How to Clean a Turkey

Roast turkey is a favorite dish for many. Before you plop that bird in the oven, here are some prepping and safety tips to consider before cooking a turkey.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Paper towels
• Salt
• Twine
• Roasting pan
• Meat thermometer

Instructions

1. Make sure the turkey is completely defrosted. As a general rule, it takes about 24 hours per each five pounds. You can do this in the fridge, or if in a hurry, thaw out the bird in pot of cold water; This method takes about 30 minutes per pound. Assuming your turkey is defrosted, continue to Step 2.

2. Remove everything from the cavity (giblets, neck and plastic bag). As you reach in, you will be able to tell if the turkey is completely defrosted. If not, please refer back to the cold water defrosting method.

3. Place the turkey in the sink and thoroughly rinse the inside cavity and skin with cool water. This helps remove any bacteria within the cavity or on the skin. With paper towels, completely dry the turkey inside and out.

4. Get the dressing. This is the part where you fill the cavity with the yummy stuffing you've prepared. If not, be simple, sprinkle salt and throw pats of butter inside of the cavity.

5. 

   Truss the legs. This step helps close the bird and keep your stuffing in place. At the end of the breast there is a piece of skin that may or may not be loose. If loose, slip the legs into the piece of skin and secure. If you do not have this option then you will need to tie the two legs together at the knuckle with kitchen twine. From here place the turkey breast side up in a shallow roasting pan. Before you season the skin, cover and place in the oven, insert a meat thermometer into the center of an inside thigh, between thigh and breast, and push through until it is secure. A whole turkey and turkey parts are safe when cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165 °F.Happy Turkey!

Tips & Warnings

• The cleaning steps can also be applied to chicken or game hen.

• Sterilize the sink after you rinse the turkey.

• Check with USDA Roasting Timetable for fresh or thawed turkey at 325°F.

• If your turkey is not fully defrosted you might end up with a half baked turkey.

• Consuming uncooked food can be dangerous to your health.

Resources

• How to defrost a turkey
• Turkey recipes
• Turkey meat safety tips