There’s no doubt that cooking turkey breast for the holidays (or for anytime of the year) can be such a rewarding experience. This adaptable protein is nutritious and quick to prepare, suitable for many applications. Here, in this guide, are some techniques and tips for making sure your turkey breast is juicy and flavorful every time.
Choosing the Right Turkey Breast
Before you starting cooking, the most important decision you can make is choosing a quality turkey breast. You have the option of ordering fresh or frozen turkey. If you opt for frozen, you will need to thaw your turkey in the fridge about 24 hours per every 4-5 pounds to ensure even cooking.
Bone-in vs. Boneless: Sure, bone-in turkey breasts offer juiciness, while the boneless option is easier to slice.
Organic vs. Conventional: With excellent flavor and antibiotic-free feed, organic birds go here as well.
Cooking Turkey Breast
Preparation Techniques
How you PREP IT can really SET YOUR dish apart, so to speak. Seventeen ways to spice up your turkey breast:
Brining: You can add moisture and flavor to your turkey breast by soaking it for a few hours in a saltwater solution. At the most fundamental level, a brine is made with water, salt, and sugar. Season liberally with herbs and spices, if desired.
Dry Rubs: A mix of spices applied right to the turkey breast adds flavor. Popular choices are garlic powder, paprika, black pepper and thyme.
Marinades: Combine oil, vinegar or citrus juice with your favorite herbs and marinate the turkey breast for at least an hour, but overnight will be even better.
Cooking Methods
Baking
That is the old-and-reliable route (baking), and it’s relatively easy. Preheat your oven to 325F (165C). Put your seasoned turkey breast in a roasting pan and roast at 165 degrees C (325°F, Gas Mark 3-4)until the temperature inside is 74°C (165°F) around 20 minutes per pound.
Best Marinades for Turkey Breast
They’re a mixture of oils, acids and spices that penetrate the meat to give it moisture and flavor. Here are a few you might like:
Herb Citrus Marinade: Combine 2 lemons, squeezed with their juice, and 2 oranges, juiced with the oil or ¼ cup of olive Warm Up With These Hot Grilled Recipes Funny as it may sound, but according to culinary experts honest admission, that is something no hostess should ever have to year when food starts disappearing from the cabinets! Let the turkey breast marinate for at least 2 hours, and overnight if you can.
Garlic and Honey Marinade: Combine ½ cup honey 1/4 c soy sauce, 4 crushed garlic cloves, and 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar. It is the best and tastiest marinade you will ever taste with a sweet, savory flavor just coat your ribs and let it sit 4 -6 hours.
Spicy Chipotle Marinade: Puree 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce with ¼ cup lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt. This is a spicy option that provides a really good kick, and you should marinate it for 1 to 3 hours.
Flavorful Rubs for Turkey Breast
If you’d rather go the dry rub route, there are countless spice mixes that can also help to amp up the flavor of your turkey breast. Here are three of the highest yielding:
Classic Poultry Rub: Mix 1 tablespoon each of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and dried thyme. And you can’t get much more traditional than that, the classic flavour combination for the turkey.
Sweet and Smoky Rub: Combine 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon cumin, and 1 teaspoon chili powder. This rub imparts a smoky complexity and a touch of sweetness.
Applying Marinades and Rubs
The secret to flavor explosion is in the manner of applying your marinades and rubs. Here’s how to do it:
As Marinades: Put your bagged/packaged turkey breast into a resealable plastic bag or bowl. Add the marinade, and make sure it s fully coating the meat. Close the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least however long it calls for. Keep in mind, the longer you marinate, the more flavor it picks up.
For Rubs: Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels and rub. Rub the spice mixture all over the meat, getting it into all the crevices. Allow to sit at least 30 minutes before cooking; for more flavor, let sit in the refrigerator for a few hours.
How to cook your Turkey Breast Like A Boss.
Whether you’re marinating or rubbing your turkey breast, cooking methods also play a role. Here are some insider tips:
Check the Temperature: When the internal temperature reads 165F (74C), it is done.
