How to Prep a Turkey for Cooking

Turkeys aren't difficult to prepare but they take time. Plan several days ahead.

Turkey is one of America's favorite holiday dishes, and also one of the easiest to prepare. Plan your meal at least a week ahead. Turkeys take several days to defrost in the refrigerator and several hours to cook depending on the size of the bird. When cooking for a large group of people, allow 1 lb. of turkey per person.

Things You'll Need

• Turkey
• Refrigerator
• Stuffing (optional)
• Meat thermometer
• Roasting pan with wire rack

Instructions

1. Thaw the turkey in the refrigerator. Allow 24 hours for each 4 to 5 lbs. of turkey.

2. Remove the neck and giblets from the body cavities.

3. Stuff the turkey body cavities, if desired. Once stuffed, roast the turkey right away.

4. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. Make sure the probe doesn't touch the bone.

5. Place the turkey breast-side up on a wire rack in a shallow roasting pan.

Tips & Warnings

• Some turkeys come with a built-in temperature indicator. If you turkey has an indicator there is no need to insert a meat thermometer.

References

• National Turkey Federation: Turkey Preparation & Storage
• Food Day: Turkey
• United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service: Turkey Basics- Safe Cooking
• United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service: Let's Talk Turkey