Preparing a turkey by roasting in the oven can sometimes result in dry, brittle, and bland meat. However, with millions of oven thermostat lights flashing at 1:30 pm on Christmas Day, many people still opt for this traditional cooking method during the festive season.
To ensure your turkey is juicy and delicious, it’s important to start with a high-quality bird and follow these tips:
- Brine the turkey overnight in a mixture of 6 liters of water, 30g of salt, and additional flavorings like orange slices and maple syrup. This helps the meat retain moisture and adds flavor.
- Coat the turkey with a mix of goose fat and baking powder before roasting. The fat adds flavor, while the alkaline baking powder promotes browning and crispy skin.
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the turkey inside to ensure even cooking.
- Roast the turkey upside down for the first half of cooking to allow the fat to drip onto the breast, then flip it for a crispy surface.
- Add ice cubes to a tray in the oven to increase humidity, which speeds up cooking time.
- Use a thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature before serving.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving to ensure juiciness and even temperature throughout the meat.
Learn more about the science of cooking:
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
