Can You Really Cook a Whole Turkey in the Microwave?

The holidays are fast approaching which means it’s almost time for that iconic centerpiece – a perfectly roasted turkey! For many families turkey is a tradition that can’t be skipped. But with busy schedules, who has time for the hours of roasting and basting required for oven cooking? This year, consider a shortcut cooking your bird in the microwave.

I know what you’re thinking. Microwaved turkey? That can’t taste good! Isn’t the microwave for leftovers and frozen dinners, not whole meals? Well, while the microwave may seem unconventional, with the right techniques, you can absolutely cook a moist, flavorful turkey this way.

I did my homework on this cooking method, and the results surprised me. Read on to find out if a microwave turkey might find its way onto your holiday table this year.

Is It Possible to Cook a Whole Turkey in the Microwave?

The short answer is yes. With the right size bird and some simple preparation, you can microwave a turkey in significantly less time than oven roasting.

The key factors are having a microwave large enough to fit the turkey, taking precautions against uneven cooking, and using a thermometer to ensure the meat reaches a safe final temperature.

Many standard microwaves can accommodate a 10 to 14 pound turkey. Make sure to check both the interior dimensions of your appliance and the size of your bird. There should be at least three inches of clearance on all sides for even cooking.

Advantages of Microwaved Turkey

So why opt for this unconventional approach? For starters, microwaving shaves hours off your cooking time. A 12-pound turkey takes around two hours at 50% microwave power. Compare that to the typical four-hour oven roast!

Microwaving also requires less active cooking time on your part. After starting the microwave, you only need to periodically rotate the bird and check the temperature. With oven roasting, you have to monitor it constantly.

Since the turkey cooks more quickly, you can wait until the last minute to thaw. Less thawing time means fewer opportunities for bacteria to multiply.

Finally, clean up is easier without dealing with a hot oven or roasting pan drippings.

Step-By-Step Guide to Microwaved Turkey

If you’re sold on the idea, follow these steps for microwave turkey success:

• Pick the Right Size Bird: Choose a turkey that weighs 10 to 14 pounds to fit in your microwave. Allow at least three inches of clearance on all sides.

• Use a Cooking Bag: Cooking your turkey in an oven bag helps distribute heat evenly and contains mess. Just be sure to poke ventilation holes.

• Season Well: Rub the turkey inside and out with a salt and pepper blend. Stuffing the cavity can lead to uneven cooking, so skip it.

• Calculate Cook Time: Allow 9 to 10 minutes per pound at 50% power. A 12-pound turkey will take about two hours.

• Rotate Periodically: Turn the turkey every 30 minutes while cooking for even exposure to microwave energy.

• Check Temperature: Track the temperature in the breast, thigh, and cavity with a food thermometer. The minimum safe temperature is 165°F.

• Let Rest Before Carving: Allow the turkey to rest for 15 minutes after cooking so juices can redistribute. Slice and serve!

Microwaving vs. Oven Roasting

How does microwave turkey stack up against the good old fashioned oven method? Here are some key differences:

• Cook Time: Microwaving shaves off several hours compared to low and slow oven roasting.

• Active Time: Microwaving requires less hands-on monitoring time from the cook.

• Crispy Skin: Oven roasting wins for crisp, crackly, golden brown skin. The microwave won’t brown or crisp.

• Moist Meat: Fans claim the microwave better seals in moisture, while roasting can lead to drier meat.

• Flavor: Oven roasting imparts richer, deeper flavor notes. Microwaved turkey tastes more one-dimensional.

• Safety: Microwaving minimizes food safety risks since the turkey cooks more quickly.

• Convenience: Microwaving is much simpler clean up without dealing with hot pans and splattering fat.

Tips for the Best Results

Follow these tips for the juiciest, tastiest microwave turkey:

• Brine the turkey overnight before cooking to infuse moisture and flavor.

• Rub butter or oil over the skin to prevent it from drying out.

• Use a cooking thermometer to confirm the turkey reaches 165°F.

• Tent the turkey with foil and let it rest before slicing to trap in juices.

• Serve with gravy or sauce to add moisture if the meat seems dry.

• Mix pan drippings into the gravy for extra flavor.

• Slice the breast meat thin and against the grain for tenderness.

• Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and reheat within 3 to 4 days.

Ready to Give It a Try?

While microwave turkey won’t give you the Norman Rockwell presentation of a perfect golden brown bird, it can absolutely deliver tasty results in a fraction of the time. Give it a try for a faster holiday feast this year!