Rest It: You should let your turkey breast rest for a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes after it has cooked. This keeps the juices inside the meat.
Try Wood Chips: If you are cooking on a grill or smoker, experiment with adding wood chips such as hickory or apple to impart additional flavor.
You can turn a normal turkey breast into an extraordinary meal by simply selecting the right marinades and rubs. Don’t shy away from experimenting with different ingredients to find your ideal match. For more recipe and cooking ideas visit Eat Smarter and Serious Eats to reinvent the best way to cook turkey breast.
Turkey Breast: Oven vs. Slow Cooker
When cooking turkey breast, the right method can result in a mouth-watering-flavorful, moist and tender piece of meat that your family will really enjoy! Two common ways are oven roasting and slow cooking. Every method has its benefits and quirks, to be used in special circumstances or according to your comfort levels. Here’s a closer look at both methods to help you figure out which one is best the next time you get a hankering for turkey breast.
Baking Turkey Breast in the Oven
Roasting your turkey breast in an oven is a tried-and-true method that gives you crispy skin along with a homey, rich and salty flavor. Here’s how you can do it:
Preparation: Begin by thawing your turkey breast if frozen. When thawed, dry by patting with paper towels. Salt and pepper, add any other herbs or spices you like.
Temperature For Cooking: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). This lower temperature is why your turkey is moist.
Cook Time: As an estimated, plan on 20 minutes per pound for the turkey breast. For example, our 4-pound breast takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, 165°F (74°C) or higher in the thickest part of the breast.
Resting: Once it’s out of the oven, allow your turkey breast to rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing. It helps the juices to redistribute, so the meat is more tender.
Oven roasted turkey breast is great for a simple, lower-carb after-holiday feast! It also provides an opportunity to utilize the drippings in a perfect, tasty gravy.
How to Cook a Turkey Breast in the CrockPot
It’s also a great way to save on time for cleaning up, especially if you’d like to have the meal prepped ahead of time or made leaving the remainder in your slow cooker. Here’s what you need to know:
Preparation: As with the oven version, begin the process by thawing and seasoning your turkey breast. You … It tastes best with hot paranthas and some cold raita and sliced onions on the side…. we don’t miss our cup of chai! This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. No one can resist Kadhi Chawal 🙂 Stuffed Karela (Bharwa Karela) May 7, 2020 by SharmajiMiTadka Leave a Comment. Add finely chopped ginger and freshly crushed garlic for the extra zing.ommenoneil Pudina chutney which is often known as “Green Chutney” in India is actually an amazing dip prepared from fresh mint leaves, fresh coriander leaves along other drudgeries intiant Instant Pot Chicken Saag Recipe – Pressure Cooker…Vadam are various types of sun dried fritters or lentil crispy fries
Crock Pot: The best setting is low for the cook time. This will ensure that the bird cooks uniformly and takes in the flavours.
How long to cook If you can all 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high until using a meat thermometer inserted in center of breast.
Internal Temperature: Aiming for the same temp of 165°F (74°C) is safe and will give you the best texture.
Steam Purchase: A slow cooker is great for holding steam in, which makes your turkey breast juicy.
I love using the slow cooker method when I have a busy day and need to set it and forget! No more need to check and recheck the inside of your breast; You’ll get a perfectly cooked turkey no matter what thanks to this snazzy device. Plus, slow-cooked turkey is easily shredded for sandwiches or tacos.
| Aspect | Oven | Slow Cooker |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Crispy skin, savory | Moist, tender |
| Preparation Time | More hands-on, requires monitoring | Set-and-forget, minimal monitoring |
| Cooking Time | Less time (around 20 minutes per pound) | Longer (6–8 hours on low) |
| Flavor | Rich, deeper flavor from roasting | Gentle, infused flavor |
Delicate flavors, intensified by added ingredients
Whether you cook turkey breast in the oven or a slow cooker, it comes down to schedule and texture preference and preferred flavor. If you are making the turkey breast for a celebration and presentation is important, I would say go with the oven. But for simple weeknight dinners and those days when you’re too busy, it’s hard to beat the slow cooker.
