VISUAL GUIDE TO POPULAR TURKEY CUTS OF MEAT
Ground Turkey Meat
Usually sold in pre-wrapped packages of 1 or 2 lbs. A great, lean substitute for other ground meats, can be purchased with varying levels of percent fat content to fit the goals of your favorite recipe.
“Place ground turkey burgers 3 to 4 inches from heat source. Turn burgers halfway through, cook to internal temp of 165 degrees F.”
SAUTE: Cook over medium-high heat until no pink remains.
BROIL: Cook over high heat until no pink remains.
GRILL: Cook over medium heat until no pink remains.
Turkey Wings, Drumsticks, & Drummettes
The easiest and fastest cuts to cook, they love any kind of sauce you can dream up for them.
“Cook to internal temp of 165 degrees F for wings and 175 degrees F for drumsticks. Turn parts at least once during cooking to ensure uniform cooking.”
BAKE, ROAST or BRAISE: Cook at 350 degrees F until tender and browned.
PAN or DEEP FRY: Cook at 350 degrees F until tender and browned.
Turkey Breast Cutlet
Half of the turkey breast is filleted off the bone and is often cut into smaller portions for easier, more even cooking. This is one of the most versatile cuts and works well with breading.
PAN FRY, SEAR or SAUTE: Cook over medium-high heat for at least two minutes per side. When done cutlets will be lightly browned, cook to internal temp of 165 degrees F.
CLICK HERE for a poster that shows you all the various cuts that you can get from a whole turkey.
Cold Water Method: This method is a faster turkey thaw. Keep the turkey in the original wrapping, place in COLD water, and replace the water every 30 minutes. Allow approximately 30 minutes per pound to thaw.
Refrigerator Method: This method is for planning ahead allowing 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of turkey weight to thaw in the refrigerator. Place bird in its original wrapping on a shallow baking sheet in the refrigerator.
DO'S AND DON'TS OF ROASTING A WHOLE TURKEY
At some point in your life, you will roast a turkey! If you are lucky, your grandmother will have a secret family recipe for you to follow. For the rest of us, here are some do's and dont's to take the fear out of an Amercian classic; Roast Turkey.
DON'T roast turkey in an oven temperature lower than 325 degrees F.
DON'T roast turkey in a brown paper grocery bag. Present-day grocery bags may be made or recycled materials and are not considered safe for food preparation.\
DON'T use stuffing when roasting turkey with high-temperature foil-wrapped methods, or on a charcoal grill. Stuffing is only suitable for open-pan or cooking bag conventional oven methods.
DO use a meat thermometer to determine the correct degree of doneness.
DO roast turkey until the breast meat registers an internal temperature of at least 170 degrees F.
DO follow the package directions for any whole or cut turkey.
DO follow the National Turkey Federation's turkey roasting time guidelines for your bird's weight.
WEIGHT (LBS.)
8 - 12
12 -14
14 - 18
18 - 20
20 - 24
24 - 30
TIME (UNSTUFFED)
2.75 - 3 HRS
3 - 3.75 HRS
3.75 - 4.25 HRS
4.25 - 4.5 HRS
4.5 - 5 HRS
5 - 5.5 HRS
STORING TURKEY
RAW: When you return from the grocery with raw turkey, place it in the refrigerator. A hard chilled turkey should not be placed in the freezer. If the turkey is frozen and the thawing process does not need to begin, store in the freezer. You can store a raw whole turkey in the freezer at 0 degrees F for up to 12 months and a breast for 3 months. Raw turkey can also be refrigerated for 1-2 days.
COOKED: The leftover turkey should be carved from the bone and the stuffing removed. All leftovers should be stored in shallow containers and refridgerated or frozen within two hours of cooking.
TURKEY TIPS
Purchase one pound of turkey per person to be served. This formula allows for the holiday meal plus a little left over to put in your favorite "leftovers recipe." Check out our RECIPE PAGE for some great leftover turkey ideas.
Ensure that the packaging is intact and avoid purchasing a bird with packaging that has rips or tears.
A whole frozen turkey may be stored in your freezer for up to 12 months. Take advantage of grocery store sales, buy one for now and one for later.
Select alternative turkey cuts if you are having a small gathering for the holiday. You can always ask the butcher to cut a whole fresh bird into two halves, roast one half and freeze the other half for a different date.
A SHOPPERS GUIDE TO TODAY'S TURKEY CUTS & PREPARATION - A visual guide to popular turkey cuts with quick tips on how to cook various turkey cuts.
TURKEY TIPS - A mini guide on preparing and cooking turkey for any occasions. Includes a classic turkey gravy recipe and Lemon Garlic Marinade.