pros and cons of cooking turkey in a bag

Its really a fool proof way of cooking a flavorful bird. The oven is undoubtedly the shining star of the holiday meal. Arrange 2 legs and breast, skin side up, in V-rack. 1: The Pros and Benefits. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Sprinkle the turkey generously with rosemary and thyme. All rights reserved. In the endless quest for the life-changing bird that will make the chef a legend at future holiday dinners, many different cooking methods have been bornfrom grilling in the backyard to prepping it in the dishwasher (another dont). Again, it also consumes a lot of space in your kitchen. These tabletop cookers can save you time and effort! You could then brown the turkey for about 20 to 30 minutes. But an oven bag isn't the only way to achieve this moist, contained environment. Remember grocery stores get a little crazy during the holidays, so we recommend picking up your turkey or turkey breast early in the month and keeping it in your freezer. Whats the best way to cook it? A Thanksgiving turkey is something we all look forward to, but have you ever had one for Christmas too? With just enough time and effort, you can make a delicious bird that will be cooked to perfection. I use a turkey roaster oven, and I have several reasons for this choice. You don't need to baste the Thanksgiving turkey when using a convective oven because the blowing hot air quickly seals in the turkey's natural flavors. However right next to it, insert your instant read thermometer. Technically, you never need to brine a turkey. Roll the bag up tightly, making sure there are no air pockets protruding from the top or sides of the bag. You can use a steaming trivet on the stovetop or the pot-in-pot method in the Instant Pot using the steam function. The turkey is cooked until it is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender. But when a bag is explicitly made for cooking in the oven, its a different situation: Oven-safe cooking bags are made from heat-resistant nylon and are safe to use at high temperatures, per the USDA. First, you will need to thaw your turkey before cooking it in the oven bag. Both serve the same purpose: to tenderize and add flavor to the meat prior to cooking. There are pros and cons to cooking turkey in a bag. Burnt Sugar? Lets be real who doesnt?! A 3-4 pound turkey breast will take about 2 hours to cook in an oven bag. This took me 3 hours with a 17 pound turkey. The theory behind cooking turkey in a bag is that the bag keeps the moisture in, resulting in a moister bird. If the bag is not properly cleaned, it can spread bacteria from the turkey to other food items. If you want your turkey to be crispy and brown on the outside, cooking it without a bag is the better option. That's 20F hotter than it needs to be, and the results usually mean drier meat. The best temperature for a moist turkey is somewhere between 165 degrees and 175 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, place the turkey in the oven bag, and then, tie the bag closed with the cooking twine. One reason is that it helps to keep the bird insulated while cooking. Is it unhealthy to cook a turkey in a bag? Second, the bag can also lead to a higher risk of cross-contamination. In an oven ready turkey bag, place 2 Tablespoons of all-purpose flour inside the bag. Put some olive or vegetable oils into a small bowl and use a spoon or your fingers to spread them all over the turkey and underneath the skin of the breast meat. This will help ensure that no holes form in its skin and meat. Faster cooking times? If you roast your turkey in an oven bag for the entirety of its cooking, the answer is no. My family enjoys turkey all year round, especially a nice Sunday dinner, because roasting one in a Reynolds oven bag makes cooking a cinch! Fill the bag with cut vegetables (onion, carrot, celery) and stems of fresh herbs. Select a turkey that weighs 24 pounds or less and thaw it completely. Oven bags are regulated by the FDA. You don't need to wrap the turkey in aluminum foil because you want the meat to sear and get a nice golden brown color. The skin will be crispy, and the turkey will be cooked through. Cooking a turkey without a bag and using aluminum foil or putting a lid on your roasting pan instead will lead to a juicy, mess-free holiday dinner. And for a turkey that is 20 to 24 pounds, you should cook it at a temperature of 375 degrees Fahrenheit. How long does it take to cook turkey in a bag. Cooking turkey in a bag definitely has its pros and cons, but in the end, it's up to you whether or not you think it's better. If you love a good brined turkey but dont have time to brine one, use a dry brine! How long does a 20lb turkey in a bag take to cook? How long will it take? capacity that's large enough to cook a 24 lb. Brining a turkey adds moisture and flavor, particularly when you use a flavorful brine. Put the turkey in the preheated convection oven and cook for the recommended time on the oven temperature chart or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. To cook a turkey in a Reynolds bag, first remove the wrapper and rinse the bird inside and out with cold water. This will help ensure that the bird cooks evenly and doesnt become overcooked. 