How to Boil a Turkey for a Perfectly Cooked Bird Every Time

Come Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any celebratory gathering, a beautifully bronzed roast turkey is often the crowning glory of the feast. But oven roasting isn’t the only way to cook a turkey. An equally delicious method is boiling your bird in seasoned liquid. Boiling yields tender, juicy meat that gently slips off the bone. Follow this simple guide to learn how to boil a turkey to perfection for your next holiday spread.

Benefits of Boiling vs. Roasting a Turkey

While roasting creates crispy skin and rich pan drippings. boiling has its own advantages

• Evenly cooked meat with lots of flavor absorbed from the broth
• Guaranteed moist and tender texture
• Bones can be safely eaten after boiling
• Convenient cooking method if oven space is limited
• Allows oven to be used for side dishes
• Provides delicious homemade turkey broth for soups and gravies

Choosing the Right Turkey

Any whole turkey can be boiled, but smaller birds up to 12 lbs are easiest to maneuver. Opt for:

• Fresh or completely thawed turkey
• No larger than 12-15 lbs
• Free of giblets and neck
• Rinsed and patted dry

While it’s possible to boil a stuffed turkey, broth often fails to penetrate and fully cook the stuffing. For food safety, it’s best to cook stuffing separately.

Equipment Needed

Boiling requires minimal equipment – just a few essentials:

• Stockpot or large soup pot (6-8 quarts per 5 lbs of turkey)
• Lid for pot
• Long cooking utensils like tongs or a carving fork
• Large cutting board
• Sharp carving knife

Step-by-Step Boiling Instructions

Follow these simple steps for foolproof boiled turkey

1. Prepare the Broth

Fill pot with water, stock or broth. Good choices are chicken, turkey or vegetable broth. For extra flavor, add:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 2-3 carrots, chopped
• Celery stalks with leaves
• Fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, rosemary
• Whole peppercorns
• Bay leaves
• Salt and pepper

Bring broth to a boil.

2. Submerge the Turkey

Once boiling, carefully lower turkey into pot breast side down. Add more hot broth if needed to completely cover.

3. Reduce Heat and Simmer

Return liquid to a boil then reduce heat. Simmer covered for about 20 minutes per pound.

4. Test for Doneness

After estimated cook time, use a meat thermometer to confirm turkey has reached 165°F at the thickest part of thigh. If under, simmer for 10-15 more minutes then recheck.

5. Remove and Drain

When fully cooked, use tongs and a sturdy spoon to carefully transfer turkey to a cutting board. Let rest 15 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute.

6. Make Gravy

Pour broth through a fine mesh strainer into a saucepan. Skim off excess fat. Use broth to make a delicious gravy or freeze for later use.

And your boiled turkey is ready to slice and serve! Dig in while it’s hot and moist.

Common Boiling Mistakes

Avoid these pitfalls for best results:

• Pot too small – Turkey should fit with room to move. Broth must cover completely.

• Not enough liquid – Lack of broth leads to uneven cooking.

• Boiling too vigorously – Keep at a gentle simmer to prevent meat drying out.

• Overcooking – Use a meat thermometer for perfectly done turkey without drying out.

Serving Suggestions

Your tender, juicy boiled turkey is ready to become the star of the meal! Pair it with:

• Fluffy mashed potatoes or stuffing
• Roasted autumn vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or squash
• Tangy cranberry sauce
• Hot gravy or broth for dipping
• Fresh rolls or biscuits

Get creative with leftovers! Try recipes like:

• Hearty turkey noodle soup
• Turkey pot pie with flaky crust
• Turkey tetrazzini with pasta and creamy sauce
• Turkey salad sandwiches

By mastering how to boil a whole turkey, you open up a world of easy, delicious meals perfect for holidays as well as busy weeknights. Give boiling a try for your next turkey dinner!

Frequently Asked Questions About Boiling Turkey

If you’re new to boiling turkey, you likely have questions about this moist cooking method. Here are answers to some commonly asked queries.

Is boiled turkey safe to eat?

Yes, boiled turkey is absolutely safe to eat when properly cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. In fact, boiling poultry can reduce bacteria up to 1,000 times more than roasting. Just be sure to use a thermometer to verify doneness.

How long does it take to boil a turkey?

Figure about 20 minutes per pound as a general guideline. So a 12 lb turkey will need 4 hours of gentle simmering. However, always rely on a meat thermometer for accuracy since boil times vary.

Can you eat the bones of a boiled turkey?

Bones become soft enough to consume safely after boiling. The collagen is released, making them flexible. Chewing on boiled bones can be a good source of calcium for dogs as well!

What seasonings go well with boiled turkey?

Herbs like thyme, sage, parsley and rosemary complement turkey’s subtle flavor. Spices such as garlic, onion, pepper, bay leaves, ginger and mustard also pair nicely. Avoid over-seasoning and let the natural turkey taste shine through.

What sides go with boiled turkey?

The usual Thanksgiving favorites like mashed potatoes, cornbread stuffing, roasted veggies and cranberry sauce make perfect partners for boiled turkey. Or opt for lighter sides like green bean casserole, tossed salad, or rice pilaf.

How do you keep boiled turkey moist?

Let turkey rest about 15 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute through the meat. Carve across the grain in thin slices. Serve with hot gravy or broth for dipping. Refrigerate leftovers in broth or gravy to prevent drying out.

Can you boil a turkey the night before?

It’s best not to boil turkey more than 2 days before serving. However, you can prep the night before by brining for added moisture and seasoning. Cook your bird the day you plan to eat it for maximum freshness and flavor.

Hopefully these turkey boiling tips have inspired you to try this easy, foolproof wet cooking method for your next special occasion meal or anytime you crave homestyle comfort food.

For even more advice on how to perfectly boil a turkey in your own kitchen, check out these useful resources:

• Step-by-step video tutorials on boiling turkey
• Ideas for creating your own signature boil seasoning blends
• Troubleshooting tips for common boiling problems
• Safe storage and reheating recommendations for boiled turkey

With proper techniques, boiling can yield impressively juicy, tender turkey full of flavor. Give it a try this holiday season or anytime a craving for this hearty comfort food strikes.