. Just follow the directions on the package. Many people use those in British Columbia, Canada. Turkey should be thawed by placing in cold salted water (changing cold water every couple of hours.) Once defrosted rinse off well and pat dry with a paper towel inside and out. Turkeys should be cooked rather slowly in a 350 degree over at 20 minutes per pound with lid on. Calculate how many pounds your turkey is by 20 minutes. In the last hour check the turkey by gently pulling the leg away to see if juices are running clear. If not, then leave in the oven a little longer and keep checking in that last hour. Don't forget, that once the turkey is out of the oven it is still actually cooking from the heat of the bones. When ready take out of oven (to rest) for 1/2 hour before serving. Butterball Turkeys: They obviously have butter injected in them and based themselves. However, to save extra money you can buy an 'injector' at any kitchen store and melt butter and inject your own turkey. Just follow the directions for cooking time above. (covered with a lid.) Brining Turkeys: In the U.S. it's very popular to brine your turkey and it's catching on in Canada. If you 'Google' it on the internet you will find many recipes to brine your turkey which also tenderizes it and keeps it moist. Cooking Turkey Without a lid on the roaster or pan: Some people prefer to cook their turkey in a shallow pan or a roaster without a lid. If you decide to do this then give then expect an hour to 45 minutes for extra cooking time. Electric Turkey Ovens: These are great as you just put your turkey in, plug it in, set the temperature and let it cook at the same temperature as above. The last hour check the turkey (near leg) by gently pulling the leg a little ways from the body and if the juice runs clear the turkey is done. To use a thermometer or not: Some people swear that a thermometer on the side of the turkey breast works like a charm, but I've seen one too many turkeys too under cooked by this method (your oven could be off slightly) and the old method of pulling the leg gently away has worked for me for over 40 years.

Answer 4

The way you cook the turkey can help a lot in preventing it from becoming dry. If it's cooked in a manner that will keep it moist during cooking, it will be much less likely to be dry afterwards.

I always start mine out upside down, with the breast on the bottom and the back on top. Then, half way through the baking time, I turn it right side up, with the breast on top and the back on the bottom.

The dark meat (the back, thighs) have a much higher fat content than the white meat (breast, wings) and will keep the white meat basted naturally during roasting. This will also help ensure that the skin is evenly browned on both sides, top and bottom. But this works much better if you place the turkey on a rack inside the roasting pan.

Answer 5

To ensure a moist turkey every time, use a bag designed for cooking a turkey. The bag keeps all moisture next to the turkey, and, as an added benefit, your cooking time will be reduced by about one-fourth.

Answer 6

You can Lather it with a moist gravy and or a bit of water

Answer 7

cover it will aluminum foil or put it in a plastic bag