Well, who wants to know how long to let turkey rest? Is your Christmas turkey still fresh in your mind? How long was it supposed to rest before carving? Did you follow the recommended time frame? If not, don’t worry – you’re not alone.
A lot of people are unsure about how long to let turkey rest, so today we’re going to break it all down for you. By following our tips and timing, you’ll have the perfect bird for your next holiday feast! Let’s get started.
Why Do We Need to Let the Turkey Rest Before Eating it?
Before going into the main part of answering the question how long to let turkey rest, let’s find out why it is important to let turkey rest.
Giving the turkey time to rest after cooking helps to ensure that it will be juicy and full of flavor. During the cooking process, the liquids in the turkey will work their way toward the center of the bird. If you immediately carve the turkey or serve it, the liquids that were in the meat will be gone, and the meat may turn dry.
Resting the turkey gives the liquids a chance to redistribute themselves throughout the meat, which results in a more flavorful bird overall. Now that we know the query, let’s find out the answer: how long should we let the turkey rest?
How Long to Let Turkey Rest?
How long to let turkey rest? The majority of experts advise the cook to let the turkey rest for twenty to thirty minutes. This allows the liquids to redistribute themselves more evenly, which results in a bird that has a better flavor. However, if you are pressed for time, roasting the turkey for only 10 to 15 minutes will still produce a flavorful bird.
After the turkey has had enough time to rest, the internal temperature should be checked to ensure that it is at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before it is carved or served (following USDA for safety food). And with that, the turkey is finished cooking and is ready for your enjoyment.
What Should You Do While Turkey Is Resting?
Make sure you put that time to good use by preparing the gravy while the turkey is resting.
To begin, use a spoon to remove any extra fat that has accumulated in the roasting pan.
After that, pour in some water or wine and use a wooden spoon to remove any brown bits that have accumulated on the bottom of the pan. These are going to add a lot of flavor to your gravy.
When you are ready to serve the gravy, make sure to keep it at a warm temperature until then.
After it has had some time to rest, you are free to keep the turkey at a warm temperature if you so choose. Wrap it in aluminum foil in a loose manner and place it back in the oven after turning it off. It should maintain its warmth for at least one hour. Use a knife that is razor-sharp when you are finally ready to cut so that the slices are clean and even.
How Do I Know When My Turkey Has Completely Rested?
The most accurate answer to the question “How long should the turkey rest?” is temperature. At the end of the resting period, the internal temperature of your turkey should be at least 165 degrees.
If you don’t have a thermometer, you can do the touch test instead. When the meat is done, it should feel firm when you touch it and it shouldn’t have that raw texture anymore. Allow the turkey to rest for a few minutes longer than usual if it is still too soft or if it does not appear to be cooked all the way through.
The following are instructions on how long to let turkey rest and how to verify the temperature inside of a turkey that has been baked:
- Insert your instant-read thermometer into the turkey’s thigh meat, parallel to its body. You should feel some resistance when it penetrates the flesh; if it slides in too quickly, you’ve pierced the cavity. If you hit something substantial, you’ve reached a bone. In either scenario, pull back slightly so that the thermometer is just entrenched in flesh and take your reading.
- The temperature sensor on your thermometer is usually situated at the tip or about half an inch above it. Check the manual for your thermometer and place it in the thigh meat as directed.
- Here are the steps for taking the turkey’s temperature to determine how long it should rest: Close the oven door and remove the turkey from the oven to prevent heat loss. It will take a few minutes for the numbers to appear on the thermometer. Maintain the thermometer in place until the numbers stop moving; this signals that your meal is fully cooked. Depending on how frequently you open your oven door, the oven may take longer than usual to return to cooking temperature.
What Happens If I Leave Turkey Too Long?
Although you already know how long to let turkey rest, but for some reason you leave them for longer than that time, will the turkey be okay?
If you leave the turkey to rest for an extended amount of time, it will become dry and unappealing. The question now is, how can you know how long is too long? In most situations, allowing your turkey to rest for more than an hour before cooking will result in a dry bird. If you want to be on the safe side, don’t let your turkey rest for more than 45 minutes.
FAQs
Where can I purchase raw turkey?
Most grocery stores sell raw turkey all year. However, buying turkey around Thanksgiving and Christmas is usually less expensive.
Can I tent the turkey while it is resting?
Allow the turkey to rest for 45 minutes before cutting. This permits the meat to reabsorb its juices; if you carve it too quickly, the juices will run out and cause the meat to become dry. Covering the turkey with foil while it rests is unnecessary; it doesn’t need to keep warm, and doing so will leave its skin soggy.
Can I save leftover turkey for later use?
Yes, you can freeze cooked turkey for up to 6 months. You can, but it’s not required. Covering the bird loosely with foil or a dish towel would suffice.
How should a turkey be rested optimally?
The best approach to determine how long to let turkey rest is to remove it from the oven after it has reached the recommended internal temperature (which recommended is 165F). Then, wrap the bird loosely with foil or a dish towel and set it aside to rest. This allows the liquids to redistribute, resulting in a moister, more delicious turkey.
Conclusion
Here is the answer of question how long to let turkey rest for you. Christmas is a day for family, friends, and of course, food! Making sure your turkey is cooked to perfection can be tricky, but with our tips you’re guaranteed to have a delicious meal. Remember, the key to a juicy turkey is letting it rest after cooking. This allows all the flavors to meld together and ensures that your meat will be tender and moist. Thanks for reading and we hope you have a wonderful Christmas feast! Be sure to check out our other holiday recipes at dixieshomecookin.org. See you soon!
