Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that brings people together around the table to share food, laughter, and memories. And if there’s one thing that can make or break your Thanksgiving dinner, it’s the turkey! But don’t worry—making a delicious, juicy, and flavorful turkey doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools and a few simple steps, you’ll be serving up a turkey that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
What you will need:
- Turkey (about 1 ½ lbs per guest)
- Urban Accents Gourmet Gobbler Turkey Brine Kit (Includes Brine Mix, Seasoning Rub, and Brining Bag)
- Water
- Olive Oil
- Large Pot
- Basting Spoon
- 22-Quart Roaster Oven
- Wireless Thermometer
How to Make it:
Step 1: Thaw Your Turkey
If your turkey is frozen, make sure it’s completely thawed before you begin. It could take several days in the refrigerator to thaw a large turkey. A general rule is one day to thaw every 4–5 lbs of turkey.
Step 2: Make Brine Mix
The key to a perfectly moist and flavorful turkey starts with brining. Brining is a simple process that helps your turkey retain moisture while infusing it with a burst of savory flavors. The Urban Accents Gourmet Gobbler Turkey Brine Kit takes the guesswork out of this process, offering a ready-made blend of herbs and spices for the ideal brine.
- In a large pot, combine one quart of water and brine mix and bring to a boil for five minutes.
- Remove from heat and add one gallon of cold water.
- Refrigerate until completely cooled.
Step 3: Remove Giblets and Turkey Neck
When preparing a turkey for roasting, it’s important to remember to remove the giblets and neck from the inside of the bird. These are often packaged in a small bag and tucked inside the turkey cavity, and while they are edible and can be used for making gravy or stock, they should be removed before cooking.
Here’s what to look for:
- Giblets: This usually includes the heart, liver, gizzard, and other small organs. They are often placed in a bag, which is tucked inside the main cavity of the turkey. You can find it in the front part of the bird.
- Turkey Neck: The neck is often found in the back cavity of the turkey, sometimes tucked inside or attached to the body. It can be used to make rich stock for gravy.
Steps to Remove the Stuff Inside the Turkey:
- Check the Main Cavity and Neck Cavity: Look inside both the main cavity (the larger opening) and the neck cavity (the smaller opening towards the front of the bird).
- Remove the Giblets and Neck:
- Gently pull out the giblet bag and turkey neck from each cavity.
- If you find the giblets inside the bird, be careful not to tear the bag if it’s made of paper or plastic. Remove it intact.
- If the neck is tucked inside, pull it out carefully, too.
- Optional: Save the giblets and neck for making turkey stock or gravy if you’d like. Otherwise, discard them or use them for another recipe.
Step 4: Brine Your Turkey
Brining is a simple way to ensure your turkey is tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. It’s a step that takes minimal effort but makes a big difference in the final result.
- Place Brining Bag Inside of Roaster Oven Insert (optional): Trust me this will help when you have to carry your brining turkey to the fridge (if you have a larger turkey and if you have a large enough fridge).
- Place your Turkey in the Brining Bag: The turkey should be breast side down.
- Submerge the Turkey: Once your brine has cooled, pour the brine over the bird. Then, continue to add cold water on top of the turkey until it is fully submerged.
- Refrigerate: Let the turkey brine in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours (up to 24 hours for maximum flavor). The longer you brine, the more flavorful your turkey will be.
Step 5: Season Your Turkey
- Remove your turkey from the bag.
- Rinse turkey thoroughly inside and out. Then, pat dry.
- Drizzle olive oil over the bird and sprinkle seasoning rub all over the outside. Distribute evenly.
Step 6: Roast the Turkey
The next step is roasting. While a traditional oven works fine, using a roaster oven makes things a lot easier and more efficient. Plus, you can free up your main oven for other dishes!
Why Use a Roaster Oven?
A roaster oven is designed to cook a turkey more evenly, and it frees up space in your main oven for sides and desserts. It also retains moisture with its self-basting lid, keeping your bird juicy and tender. If you’re cooking a large turkey or preparing for a big crowd, a roaster oven is a great tool to have in your kitchen.
- Place your Seasoned Turkey in the Roaster Oven, breast side down.
- Insert your Wireless Thermometer to track the turkey’s temperature.
The Meater Plus Wireless Thermometer:
One of the biggest struggles when cooking a turkey is knowing when it’s perfectly done. Undercooked turkey? A no-go. Overcooked turkey? Dry and disappointing. This is where the Meater Plus Wireless Thermometer comes in! It’s a smart thermometer that connects to your phone via Bluetooth and tells you exactly when your turkey has reached the perfect internal temperature.
How to Use the Meater Plus Wireless Thermometer:
- Insert the Probe: Insert the Meater thermometer probe into the thickest part of the turkey breast or thigh, making sure it doesn’t touch the bone. The thermometer will measure both the internal temperature and the ambient temperature of the oven, ensuring accurate readings.
- Connect to Your Phone: Open the Meater app on your phone and select your desired doneness (e.g., 165°F for perfectly cooked turkey). The app will alert you when your turkey is ready to come out.
- Monitor the Temperature: The Meater Plus will give you real-time updates on your turkey’s cooking progress. You can even monitor the temperature from another room, so you don’t have to hover over the turkey while it cooks.
- Place the Lid on the Roaster. Tip: if you have a brother like mine who thinks he needs to open every lid to see what we are going to eat, letting all the heat out, cover the insert with aluminum foil and then place the lid on top.
- Heat the Roaster: Heat your roaster oven to 325°F.
- Cook the Turkey: Let the Meater Plus monitor the turkey’s progress. You don’t need to guess when it is done; you’ll get a precise alert when the turkey reaches the perfect temperature. Below are general cook times for your turkey (Yes!, the roaster oven is faster than the traditional oven).
- Rest Before Carving: Once the turkey has reached 165°F internally, remove it from the roaster and let it rest for 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and flavorful turkey.
Why This Method Works
By following these simple steps—brining with the Urban Accents Gourmet Gobbler Turkey Brine Kit and cooking with a roaster oven and the Meater Plus Wireless Thermometer—you’ll take all the guesswork out of cooking your turkey. The brine infuses your turkey with moisture and flavor, while the roaster oven cooks it evenly and efficiently. The Meater Plus ensures your turkey reaches the perfect temperature every time, making it foolproof and stress-free.
Final Thoughts
Thanksgiving should be a time for family, friends, and food—not stress in the kitchen. With the right tools and a little preparation, you can serve up the perfect Thanksgiving turkey that’s juicy, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. So, grab your Urban Accents Gourmet Gobbler Turkey Brine Kit, your roaster oven, and the Meater Plus Wireless Thermometer, and get ready to make this year’s Thanksgiving dinner one to remember!
Happy cooking, and happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍽
