Okay, so I just moved out from my parents house and into my own 3 months ago, and so this year I am completely in charge of Thanksgiving Dinner for the first time....I'm a good cook, I'm grew up cooking in my grandmother's kitchen, but I was just sitting here planning the dinner when I realized that I've never actually cooked a turkey before! I know the marinade and everything I want to use...but my only question is how long should I plan on cooking it? Like how many hours per pound? Thanks!
2007-11-08 09:30:51 · 6 answers · asked by ? 6 in Food & Drink ➔ Cooking & Recipes
The other folks who answered this question are mostly correct - the turkey you buy should have cooking directions, but here are some considerations -
Variables That Affect Cooking Turkey :
A partially frozen turkey requires a longer cooking time
Dark roasting pans cook food faster than shiny metals
The depth and size of the pan can reduce heat circulation to all areas of a turkey
The use of a foil tent for the entire cooking time can slow cooking
Use of a roasting pan lid speeds cooking
An oven cooking bag can accelerate cooking time
A stuffed turkey requires more time to cook
The oven may heat food unevenly
Roasting times may vary greatly depending on a number of variables that affect the cooking time such as the shape of the turkey, the proportion of meat to bone, the variations in different ovens, the altitude, and if the turkey is fresh or frozen and then thawed.
Listed below are roasting times that can be used as a general guideline, but the only true gauge for determining proper doneness is with a meat thermometer. The breast must reach an internal temperature of 170° F and the thigh must reach 180° F.
Roasting Times for a Whole Turkey Cooked in a 325° F Conventional Oven
Note: Using a convection oven will cut as much as 25% off the cooking times.
Weight Unstuffed Stuffed
8 to 12 pounds 2 3/4 to 3 hrs 3 to 3 1/2 hrs
12 to 14 pounds 3 to 3 3/4 hrs 3 1/2 to 4 hrs
14 to 18 pounds 3 3/4 to 4 1/4 hrs 4 to 4 1/4 hrs
18 to 20 pounds 4 1/4 to 4 1/2 hrs 4 1/4 to 4 3/4 hrs
20 to 24 pounds 4 1/2 to 5 hrs 4 3/4 to 5 1/4 hrs
2007-11-08 10:02:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
A 14 to 16 lbs should take about 2 to 2 1/2 hours tocook but bare in mind that you have to leave some more time for prep and other thanksgiving dishes to go with your turkey and since it s on you this year i would ask a friend to come over to help ..you ll need it beileve me ..good luck and happy thanksgiving..
2007-11-08 09:37:23 · answer #2 · answered by kate B 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Quickest way is to deep fry it it only takes 3 minutes per pound in 350* peanut oil. And they r great that way. You can still inject it with your marinade. Try it you will like it.
2007-11-08 10:02:42 · answer #3 · answered by mcconnellukcatfan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No marinade needed, just follow the directions on the turkey bag...keep it simple!
2007-11-08 09:38:13 · answer #4 · answered by ~ Floridian`` 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
As a general rule, it's 20 mins. per pound, plus 20 mins.
2007-11-08 09:34:41 · answer #5 · answered by andy in greece 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Most turkeys sold in grocery stores have cooking instructions right on them. Next time you're at the store, look at one.
2007-11-08 09:34:11 · answer #6 · answered by curtisports2 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