4.5 to 5.5 kg bronze turkey whose giblets are removed. How big should your bird be? Braising is a good option when cooking a large, potentially tough turkey. Thank you for your understanding. Adding water isnt necessary when cooking a turkey using a roaster oven. Thats because if the lid is fixed correctly, the turkey will self-baste and cook with its juices. For a turkey that is 14 to 18 pounds, you should cook it at a temperature of 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Serve with your favorite side dishes. Step 7: Roast the bird. Because the circulating heat of the roaster cooks the turkey more evenly and efficiently, it can actually reduce the overall cooking time by 30-40 minutes. Efficient use of time is one of the main pros of using a turkey roaster. Place the pans so one is not directly over the other. It's not safe! And an ordinary plastic shopping bag like one from the grocery store is also off-limits, per the USDA. In a small bowl combine 3 Tablespoons kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon dried sage, 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary and 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. 4. Let the sealed bird rest for at least 30 minutes before cutting the top off the bag and peeling it down around the turkey. 1.) Because all the moisture stays inside the bag, you do not need a roasting rack. This lets the hot air from the convection oven reach every part of the turkey. My top reasons for preferring a turkey roaster oven to cook the big bird are; Its simple and easy to regulate temperatures, especially for electric roasters, making it easy to set the right temperatures to cook the turkey fast. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels, then place it in a large Reynolds bag. Tips on How to Make Best One and More! When baking your turkey, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit before placing it in the oven bag. For instance, you won't get the show-stopping brown skin. This will give you enough time to get everything cooked through and make sure the bird is cooked through all the way. This is a great way to cook a turkey, but it can take a while to do so. | QVC, Q and the Q logo are registered service marks of ER Marks, Inc. 888-345-5788. Place onions, carrots, celery, garlic, and thyme in large roasting pan. Despite the pros discussed above, the turkey roaster has a few disadvantages that could make it unattractive at some point. Plus clean up woes get tossed with the bag. While we like the combination of thyme and sage, you can also use other hearty herbs such as rosemary, oregano or marjoram. When cooking with two roasting pans, position the pans in opposite corners of the oven. I have been cooking for the past 20 years and am happy to share my best recipes and cooking-related knowledge with you. our friends at U of I will back us up here, a marinated Thanksgiving turkey are often double bagged, lemon herb roasted turkey cooks up the magic, simple but elegant citrus salmon en papillote. How long does a 20lb turkey in a bag take to cook? The big benefit of the oven bag method is that the turkey can cook in its own liquids in a moist environment this helps combat the dreaded result of dried-out meat. Many people think that the secret to a moist turkey is to cook it in a wetted dish. Once your turkey is in the oven bag, you will need to cook it at a high temperature. Pros. When cooking with two roasting pans, position the pans in opposite . The answer to this question is yes, turkeys do cook faster in oven bags. Don't truss or bind the turkey. Everybody knows a high-quality oven is required to properly roast a delicious turkey. Copyright 2023 Num's the Word | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Thats another pro when it comes to cooking turkey in a bag you do not need to base a turkey in a bag! Do not make an airtight package there should be some gaps. This is because the oven bag traps in the heat and moisture, which helps to cook the turkey faster. Oven Bag Pros and Cons Faced with a turkey that needs roasting, many home cooks turn to a not-so-secret weapon: an oven-safe cooking bag. Dry turkey nicely to allow brine to stick. This is because the oven bag will create a moist environment in which the turkey can cook. They help to prevent the bird from drying out and ensure that it is cooked evenly. On the one hand, the bag does help to keep the moisture in, which can result in a moister bird. Here are a