Why Tuck Turkey Wings?
Tucking turkey wings is a great way to keep a turkey from drying out in the oven. By tucking the wings, you can help the turkey retain its moisture and ensure that it comes out of the oven deliciously juicy and succulent. Additionally, tucking the wings helps the turkey to cook evenly, with all parts of the bird receiving the same amount of heat. In 2023, tucking the wings is even more important, as the turkey you’ll be cooking may be organic, free-range, and not injected with any preservatives. Without the extra help from tucking the wings, organic turkeys can easily dry out in the oven.
What You’ll Need to Tuck Turkey Wings
In order to tuck the wings, you’ll need a few simple supplies. First, you’ll need a turkey roasting pan. These pans typically come with a rack built in to help keep the turkey elevated while it cooks. You’ll also need a pair of kitchen shears or a kitchen knife. Lastly, you’ll need kitchen twine. All of these items should be easy to find at any kitchen supply store in 2023.
How to Tuck Turkey Wings
Once you’ve gathered all the required supplies, you can begin tucking the turkey wings. Start by placing the turkey in the roasting pan and positioning it so the wings are facing outward. Using the kitchen shears or knife, cut through the skin at the joint where the wing meets the body. You may need to separate the skin from the joint a bit to make this easier. Once the joint has been cut, carefully tuck the wing underneath the neck skin of the turkey. Make sure to tuck the wing securely, so it won’t come loose while the turkey is cooking.
Securing the Wings with Twine
Once the wings have been tucked, you’ll need to secure them in place with kitchen twine. Cut a few pieces of twine, each about 12 inches long. Position the turkey so the wing is still securely tucked beneath the neck skin. Starting at the neck, tie the twine around the drumstick so the wing stays in place. You may need to tie a few pieces of twine, depending on the size of the turkey. When you’re finished, the wings should be securely tucked beneath the turkey, ready for roasting.
Roasting the Turkey
Now that the turkey wings are tucked, you can continue with the roasting process. Make sure to preheat the oven to the correct temperature before adding the turkey. This will help the turkey to cook evenly and reduce the chances of it drying out. Place the turkey in the oven and follow the roasting instructions in your recipe. Generally, a turkey will take about 15 minutes of cooking time per pound, but this can vary depending on the size of the bird. You may also need to baste the turkey during the cooking process, to help keep it moist.
Checking for Doneness
When the turkey is finished cooking, you’ll need to check for doneness. The easiest way to do this is to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature of the turkey should read at least 165°F before you remove it from the oven. Additionally, the juices should run clear when the thigh is pierced with a knife. If the turkey is still pink or the juices run pink, return it to the oven and continue cooking. If the turkey is finished, carefully remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 15 minutes before carving.
Tips for Tucking Turkey Wings
When tucking the turkey wings, make sure to secure them tightly beneath the neck skin. The wings should be tucked securely, so they won’t come loose while the turkey is cooking. Additionally, you should use kitchen twine to secure the wings in place. This will help the wings remain tucked throughout the roasting process. Finally, you should check the turkey for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thigh. The internal temperature should reach at least 165°F before you remove the turkey from the oven.
Conclusion
Tucking turkey wings is a great way to help keep the bird from drying out in the oven. By tucking the wings beneath the neck skin and securing them with twine, you can ensure that the turkey will come out of the oven juicy and succulent. Plus, tucking the wings can help the turkey to cook evenly, so all parts of the bird receive the same amount of heat. In 2023, tucking the wings is even more important, as organic turkeys can dry out easily in the oven without the extra help. With the right supplies and a bit of patience, you can have a perfectly cooked turkey in no time.