“Everything Thanksgiving: Get all our Thanksgiving recipes, how-to’s and more!Every Thanksgiving, whether you’re cooking your first turkey or you’ve cooked 70 of them, making the perfect turkey recipe can be a beast to tackle. There are a lot of sides recipes to juggle, oven times to consider, calculations to make for how much turkey to buy per person ― and oh, you might want to take a shower and eat lunch at some point?Once you have a meat thermometer, your secret weapon is learning the weight of your turkey. One you know that, you can calculate roughly how long to cook it ― whether you’re roasting, grilling or deep-frying. We’ve taken stuffing into account (if you choose to stuff your bird), and even given some consideration to those who forgot it was Thanksgiving and need to cook a frozen turkey (we know you’re out there.)And if you’re cooking a heritage or pasture-raised turkey, keep in mind that it’ll take a little longer because of the different body composition of the bird!1Turkey TemperatureOKRAD via Getty ImagesThe best way to know when your turkey is done is by its temperature. The USDA says a turkey is safe when \”cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165°F as measured with a food thermometer. Check the internal temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.\”2Don’t Trust The Pop-Up TimerThe Washington Post via Getty ImagesIf your turkey has a \”pop-up\” temperature indicator, it is recommended that you also check the internal temperature of the turkey in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast with a food thermometer. The minimum internal temperature should reach 165°F for safety.3How Long To Cook A Turkey — Basic RoastingUSDAThis table from the USDA is based on a 325°F oven, and a fully defrosted or fresh bird. (For an unstuffed bird, we’re talking roughly 15 minutes per pound.) If you want to cook a frozen turkey, it will take at least 50 percent longer than the recommended times.4How Long To Cook A Turkey — Convection OvenFlickr: eagleapexYour turkey will cook faster in a 325°F convection oven. 8lbs: 1.25 hours 12 lbs: 1.75 hours 14 lbs: 2 hours 18 lbs: 3 hours 20 lbs: 4 hours 24 lbs: 4.25 hours5How Long To Cook A Turkey — On The GrillFlickr: BrownGuacamoleTiming on a grilled turkey is tricky since every grill is vastly different, but here’s a rough guide based on weight. 8 lbs: 90 mins 12 lbs: 135 mins 14 lbs: 180 mins 18 lbs: 210 mins 20 lbs: 225 mins6How Long To Cook A Turkey: Deep FryingGettyStockAccording to theperfectturkey.com: \”A deep fried turkey takes about 3 to 5 minutes per pound when cooked in 350 degree F oil.\”7Let Your Turkey Rest!Flickr: MuffetSee how the turkey is shoved off to the side, getting ignored? Do this. For at least 30 minutes. The juices need time to re-absorb into the meat — which will make it taste way better and also make carving the bird much easier. Seriously, you can reheat it later or pour hot gravy over it. Let. It. Rest.