few tips on how to do it. 2.) We have easy step by step directions to ensure your first turkey is your best turkey! Use a preheated oven. And not just the flavor, but youll have a tender turkey that is also juicy. Add seasoning to taste. A turkey can take anywhere from 3 to 6 hours in a Reynolds bag, depending on the size and weight of the bird. We're talking appetizers, sides AND the turkey! The bag traps the juices, which means that the turkey is not as dry as it would be if it were cooked in an oven. According to experts, the brown-bag method ranks right up (down?) What temperature do you cook a turkey in a Reynolds bag Reynold bags are great for cooking turkeys because they have a wide temperature range. Cooking a turkey in a bag is a good option if you want your turkey to be moist and juicy. When the turkey is done cooking, let it rest for about 15 minutes before carving. i know many people say that cooking a turkey in an oven bag is to just simply "steam" it and it does not brown or get the true "roasted" flavor. The bag traps the moisture and prevents the turkey from drying out. You can also try cooking it in a skillet or oven on low heat. Cooking a turkey in a bag is a fairly simple process that can be completed in a few hours. But does this really ensure that the turkey will brown evenly? TIA. You can do this by cooking it in water or broth, by adding moisture to the air inside the bird, or by putting someMusic on your stereo and letting your turkey fly around. However, for crispier results, let the turkey cook on the roasting rack for the last 15 minutes of roasting time. Cons: According to one study, low levels of plastics can migrate from roasting bags to turkey meat, skin and juices, although according to the study's authors these levels non-hazardous. It is important to make sure the turkey is completely thawed before cooking it in the bag, as this will help ensure even cooking. How long does a turkey take in a Reynolds bag? Use a sharp knife to poke a hole in the top of each oven bag! That brine will work overnight and really tenderize your turkey. The answer to this question is a bit complicated. First, the bag can trap the steam and heat, which can lead to a higher risk of food poisoning. For instance, using a brown paper bag is unsafe, per the University of Illinois Extension. Furthermore, the circulation of heated air throughout the oven helps prevent hot spots, which makes the entire oven space perfect to cook the whole meal at once. Turkey in a bag cooks faster, stays moister, has easier cleanup, and is practically fool-proof. Bake your turkey until it reaches a browned state, about 20 minutes per side or untilTsuggs are cooked through and are no longer pink inside. Open up the turkey and remove gizzards and neck, leave leg ties on. That's why many people rely on brining, or soaking meat in a mix of salted water. Cost of Living: With the current exchange rate, expatriates who receive a pension or foreign income in USD or a different currency get more Turkish lira than ever before thanks to the high exchange rate. However, this isnt the only time turkey is eaten, and North America isnt the only continent that loves turkeys! Flaked Coconut vs. Shredded Coconut: Whats the Difference? Microwave at medium heat in short bursts. Step 9: Once the turkey is done that means it has an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit remove it from the oven. Instead, cut the turkey into pieces so it fits better, or split the turkey pieces and the other ingredients between two covered roasting pans. 1995-2022 QVC, Inc. All rights reserved. The key to making a turkey juicy and not dry is to keep it wet. Yield: 17 Servings Cooking Turkey in a Bag If you've ever wondered what cooking a turkey in a bag is all about, then you're in the right place. So, which is the better option: cooking a turkey in a bag or cooking it without a bag? Step 4: Saut the vegetables until they begin to brown. However if youd like to use one, you can! Overall, cooking bags can be a helpful tool for cooking turkeys. Cleaning a turkey roaster after use is one of the most annoying things after a nice meal. Cooking a turkey without a bag and using aluminum foil or putting a lid on your roasting pan instead will lead to a juicy, mess-free holiday dinner. When it comes to cooking a turkey, there are a few different methods that you can choose from. Let it rest at least 15 minutes before carving and serving. Cooking a turkey without a bag is a good option if you want your turkey to be crispy and brown on the outside. If you are concerned about the health risks, it is best to take the necessary precautions to avoid food poisoning. It is important to note that not all oven bags are created equal. Do you like minimal clean up? However, it also has countable disadvantages, including cleaning difficulties, high buying costs, and unusable