How to Pluck a Turkey
Turkey hunters not only enjoy the thrill of the hunt, but the delicious meal that follows. The best way to pluck a turkey is to do it before it is field-dressed. You will keep more moisture in the turkey, making it tastier when you cook it whole by smoking, roasting or deep-frying it. Follow these steps to get your turkey ready for the dinner table. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Thick rubber gloves
- Large washtub (or similar container)
- Large pan
- Stick or long cooking utensil
Instructions
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1
Place a large pan of water on the stove. You may need two large pans of water depending on the size of the turkey. Bring the water to a boil or near-boiling (around 140 degrees is best). Remove the pan from the stove and take it outside.
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2
Pour the hot water into a large washtub (a large plastic storage container will also work-anything large enough to hold the water and turkey).
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3
Put on a pair of thick rubber gloves and grab the turkey by its feet. Put the turkey in the hot water.
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Hold the turkey underwater using a long stick or cooking utensil (such as a wooden spoon). Push it around in the water to make sure all of the feathers are thoroughly soaked.
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5
Remove the turkey from the water after 5 to 10 seconds so you don't start cooking it. Start plucking out the feathers, one handful after another.
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Tips & Warnings
It can be very difficult to remove the big primary wing feathers. It is best to take off the wing at the first joint past the shoulder. Doing so will prevent you from having to remove the feathers altogether by eliminating the whole wing.
