MADELINE DRAKE
K-State Extension news service
By Madeline Drake, K-State Extension news service
MANHATTAN, Kan. — Having the oven in use for long periods of time with the Thanksgiving turkey can make prepping the holiday meal a challenge. Kansas State University food scientist Karen Blakeslee recommends alternate ways to cook turkey and tips to keep it safe.
Near the top of the list: “Be sure you know how to use the equipment properly for the best result,” Blakeslee said.
Whether cooking turkey in the fryer, on the grill, pressure cooker or electric roaster, it’s important to remember safe food handling to ensure a successful Thanksgiving dinner.
“If using a gas grill, the number of burners will affect the placement of the turkey to cook properly,” Blakeslee said. "If using a deep fat fryer, be sure the turkey is completely thawed. Never start with a frozen turkey when deep fat frying.”
She adds: “Be sure to measure the amount of oil to use before you put the turkey into the hot fryer. In some cooking methods, it is best to cut up the turkey before cooking, such as when using a pressure cooker or slow cooker.”
Before cooking a frozen turkey, allow enough time for it to thaw properly. “Thawing in the refrigerator is the best and easiest method,” Blakeslee said. “The estimated time is 24 hours for every four to five pounds, but it may take longer.”
When determining cooking time, Blakeslee recommends checking the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Your Safe Thanksgiving Guide website. It has an online calulator to determine thawing time and cooking time for different cooking methods.
No matter how you cook the turkey, Blakeslee reminds home cooks to keep these tips in mind;
- Wash your hands frequently when preparing food.
- “Do not rinse the uncooked turkey, or any meat, prior to cooking,” Blakeslee said. “Doing this increases the risk of cross-contamination with ready-to-eat-foods or surfaces around the sink.” The cooking process will kill any bacteria present on the meat.
- “The minimum oven or electric roaster oven temperature is 325 degrees Fahrenheit,” Blakeslee said. “Grilling or smoking methods must maintain a temperature between 225-300 F.”
- “Cook foods separately for best results,” Blakeslee said. “Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey, which should reach a minimum of 165 F.”
- If the turkey needs to be cooked in the oven, use other appliances to cook other foods. Or ask guests to bring a side dish to share.
Once the meal is over Blakeslee recommends storing leftovers in shallow containers within two hours of cooking. Use refrigerated leftovers within four days or freeze for later use in a quick meal.