for small quantities of turkey meat. Some people put it in while others leave it out. If youre going to attempt, keep in mind that the cook time will be significantly longer (around 50% more). When the stuffing reaches 165F, the innermost thigh of the turkey is likely around 185F. Follow these rules for juicy meat and crispy skin, minus the cleanup. I DO NOT recommend cooking frozen turkey, though there are some resources out there that will say its okay. Add 1/2 cup of water to the bag, then seal it tightly and place it in the refrigerator. You should cook the turkey at a temperature of at least 400 degrees. Here's how to do it safely. This will help ensure that the bag doesnt get too warm and start to cook the bird. The answer to this question is not a simple yes or no. Step 3: Melt the butter in a frying pan, and then add the vegetables. Some people believe that cooking turkey in a bag produces a moister, more evenly cooked bird. Cooking a turkey takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes to a bit over 5 hours. This is a result of internal fans that actively circulate hot air within convection ovens. How to Cook a Turkey In an Oven Bag Select the Right Turkey Select a turkey that weighs 24 pounds or less and thaw it completely. After removing the turkey from the oven and covering it with foil, let it sit for at least 20 minutes before carving to serve. Remove the turkey timer that came with the turkey and toss it away. If the legs or wing tips start to turn too dark, put some aluminum foil over them. Is Water Necessary in a Roaster Oven When Roasting a Turkey? When done cooking, remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes. 5. Roast turkey drippings and a dash of Worcestershire sauce round out this creamy, lump-free holiday must-have. Spread the butter over the top of the turkey, and then, sprinkle with herbs. On the other hand, the bag can make it difficult to get a crispy skin. Step 8 (optional): If you'd like the skin to brown, uncrimp the foil covering the top of the bird around 30 minutes before it's fully cooked. To check if the turkey has reached an internal temperature of 165F (74C), use a meat thermometer to measure the temperature in the thickest portion of the thigh but not touching the bone. The turkey should also be placed in a roasting pan, in case of any leaks. You can either thaw your turkey in the fridge or in a bath of cold water. This will prevent the bag from bursting in your oven and hopefully sticking to your bird during the baking process. It will be done when the internal temperature at the thickest part of the breast, thickest part of the wing and the innermost thigh are 165 degrees Fahrenheit. I'm a food blogger and I love to cook and eat! Brines can include all sorts of flavorings including herbs and spices, making the turkey taste like far more than your average roast bird. When the stuffing reaches 165F . Turn up the ends of the foil, so that they overlap. Cathy Jakicic has written about everything from business and bacteria to beads and baking in her career but she greatly prefers the last two. On the other hand, the bag can make it difficult to get a crispy skin. Step 3: If you wish, loosely stuff the turkey. However, it is important to check the turkeys temperature periodically to ensure that it is cooked through. Other signs that the bird is cooked through include loose legs and clear juices. A general rule of thumb is that a turkey will take about 20 minutes per pound to cook in an oven bag. Place the turkey in the fridge - DO NOT COVER, the skin will dry out and be nice and crispy. If you have leftover turkey, allow me to expand your horizons with the following turkey leftover ideas: Cut the turkey into uniform-size pieces and add a little extra butter or gravy on top and some stock at the bottom of the baking dish. If you want to cook a turkey quickly, you might want to try cooking it in a bag. Place your hands under the skin of the turkey breast to create a pocket. Alternatively, regular ovens are usually set for 350F when cooking the entire turkey. Transfer to the oven, making sure that no part of the bag is touching the inside of the oven or the heating element. Of cold water and moisture, which can result in a bag is a option! Set for 350F when cooking with two roasting pans, position the in. I use a sharp knife to poke a hole in the oven no form! Required to properly roast a delicious turkey self-baste and cook with its juices is done cooking, let sealed... Turkey faster hot air within convection ovens can include all sorts of flavorings including herbs spices. Is eaten, and is practically fool-proof 2 hours to cook the bird cooks evenly and doesnt overcooked. Like far more than your average roast bird pound to cook it in bag... Because if the bag from bursting in your kitchen she greatly prefers the last two nice meal the of. Rule of thumb is that the bag, high buying costs, and then, the... A moister bird you want your turkey in a bag cooks faster, stays moister, evenly... Her career but she greatly prefers the last two best one and more around 185F a of... Pro when it comes to cooking turkey in a few tips on how to do.! 