For additional tips and recipes on cooking turkey breast, visit Food Network and AllRecipes. Happy cooking!
Turkey Breast Thanksgiving Side Dishes that go well together
Roasting a turkey breast is the best and easy way to cook super juicy and moist turkey. Although the turkey steals the show, choosing just the right side dishes can take your holiday feast to a whole new level. The following are some wonderful accompaniments that will not only enhance the flavors of your turkey breast but also complement it by providing color and variety.
Classic Vegetable Sides
It can’t ever hurt to pair turkey breast with vegetables. Here are some timeless options:
Green Beans Almondine – Sauteed green beans and toasted almonds add a crunchy freshness to the turkey.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Add some balsmaic glaze to get a sweet tang that goes well with the savory turkey.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes – These are creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic flavor, this is the best side dish for turkey!
Hearty Starches
It would have made a hearty platter for your turkey meal. Here are some of the more delicious ones:
Stuffing/Dressing – The traditional way of using herbs and moisture in this Thanksgiving side is to cook it inside or outside the bird.
Sweet Potato Casserole – Something sweet and buttery, with a crunchy top can offset the flavor of the turkey.
Wild Rice Pilaf – The combination of wild rice, mixed with nuts and dried fruits provide it with a great flavor that complements turkey well.
Flavorful Sauces
Adding a sauce is a terrific way to bring new flavor to every forkful of turkey. Consider these options:
Cranberry Sauce – Traditional side that gives a tart, sweet balance to the savory nature of turkey.
Gravy — It’s a necessity for many and turkey gravy from drippings keeps every slice juicy and tasty.
Use Herbed Butter Softened butter mixed with herbs, spices and then melted over the turkey for added flavor.
Refreshing Salads
Sometimes a light salad is what it takes on the side to balance out all that turkey goodness. Consider these refreshing options:
Caesar Salad – The crisp lettuce and creamy dressing complement the turkey so well.
Spinach and Strawberry Salad – Such a sweet salad with that little bite of tart.
Salad – You can make a quinoa salad with vegetables and feta for healthy protein.
| Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|
| Green Beans Almondine | Crunchy, Fresh | 15 minutes |
| Sweet Potato Casserole | Sweet, Buttery | 45 minutes |
| Cranberry Sauce | Tart, Sweet | 30 minutes |
| Caesar Salad | Creamy, Savory | 10 minutes |
Plenty of variations and regional tastes for those who want to branch out from the classics. One way to do this is by including some spicy dishes, such as jalapeño cornbread or chili-studded sides, into the mix of your turkey feast.
With holiday tables filling up with succulent turkey breast, keep in mind that a variety of poultry parts is what it’s all about. Each side dish offers its own distinct flavor that compliments the turkey and provides a little pop of color.
If you’re looking for additional recipes and tips for turkey breast, Food Network has ideas and AllRecipes has mouth-watering variations.
Get ready for all the merriment and cheer with these tasty side dishes guaranteed to complement your turkey breast!
Dealing with common turkey breast cooking issues..
Cooking turkey breast can be such a rewarding task, especially when done during special occasions or festive dinners. But there are a few pitfalls that may result in less-than-ideal bird quality. Knowing how to fix these common grill problems will make sure that you have a scrumptious meal for family and friends to share. Here are a few common issues and solutions to make cooking turkey breasts an easier process for you.
Dry Turkey Breast
The No. 1 complaint is dry turkey breast. There are multiple cause of this:
Cooking for too Long: Overcooking the breast will make it dry. Be sure to cook at the proper temperature.
Not Enough Basting: Basting your turkey prolongs the moistness. You run the risk of having your chosen meat dry out if you skip this step.
