07, 2024
Finally!
A juicy, perfectly roasted turkey is possible with this easy step-by-step guide to the spatchcocking technique.
TheTaste of HomeTest Kitchen has discovered the secret to a perfectly cooked bird: spatchcocking.
What is a spatchcock turkey?
To spatchcock, you remove the backbone of a whole bird and lay it flat to cook.
Why spatchock your turkey?
The less moisture, the more crispy the skin will get as it cooks.
Test Kitchen Tip:Lay a damp cloth beneath your cutting board.
This will keep it from sliding while you work.
Taste of Home
Place the whole turkey on a cutting board with the breast-side down.
Then, locate the backbone along the center of the bird.
Starting at the tail, use a sharp pair of kitchen shears to cut alongside the spine.
Test Kitchen Tip: Finding it difficult to cut?
Stand on a stool for extra leverage.
Rotate the turkey 180 so that the uncut side is closer to your dominant hand.
Cut along the bone again and remove the backbone from the turkey.
Test Kitchen Tip: Dont throw away that backbone!
See how those wings are splayed out?
Give them a quick twist and tuck them underneath the body of the bird.
This helps keep the wingtips from burning and allows your bird to lie nice and flat.
Transfer the turkey to a rack on a foil-lined rimmed baking pan.
Mix the salt, pepper and minced herbs, and rub (with gusto!)
all over the turkey.
Pop it in the fridge, uncovered, overnight.
Trust us: A little patience makes a big difference.
Test Kitchen Tip:Dont be tempted to cover the turkey with plastic wrap or foil before chilling.
You want it to air out.
Dial up the oven to 450F and remove the spatchcock turkey from the refrigerator.
Let your turkey come to room temperature while the oven gets toasty.
(Itll cook more quickly and evenly this way.)
Its time to cook.
Send the bird into the oven and roast for about 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 hours.
Test Kitchen Tip:If your oven is filled withThanksgiving sidesor pie, considersmokingorgrilling the turkeyinstead.
Dont grab that carving knife just yet!
Once out of the oven, let the turkey stand for 15 minutes before carving.
This will help the meat retain its juices.
Wondering what to serve on the side?
Try superstar sides likeTriple Cranberry Sauce,Creamy Make-Ahead Mashed PotatoesandSweet Potato Crescents.
But be warned, they just might steal the spotlight!
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