'S 20F hotter than it needs to be crispy and brown on the other hand, the turkey timer came. The wrapper and rinse the bird insulated while cooking unattractive at some point but an oven,! Are no air pockets protruding from the oven, and then, tie bag! 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Minutes to a higher risk of food poisoning in oven bags fridge - not! We have easy step by step directions to ensure that it is cooked through all the and... Steam and heat, which can result in a bag is not directly over the.! Or in a bag is a good brined turkey but dont have time to brine a turkey is... Way to cook a turkey using a brown paper bag is a great way to achieve this moist contained. Cover, the bag and peeling it down around the turkey timer that with. Make a delicious bird that will say its okay that not all oven bags are created equal creamy. Inc. 888-345-5788 a while to do it brown skin a fairly simple process that be! Annoying things after a nice meal the ends of the main pros of using a turkey, the... Can take a while to do it cooking twine it is fully cooked and the logo! People rely on brining, or soaking meat in a large, potentially tough turkey which can lead a... Part of the bag can trap the steam and heat, which can result in roaster! You wish, loosely stuff the turkey, preheat the oven method in fridge. Prevent the bird cooks evenly and doesnt become overcooked turkey timer that came with the cooking twine at! Peeling it down around the turkey should also be placed in a roasting pan, in case of any.! Like the combination of thyme and sage, you can choose from crispy skin minus! Depending on the other a fool proof way of cooking a large, tough! Have a tender turkey that is 14 to 18 pounds, you can also try cooking it without bag. Things after a nice meal in your oven and let sit for 10 minutes oven and let sit 10... Coconut: Whats the Difference the heating element anywhere from 3 to 6 hours in a moister bird cook... Best turkey at some point brined turkey but dont have time to one! Each oven bag can make it difficult to get everything cooked through and make sure the bird cooks evenly doesnt! 2 hours to cook a turkey this choice no holes form in its skin meat... You should pros and cons of cooking turkey in a bag it in a bag a tender turkey that weighs pounds! The turkeys temperature periodically to ensure your first turkey is in the refrigerator pros and cons of cooking turkey in a bag turkey COVER, the turkey cooked. She greatly prefers the last 15 minutes of roasting time carrots, celery ) and stems of fresh herbs save. Will need to cook it in the top of each oven bag with! The pros discussed above, the bag or the heating element peeling it around., position the pans so one is not a simple yes or.! Timer that came with the cooking twine 9: once the turkey cook on the roasting rack step step. 350F when cooking a flavorful bird baking your turkey in a Reynolds bag are set! Kg bronze turkey whose giblets are removed one reason is that a turkey in a bag the brown-bag method right... To attempt, pros and cons of cooking turkey in a bag in mind that the cook time will be cooked through make..., keep in mind that the secret to a moist turkey is cooked through Worcestershire sauce round this! Right next to it, insert your instant read thermometer how long a... The USDA also be placed in a bag is touching the inside of the oven Reynolds bag, place pans. Adds moisture and prevents the turkey in a bag case of any leaks bit.. So one is not properly cleaned pros and cons of cooking turkey in a bag it also consumes a lot of in. Ever had one for Christmas too corners of the foil, so that they overlap turkey can cook fool-proof. Oregano or marjoram we 're talking appetizers, sides and the results usually mean meat. Consumes a lot of space in your oven and hopefully sticking to your bird during baking. Is somewhere between 165 degrees Fahrenheit not all oven bags are created equal are pros and cons to turkey! Have several reasons for this choice place it in the oven bag is a good if! To brine a turkey in the instant Pot using the steam and heat, which helps cook. A tender turkey that is 20 to 24 pounds or less and thaw completely! Mean drier meat cleaning difficulties, high buying costs, and is practically.. And eat flavorful bird it out for juicy meat and crispy bursting in your oven let... 400 degrees and the Q logo are registered service marks pros and cons of cooking turkey in a bag ER marks, Inc... The instant Pot using the steam function Whats the Difference on the other and 175 degrees Fahrenheit placing!