How to Properly Wash a Turkey Before Cooking

Washing a raw turkey before cooking is a point of contention for many home cooks. With conflicting advice out there, it’s understandable to be unsure about the right way to clean your bird. The truth is, you typically don’t need to wash a turkey at all. However, in certain circumstances a quick rinse is recommended. Here is a comprehensive guide to washing turkey safely and effectively.

Should You Wash a Turkey?

According to the USDA washing raw poultry is not recommended. Any bacteria present cannot be fully removed by rinsing. Attempting to wash a turkey can actually help spread germs around your kitchen through splashing. Cooking the meat to the proper internal temperature is what ultimately kills any harmful pathogens present.

For standard roasting, frying smoking, etc. simply pat the turkey dry and insert it directly into the oven or oil without washing. The USDA confirms this is perfectly safe.

When You Should Wash a Turkey

The only instance when you need to quickly rinse a turkey is if you have brined it beforehand. A saltwater brine helps keep the meat juicy and infuses flavor. However, brined birds will be excessively salty if not rinsed after brining.

To wash off some of the salt, place the turkey under a gentle stream of cool water inside and out. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, as this can tear the skin. Make sure to fully drain the cavity as well.

Even when washing a brined turkey, it’s smart to take precautions against cross-contamination:

• Clear your sink of any other dishes first

• Line the sink with paper towels to contain mess

• Wash hands, surfaces, and utensils thoroughly after

• Use a designated pot instead of the sink if preferred

How to Wash a Turkey Step-By-Step

Here are the proper steps for quickly rinsing a brined turkey:

1. Remove any giblets or neck from the cavities.

2. Clear your sink of any other items and line with paper towels.

3. Hold the turkey under a gentle stream of cool water, both over the skin and into the cavity. Target the cavity to flush out excess brine.

4. Allow the water to fully drain out through the neck and body cavities into the sink. Tip the bird upside down if needed.

5. Pat the turkey dry with clean paper towels.

6. Transfer to a roasting pan or pot for a brief soak if desired to draw out more salt.

7. Discard wet paper towels, then thoroughly wash hands, surfaces, utensils etc.

And that’s it! By following a common sense procedure, you can quickly rinse a brined turkey without worrying about spreading bacteria. For any non-brined bird, simply skip washing altogether.

Other Turkey Preparation Tips

Aside from occasional washing, here are some other tips for safe, effective turkey prep:

• Always thaw frozen turkeys in the refrigerator, allowing 24 hours per 4-5 pounds

• Use a food thermometer to confirm doneness; target 165°F in the thickest part of the breast

• Let roasted turkeys rest 15-20 minutes before carving to allow juices to redistribute

• Refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours and use within 3-4 days

With the proper techniques, you can enjoy delicious turkey confident that it has been handled safely. Don’t be afraid to wash your bird when needed, but also recognize when it’s unnecessary. Follow these guidelines for your best Thanksgiving turkey yet.