The Easiest Way To Roast A Turkey
If you are looking to serve an amazing holiday dinner this year you want to be sure you cook the turkey right. If you are not hosting this year you can still take advantage of this arguably cheapest meat available on the market to roast and serve to your family to help save money on groceries.
To help make the most of this meat and make sure ever morsel is useable you need to roast it properly. this guide will teach you the easiest way to roast a turkey for your family.
The benefits of an electric turkey roaster
For the easiest way to roast a turkey, I am a big fan of using an electric turkey roaster. These devices are made to help you get the perfect roast with less work while opening up your oven to make all of those casseroles and pies for the holidays.
1. Consistent Results:
One of the best things about an electric turkey roaster is how these roasters give you super-consistent cooking. No more worries about ending up with a dry over cooked turkey – the even heat makes it turn out just right, all golden and delicious.
2. Easy-Peasy Temperature Control:
Forget the oven juggling act. Electric roasters come with nifty temperature controls. These devices work just like your favorite slow cooker. You set it, forget it, and focus on the fun stuff, like side dishes or sipping cocoa while it works its magic.
3. More Room to Play in the Kitchen:
If you’ve ever felt like you need an extra oven (who hasn’t during the holidays?), this is your kitchen superhero. Pop that turkey in the roaster, and suddenly you’ve got extra oven space for casseroles, pies, or whatever culinary masterpiece you’re crafting. You can even let the turkey roaster do its job in the dining room right on the buffet table and serve straight from the pan.
4. No Kitchen Meltdown:
Ever find yourself sweating it out in a hot kitchen? Electric roasters produce way less heat than ovens, so you can keep your cool while cooking for many long hours.
5. Clean-Up Made Easy:
Who’s got time for scrubbing ovens? Electric roasters often come with removable, easy-to-clean parts. You can even get liners for your electric roaster for easy cleaning. Your future self will thank you when cleanup is a breeze.
6. Kitchen Freedom:
Imagine taking your cooking show on the road. Electric roasters are portable, so you can set up shop wherever there’s an outlet. Great for gatherings, potlucks, or just mixing up your kitchen routine. A turkey roaster can then be used in the summer for processing and canning tomatoes.
7. Energy Efficiency High-Five:
Saving energy is always a win. Electric turkey roasters heat up quickly, maintain a steady temperature, and can be more energy-efficient, especially for smaller batches of deliciousness. This can save a lot of money on your energy bill compared to running the oven all day.
What you need
- 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- Optional: Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage)
- Optional: Garlic cloves
- Optional: Lemon or orange slices
How to Roast A Turkey The Easy Way
Preheat your oven or turkey roaster to 325°F (165°C).
Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey cavity. Rinse the turkey inside and out under cold running water. Pat it dry with paper towels.
Season the inside and outside of the turkey with salt and pepper. You can also add some fresh herbs, garlic cloves, or citrus slices to the cavity for added flavor.
Trussing is the process of tying the turkey with kitchen twine to help it cook more evenly. While it’s optional, trussing can give your roasted turkey a neater appearance.
Brush the entire surface of the turkey with melted butter. This helps to crisp up the skin and adds flavor.
Place the turkey on a rack in a roasting pan. Elevating the turkey allows for better air circulation and even cooking.
Place the turkey in the preheated oven or turkey roaster. Cooking times will vary based on the size of the turkey. As a general guideline, roast the turkey for about 15 minutes per pound. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the thigh.
Basting can add flavor and moisture. You can baste the turkey every 30 minutes with the pan juices or additional melted butter. A self-basting electric turkey roaster can make this much easier by allowing you to skip this step.
About halfway through the cooking time, you may want to check the turkey’s internal temperature. If the skin is browning too quickly, you can tent it with foil.
Once the turkey reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to be redistributed, keeping the meat moist.
Carve the turkey and serve with your favorite side dishes.
Remember, cooking times can vary, so it’s essential to use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked. Enjoy your easy roast turkey!
