For many home cooks, boiling a turkey may seem like an unusual technique. Roasting and baking are far more common ways to prepare the holiday bird. But boiling yields exceptionally moist, tender meat that falls right off the bone – ideal for soups, casseroles, and other dishes needing shredded or chopped turkey.
If you’re new to boiling whole turkeys, however, determining the right cook time can be tricky. Undercook it and you risk foodborne illness. Boil it too long and the meat turns dry and stringy. Follow this complete guide to learn exactly how long you should boil turkeys of all sizes for optimal taste and food safety.
Factors That Affect Boil Time
Several key factors impact how long it takes to boil a turkey
-
Weight – Heavier birds need more time. A good rule of thumb is about 20 minutes per pound.
-
Shape – Compact rounded birds cook faster than those with an irregular shape.
-
Frozen vs. Thawed – Frozen turkeys take significantly longer to boil than thawed ones.
-
Age – Older birds from more mature poultry require longer boiling than young turkeys.
-
Altitude – Higher elevations increase boil times due to lower air pressure.
Keeping these variables in mind, let’s look at general boil times based on turkey weight and preparation.
Recommended Boil Times
For thawed turkeys:
- 8 to 12 lbs – 45 to 55 minutes
- 12 to 15 lbs – 55 minutes to 1 hour
- 15 to 18 lbs – 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes
- 18 to 20 lbs – 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
- 20 to 24 lbs – 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
For frozen turkeys:
- 8 to 12 lbs – 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes
- 12 to 15 lbs – 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
- 15 to 18 lbs – 2 hours to 2 hours 30 minutes
- 18 to 20 lbs – 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours
- 20 to 24 lbs – 3 hours to 3 hours 30 minutes
At high altitudes:
- Add 15 minutes per pound of turkey at 3000+ feet above sea level
- Add 30 minutes per pound at 6000+ feet
Use a meat thermometer to confirm the turkey has reached 165°F at the thickest part of the thigh before removing from heat. If it hasn’t yet reached 165°F, continue boiling and rechecking the temperature every 10-15 minutes until it hits this safe minimum.
Let the turkey rest 15 minutes before carving so juices can redistribute through the meat. Then enjoy your perfectly boiled bird!
Step-by-Step Boiling Guide
Here is a simple step-by-step process for boiling turkey:
-
Calculate the target cook time based on turkey weight and preparation.
-
Clean turkey, remove giblets, and pat dry.
-
Bring ample water or broth to boil in a stockpot or roasting pan.
-
Submerge turkey fully in the boiling liquid.
-
Reduce heat to maintain gentle boil.
-
Boil turkey for calculated time, checking temperature periodically.
-
Allow turkey to rest 15 minutes before carving.
Be sure to account for any adjustments needed for frozen state, irregular shape, advanced turkey age, or high altitude. Enjoy your tender, juicy boiled turkey!
Boiling Tips and Tricks
Follow these tips for perfect boiled turkey results:
-
Use a heavy pot with a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture and heat loss.
-
Keep the liquid at a gentle, not rolling, boil. Vigorous boiling can make the meat dry and stringy.
-
Add aromatics like bay leaves, peppercorns, onions, or garlic to the poaching liquid for extra flavor.
-
Chill the cooked turkey in the poaching liquid. This keeps it incredibly moist.
-
Use any leftover poaching liquid as the base for soups, gravies, or sauces.
-
Let turkey rest 15 minutes before carving so juices redistribute evenly in the meat.
-
Carve across the grain for more tender boiled turkey pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions about how long to boil a turkey? Here are answers to some common queries:
Is it safe to eat boiled turkey?
Yes, as long as the internal temperature reaches 165°F, boiling kills any harmful bacteria, making the turkey safe to eat.
Can I boil a stuffed turkey?
It’s not recommended. The stuffing slows heat penetration to the turkey cavity, leading to undercooking. Cook stuffing separately.
What’s the benefit of boiling over roasting?
Boiling makes the meat incredibly moist and tender. It’s ideal when you want to shred or chop the turkey for casseroles, soups, salads, etc.
What size pot do I need to boil a turkey?
Use a pot large enough that the turkey fits with 1-2 inches of clearance on all sides. A heavy pot with a tight lid works best.
How do I know when it’s done boiling?
Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the thigh. It should reach 165°F minimum. If under, keep boiling and recheck periodically.
Can I boil a frozen turkey?
Yes, but it will take much longer. Add approximately 30 minutes of boiling time per pound for frozen birds.
What’s the best way to store leftover boiled turkey?
For maximum moisture, leave the turkey submerged in the cooled poaching liquid. Refrigerate up to 4 days.
Now that you know exactly how long to boil turkeys of all sizes, it’s time to try this simple, foolproof cooking method. Boiling is a great way to prepare deliciously moist turkey for soups, salads, casseroles, and more!
More Delicious Turkey Recipes to Try
After mastering the basics of boiling a turkey, the culinary journey doesnt end there. Explore a variety of recipes that utilize this method, each offering a unique twist on traditional turkey dishes. For a comforting meal, try the comforting boiled turkey vegetable soup, perfect for chilly evenings. If youre in the mood for something innovative, the zesty asian style boiled turkey introduces a zesty flavor profile that pairs beautifully with the subtle taste of turkey. For those hosting family gatherings, the crowd pleasing boiled turkey pot pie is a crowd-pleaser, combining the soothing flavors of boiled turkey with a crispy crust. These recipes not only extend the utility of your boiled turkey skills but also enrich your cooking repertoire with diverse, flavorful meals. Share your tips and techniques for boiling a turkey in the
How To Boil A Turkey
Gobble, gobble! If you’re looking for a delicious and alternative way to cook your turkey, boiling might just be the perfect method for you. Boiling a turkey can yield tender and juicy meat that falls right off the bone. Plus, it’s a great option for those who don’t have access to an oven or simply want to try something different. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of boiling a turkey to perfection.
- A large stockpot or a deep roasting pan with a lid
- A whole turkey (fresh or thawed)
- Water or broth
- Assorted herbs and spices for flavor (such as bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper)
- Prepare the turkey by removing the giblets and neck from the cavity. Rinse the turkey thoroughly under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Fill your stockpot or roasting pan with enough water or broth to fully submerge the turkey. If needed, add additional flavorings like bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, garlic, salt, and pepper to the liquid.
- Place the turkey into the pot, breast side down. Make sure the liquid completely covers the turkey.
- Cover the pot with a lid and bring the liquid to a boil over high heat.
- Once the liquid is boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer the turkey for about 20 minutes per pound. For example, if you have a 12-pound turkey, it would need to boil for approximately 4 hours.
- While the turkey is boiling, you can use this time to prepare your favorite side dishes or work on making a delicious gravy.
- After the recommended cooking time, carefully remove the turkey from the pot using large tongs or sturdy oven mitts. Place it on a large cutting board or platter to cool slightly.
- Let the turkey rest for about 15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and moist turkey.
- Carve the turkey into desired portions and serve it with your favorite accompaniments. Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and cranberry sauce are classic choices!
- Enjoy your boiled turkey feast!
Boiling a turkey may not be the most traditional cooking method, but it can certainly deliver a tasty and succulent bird. Whether you’re experimenting with new cooking techniques or simply want to switch things up this holiday season, boiling your turkey is a fantastic option. So, gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and get ready to enjoy a tender and flavorful turkey like never before!