I am roasting a turkey today, and would like any tips you have on getting it to come out VERY moist?!
Answers: I don't want it to be undercooked, obviously, but I would like it really moist. I have had moist turkey before, so I know it's possible. I don't need any recipies - I have an excellent one of my own which comes out very flavorful. I would just like to know how to get the darn thing to stay moist!! The turkey is 21.2 lbs. by the way. Thanks!!
I know this isn't of help for you today, but in the future, brining the turkey really helps. I have made Good Eats Roast Turkey (google it or check the food network site) and the first step is to soak the bird overnight in a brine in a five-gallon bucket. It turns out really moist.
Also, don't use the popup timers. Turkeys will continue to rise in temperature when you take them out of the oven, so you end up with an overcooked bird. Instead, if you have a probe thermometer, you can set the temperature alarm and stop cooking at 161 degrees F, and then when it is resting it will reach the proper temperature.
Sliced lemons under the skin
cooking it breast side down ,until it's ready to brown it and keep it covered with foil till your ready to brown it.
Covered in foil is a good idea, or use one of those turkey cooking bags. Also, baste it a lot and often.
Cooking it upside down till browning is a great tip, as is covering it with tin foil. I have found though, the best way for a moist turkey is a turkey bag. They are like little plastic bags you put it in to cook, and you open it at the last minute to brown. It cooks in all its juices and whatever marinade you put on. They are great!
Rub some butter under the skin. Also, put a apple and onion inside the turkey. Good luck!
All the tips so far are great. The cooking bags, cooking breast side down. Also, I tried brining the turkey. 1/4 C salt to 1 qt. water. Probably have to double that. Soak in that for an hour or two or three, but no more than 5. I have done chickens that way and a few weeks ago did a turkey. It was GREAT and moist!!!
You should try deep-frying a turkey; it comes out moist and delicious! Injecting marinade and letting it sit overnight gives it an incredible flavor. On thanksgiving we deep-fry several turkeys for our neighbors. We set up a schedule where they come by one-by-one with their already-marinade-injected turkeys and we deep-fry them in peanut oil. This has become an annual event, where people show up early and bring liquid refreshments. We cook ours last, when all the marinade has infused itself into the peanut oil. I'm convinced ours is the most delicious!
Or you could just put it in the oven........ (sigh)
Cover with a muslin cloth and add hot butter with brush
Turkey roasting bags. They eliminate the need to baste. Get them at your grocery store. Ask a clerk if you can't find them. Cook it at the lowest temperature that you can think of. I set mine at 275 and leave it in overnight. Turns your oven into a slow cooker.