How long do I cook a turkey for?
It is almost impossible to have a holiday feast (Thanksgiving, most especially) without serving Turkey! But whether it be a yearly family gathering, Thanksgiving, or Christmas, it is without a doubt that turkey has been quite a staple food during big gatherings and celebrations like these. But of course, you do not have to limit yourself by eating turkey on special occasions. In fact, turkey is another type of meat that goes well in sandwiches. Alongside this, turkey is highly nutritious and jam-packed with protein along with many vitamins and minerals. And if you are looking for low-fat meat, then turkey would be your better choice instead of chicken since it is actually leaner with fewer calories.
With all that said, cooking a turkey is not as daunting as it looks (or sounds). Generally, you should cook a turkey for about 20 minutes per pound but this can vary depending on whether your turkey is stuffed or not. The best and safest way to know whether your turkey is done cooking is through its temperature. A turkey should be cooked until its internal temperature reaches 165º Fahrenheit.
How do I keep my turkey moist?
One tricky way of preparing and serving a perfectly cooked turkey is to retain its juiciness. But you do not have to worry because I have some tips for you on how you can keep your turkey moist.
- It is best to keep in mind to choose a fresh turkey instead of a frozen one since fresh turkeys tend to still retain its moisture as opposed to those that are frozen.
- Smaller turkeys roast more evenly than large ones and they cook quicker so monitoring small turkeys is a lot easier.
- If you are roasting a turkey, it will naturally retain more moisture but to be safe, you need to brine a turkey before cooking it. Soak your turkey in salt-water and season it beforehand.
- Roast your turkey uncovered at a temperature of around 325°F to 350°F. High temperatures will likely dry out the meat.
- Do not overcook and use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the turkey. A turkey should be cooked until its internal temperature reaches 165º Fahrenheit.
- Do not carve the turkey until the last minute since small slices of turkey will cool off a lot faster.
- Serve with your preferred sauce or gravy to add more flavor.
What food goes well with turkey?
Generally speaking, almost all kinds of food go well with turkey. But of course, there are more common ones that are served alongside turkey especially during Thanksgiving such as:
- Mashed and sweet potatoes
- Rice
- Garden salad
- Coleslaw
- Cranberry sauce
Healthy turkey recipes
If you want to step out of the box and want to try some new flavors and recipes for your turkey dish, then here are some healthy turkey recipes that range from turkey breast recipes, turkey cutlets recipes, and even turkey meatballs!
15. Chinese Lettuce Wraps
Chinese lettuce wraps are a quick, easy, and healthy, weeknight dinner. Ground turkey is stir-fried with fresh Asian vegetables, and served in lettuce leaves. See also warm and healthy Chinese soup recipes perfect for chilly day.
Check it here.
14. Creamy Turkey Soup
My husband smoked a turkey this last weekend to try it out as an option for Thanksgiving. It was so good! He loves to smoke meat and we love to eat it!
Check it here.
13. The Best Brined Whole Turkey and Tips for a Juicy Bird
Recipe for The Best Brined Whole Turkey & Great Tips on How to Prepare a Juicy Bird and Carve it without Fuss. It will be the roasted turkey ever!
Check it here.
12. Feta and Sundried Tomato Turkey Meatloaf
A traditional meatloaf is one of my favorite comfort food-type meals. This feta and sundried tomato turkey meatloaf is a wonderful twist on the traditional meatloaf.
Check it here.
11. Easiest Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
You’re going to love these easy and juicy Air Fryer Turkey Burgers. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Check it here.
10. Weight Watchers Turkey Reuben Panini
I love panini’s because I adore warm sandwiches. And getting a panini press was one of the best investments I ever made because it instantly turns a boring, old and cold sandwich into a HOT meal! There’s just something cozier about eating a warm sandwich and this is one of my very favorite sandwiches!
Check it here.
9. Turkey Leek Soup with Bacon and Broccoli
If you miss potato leek soup on the keto diet, this Turkey Leek Soup with broccoli and bacon will be just the potato soup replacement you’ve been searching for.
Check it here.
8. Marinated Turkey Breast
This Marinated Turkey Breast only takes minutes to prepare and transforms plain turkey breast into a delicious, healthy dish that’s packed with flavor!
Check it here.
7. Healthy Turkey Meatballs (Without Breadcrumbs)
These healthy turkey meatballs without breadcrumbs are juicy little protein bombs that are packed with flavor! They’re super easy to make and ready in just 40 minutes.
Check it here.
6. Healthy Turkey Roll-Ups with Cranberry and Pecan
These Healthy Turkey Roll-Ups with Cranberry and Pecan are salty, sweet, creamy, and crunchy! They’re a great high-protein snack that takes minutes to make and only requires 5 ingredients.
Check it here.
5. Apple and Sage Turkey Meatloaf (Paleo, Whole30)
A delicious Paleo, Whole30, Gluten-free, Dairy-free meatloaf made with ground turkey, diced warm apples, sautéed onion, and rubbed sage. It smells amazing while cooking! Check Weight Watchers Meatloaf recipes here.
Check it here.
4. Instant Pot Turkey Chili
Instant Pot turkey chili is an easy, one pot chili recipe that’s hearty and perfectly balanced with spice. Two unexpected ingredients help give this healthy turkey chili a ton of richness.
Check it here.
3. Healthy Turkey Meatballs
These Italian Healthy Turkey Meatballs are flavorful and moist! They’re bound together with oatmeal (no breadcrumbs), gluten-free, dairy-free, and very easy to make with only 8 ingredients in under 30 minutes! They can be cooked on the stovetop or baked in the oven!
Check it here.
2. Healthy Stuffed Poblano Peppers
This healthy stuffed poblano peppers recipe is packed with turkey, black beans, and southwestern flavors for a satisfying, not-too-spicy main dish.
Check it here.
1. Ground Turkey Italian Stuffed Peppers
Ground Turkey Italian Stuffed Peppers are an easy & healthy dinner recipe! Ready in 40 minutes, this hearty main dish is sure to become a family favorite!
Check it here.
Healthy Turkey Recipes - Easy Turkey Recipes to Try Today!
Why not try some new flavors and recipes for your turkey dish? Here are some delicious and healthy turkey recipes that you will enjoy!
Ingredients
- Mashed and sweet potatoes
- Rice
- Garden salad
- Coleslaw
- Cranberry sauce
Instructions
- Choose any healthy turkey recipes from the post that you like.
- Click on the link below the photo to get the full recipes and instructions.
- Try the best healthy turkey recipes and share your photo under my pin on Pinterest!
I’m Anastasia and I’m a full-time blogger, online entrepreneur, and Pinterest marketing strategist. I help digital entrepreneurs and bloggers drive targeted traffic from Pinterest either through my online courses or through Pinterest consultancy.