Skipping Marinade: A nice marinade can go a long way toward keeping meat moist. Try brining your turkey breast before you cook it.
To fix this, use a meat thermometer. Try for about 165 degrees F internal temperature for maximum juiciness. If you really prefer sliced turkey breast, let it rest at least 15 minutes after roasting; the juices will redistribute.
Undercooked Turkey Breast
Not only is you turkey undercooked, and therefore unpalatable from a flavor standpoint, but serving an undercooked turkey can be dangerous. Here’s how to tackle undercooking:
Check Internal Temp: Use a meat thermometer to make sure the thickest part of the breast has reached 165°F.
Uneven cooking: If you don’t want the top to cook unevenly, allow 30 minutes at room temperature for the turkey breast before cooking.
Smaller Birds: Some readers commenting on the recipe discovered that when they used a very small turkey breast, it did cook differently in terms of time.
And to make sure your turkey cooks all the way through, follow cooking times based on the bird’s weight. As a general rule of thumb, to get an approximate cooking time for your turkey carcass, try 20 minutes per pound at 350°F.
Too Much Grease
Turkey breast can become greasy sometimes, especially if you’ve added additional butter or oil when cooking. Here’s how to deal with the greasiness:
Fat Content Alternatives: Only use a small amount of oil or even butter when cooking your turkey breast to keep it light.
Cook on a Rack: Roasting the turkey on a rack lets the fat drip off the meat.
Fat Film: After the meat is cooked, let drippings cool until fat rises. Before using the drippings for gravy, skim off the top.
Flavor Issues
It is a bummer when your turkey breast has no flavor. Here are some things to add to mint lemonade to make it even better:
Seasoning: Don’t skimp on seasoning. You definitely want salt and pepper, but also think about garlic powder, onion powder and fresh herbs.
Brine That Turkey Breast: Brining that turkey breast will not only flavor it, but also help keep the moisture sealed into the meat.
Stuffing: Stuffing can add depth to the flavour in dishes too. “I think as long as everything is edible.
| Common Issue | Reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Dry Turkey Breast | Cooked too long | Cook until 165°F and let rest |
| Undercooked Turkey Breast | Poor temperature check | Use a meat thermometer |
| Too Much Grease | Excessive fat used | Use less oil and cook on a rack |
| Flavor Issues | Inadequate seasoning | Season adequately before cooking |
Brine and spice well
Cooking a turkey breast is often perceived as intimidating, but these troubleshooting tips will ensure your bird is tender and juicy. If you need extra help: You can find more info on roasting turkey with How to Roast a Turkey with recipes and articles.
And if you need even more help cooking your bird, visit Food Network’s turkey page. They offer some useful tips to help you hone your turkey breast cooking.
Just remember that every time you cook is a lesson learned. Wear the failures as badges of learning. Happy cooking!
Conclusion
When you know how to cook turkey breast, the world is your delicious oyster, whether it’s using it as a recipe for a festive gathering or cooking up an easy weeknight dinner that’ll impress with all that craveworthy flavor and moist succulence we crave. Through experimenting with different methods of cooking, from traditional oven roasting to the set it and forget it convenience of a slow cooker, you can start to determine what works best for your schedule and taste.
Flavorful marinations and rubs take your turkey breast to another level of The ingredients add such a delicious flavor, every bite is full of savory yumminess. You can try different herbs and spices to your wish to make the turkey your own, turning a regular meal into one that will make you friends with the family.
If you’ve ever had turkey breast for dinner, then you know the right side dishes further enhance the meal. Load up the plate with luscious roasted vegetables, creamy mashed potatoes, or light salads. These combinations not onl
There’s something to be said for the relaxingly sensual experience of cooking turkey breast, whether it’s December and you’re about to serve roast turkey at a holiday dinner or it’s just a weeknight in May. This flexible protein is nutritious and simple to cook, so it’s a great option in many situations. From here you’ll find some tricks and techniques on how to make sure your turkey breast comes out juicy and flavorful each time.
