5 Methods to Cook Your Thanksgiving Turkey

With Autumn just around the corner, Thanksgiving (also check out our seafood sale) is swiftly approaching. The spotlight squarely falls on one culinary centrepiece – the turkey. The dish seamlessly pairs with the essence of the season. Representing feasting, thankfulness, and unity. As we gear up for this cherished tradition, let's dive right into the main topic and look at 5 diverse methods for preparing a Thanksgiving turkey.

*Disclaimer: Please prioritise safety and use the appropriate equipments and cooking methods.

*Ensure perfection by using a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F) in the thickest part of the thigh for all methods.

1. Roasting

This classic method involves cooking the turkey in an oven. Season the bird to your own liking, place it in a roasting pan, and let it cook until the skin is crispy and the meat is tender. Pour the rendered fat/juices over the meat during cooking in order to keep it moist.

Cooking time: 13-15 minutes per pound at 165°C (325°F). E.g. A 12lbs turkey would take 2.5-3 hours to roast. 

2. Deep-Frying: Crispy Indulgence

Deep-frying has gained popularity for its ability to execute a turkey with crispy and flavourful skin. Submerge the turkey in hot oil, this allows the moisture to be trapped within its meat while creating an evenly fried exterior.

Ensure to use a proper turkey fryer and follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents*

Cooking time: 3-4 minutes per pound at 175°C (350°F). E.g. A 12lbs turkey would take 36-48 minutes to deep-fry.

3. Smoking: Flavourful Infusion

Smoking a turkey demands patience as it involves slow-cooking using a smoker. This method infuses the meat with a rich and smokey flavour. Wood chips or chunks are used to generate aromatic smoke that penetrates the turkey. Check out our Weber Smokey Mountain outdoor BBQ Grill, it cooks at a low temperature over an extended period of time, allowing the flavour to meld in whilst keeping the meat incredibly tender.

Cooking time: 30-40 minutes per pound at 107°C (225°F). E.g. A 12lbs turkey would take 6-8 hours.

4. Grilling: Charred Charisma

Grilling a turkey adds a charred element while keeping its smokey flavours. Depending on whether you use wood chips, gas, or a charcoal grill in Hong Kong, the smokiness comes out comparably different. Look at our most recommended BBQ grill in Hong Kong; that’ll get you started. This BBQ grill imparts a unique touch of smokiness to the flavour while giving the turkey a charred exterior. This makes it a perfect outdoor BBQ activity.

Cooking time: 11-13 minutes per pound at 175°C (350°F). E.g. A 12lbs turkey would take 2.5–3 hours

5. Sous Vide: Precision Perfection

One of the more sophisticated techniques. A Sous vide involves cooking the turkey in a vacuum-sealed bag submerged in a temperature-controlled water bath. This method ensures the turkey to cook evenly while retaining most of its juice. The result is incredibly succulent. Afterwards, give it a quick sear on a pan or grill for a desirable crispy texture.

Cooking time: 2-4 hours at 60°C (140°F). Then sear for 2-3 minutes per side in a hot skillet or grill until a crust forms.

These represent some of the more contemporary techniques for preparing a Thanksgiving turkey. If you cook it the right way, even frozen meat could taste really good.

However, let’s not overlook the significance of gravy and stock. Regardless of the chosen cooking method, it’s highly advisable to collect the turkey drippings for crafting a savoury and flavourful gravy. Additionally, the turkey carcass can be repurposed to create a stock that richens the gravies, soups, and sauces to complexity.