Q&A for How to Baste a Turkey

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  • Question
    Do you have to baste a turkey in the oven?
    Marrow Private Chefs
    Culinary Experts
    Marrow Private Chefs are based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It is a chefs’ collective comprised of an ever-growing number of chefs and culinary professionals. Though regionally influenced primarily by coastal, traditional southern, cajun, and creole styles and flavors, the chefs at Marrow have a solid background in all types of cuisine with over 75 years of combined cooking experience.
    Culinary Experts
    Expert Answer
    Not necessarily! Some people prefer not to baste their turkey at all, as they believe that it can cause the skin to become soggy and can also interfere with the natural cooking process. If you choose this approach, be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure that the turkey is cooked to the proper internal temperature (165°F/74°C for white meat, 175°F/80°C for dark meat).
  • Question
    What alternatives are there to basting turkey?
    Marrow Private Chefs
    Culinary Experts
    Marrow Private Chefs are based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It is a chefs’ collective comprised of an ever-growing number of chefs and culinary professionals. Though regionally influenced primarily by coastal, traditional southern, cajun, and creole styles and flavors, the chefs at Marrow have a solid background in all types of cuisine with over 75 years of combined cooking experience.
    Culinary Experts
    Expert Answer
    Instead of basting continuously, baste at the beginning and end of the cooking process. This can help to seal in the juices at the start of the cooking process and can also help to create a nice, crispy skin during the final stages of cooking.
  • Question
    At what temperature and for how long should I cook it?
    Community Answer
    Cook it at 325 for 20-30 mins/lb or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thigh reads 165 (don't touch the bone).
  • Question
    I usually cook a 9 kg frozen turkey for eight hours, but everywhere I look says four hours is enough. Is that true?
    Community Answer
    Your easiest solution is to get a meat thermometer, and pull the turkey when it hits 165F / 75C or more everywhere you test. Eight hours does seem long, but four hours seems a bit short for that size bird, especially if stuffed and cooked at 325F / 160C.
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