How to Boil a Turkey: A Step-by-Step Guide

For many roasting a golden brown turkey in the oven is a cherished holiday tradition. However boiling a turkey is an excellent alternative cooking method that results in deliciously moist and tender meat. If you’re looking to change up your turkey routine or are simply seeking an easy, no-fuss preparation, boiling just might be the way to go.

In this detailed guide we will walk through everything you need to know to boil a turkey to perfection.

Benefits of Boiling vs Roasting a Turkey

There are several advantages to boiling over the conventional roasting method

• Requires less active cooking time – once the turkey begins boiling, you just need to monitor it.

• Produces extremely tender, succulent meat that essentially falls off the bone.

• Infuses the turkey with lots of flavor from the aromatic cooking liquid.

• Allows you to multitask on side dishes while the turkey boils away.

• Provides you with rich homemade turkey broth as a bonus.

• Is great for larger birds that may not fit easily in the oven.

• A foolproof cooking method for beginners since it’s hard to overcook.

For these reasons, boiling can be an excellent option for a hassle-free turkey dinner.

Picking the Right Turkey for Boiling

Most any turkey variety can be successfully boiled, but here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Size – Make sure your pot can accommodate the turkey. 20 lbs and under works best.

• Fresh vs Frozen – Fresh or thoroughly thawed turkeys work equally well.

• With or Without Giblets – Turkey with giblets intact adds more flavor to the broth.

• Breast Style – A breast-style turkey is easiest since the white and dark meat cook at similar rates.

As long as you have ample pot space, you have flexibility in choosing your perfect bird for boiling.

Equipment Needed

Boiling a turkey doesn’t require any fancy tools – just a few basics:

• A large stockpot or stewing pot, at least 2 gallons

• A tight-fitting lid for the pot

• Long cooking tongs or a sturdy carving fork

• Instant-read thermometer for testing doneness

• Large cutting board and sharp carving knife

• Cheesecloth or mesh strainer for straining broth

As long as your pot is big enough, that’s the most crucial requirement for equipment.

Step-by-Step Boiling Instructions

Now let’s walk through the simple process of perfectly boiled turkey:

1. Prepare the Turkey

• Remove neck and giblets if included. Rinse turkey inside and out with cold water.

• Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. Season the cavity lightly with salt and pepper.

• Truss the turkey legs together with cooking twine to keep everything tidy.

2. Make the Cooking Liquid

• To a large stockpot, add water, chicken or turkey broth, aromatics like onion, celery, garlic, and fresh herbs.

• For more flavor, try adding a few cups of wine, apple juice/cider, or citrus juice.

• Generously season with salt, pepper, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, and other desired seasonings.

3. Submerge the Turkey in the Liquid

• Place turkey breast side down in pot. Add more liquid if needed to completely cover.

• Bring the broth to a boil over high heat. Let it boil for a few minutes.

4. Reduce Heat and Simmer

• Once boiling, reduce heat to low to maintain a gentle simmer.

• Cover pot with lid slightly ajar. Simmer 20 minutes per pound, about 4 hours for a 15 lb turkey.

• Occasionally spoon hot liquid over the turkey to keep it submerged.

5. Check for Doneness

• Use a thermometer to check thickest part of thigh for 165°F. Meat near leg joint should be fork tender.

• If underdone, cover and continue simmering and checking every 20-30 minutes.

6. Remove Turkey and Let Rest

• Using tongs and mitted hands, carefully transfer turkey to a cutting board to rest for 20-30 minutes.

7. Make Gravy from Turkey Broth

• Strain the broth through a mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pot.

• Use turkey drippings to make a deliciously rich gravy, adding flour or cornstarch as a thickener.

8. Carve and Serve

• Carve the rested turkey and arrange on a platter with your favorite sides.

• Serve drizzled with the homemade gravy you created. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations

• For maximum flavor, brine the turkey for 8-12 hours before boiling.

• Swap different broths like vegetable or beef to impart different tastes.

• Add quartered potatoes, onions, and carrots during the last hour to simmer and serve as sides.

• Shred and freeze boiled turkey meat to use later in soups, salads, wraps, and casseroles.

• Reserve the strained broth to use for boiling noodles, cooking rice, or making risotto.

Common Questions

What size pot do I need to boil a turkey?

Aim to use a pot that’s about 2-3 times the size of your turkey. This allows ample room for the turkey to be submerged. An 8-12 quart stockpot usually works for turkeys under 15 lbs.

How long should I boil a 10 lb turkey?

For a 10 lb turkey, you’ll want to boil it for approximately 3-4 hours total, allowing 20 minutes per pound. Check for doneness at the 3 hour mark.

Can I stuff the turkey before boiling?

It’s best not to stuff the turkey, since the stuffing may not cook through or absorb unpleasant flavors from the boiling liquid. Cook stuffing separately for optimum results.

Can I boil a frozen turkey?

Yes, a frozen turkey can absolutely be boiled as long as it is completely thawed first. Never try to boil a frozen or partially frozen bird.

Is boiled turkey as flavorful as roasted?

When boiled in a well-seasoned broth, the turkey absorbs wonderful flavor and is very moist and tender. However, the skin does not get crispy and browned like roasting.

The Takeaway

For tender, juicy turkey with fantastic flavor, boiling is an easy, fuss-free cooking method. With an ample pot, fresh bird, aromatic broth and a little patience, you’ll be rewarded with a incredible holiday centerpiece. Get creative with your own signature boil flavors. Your family will be asking for the recipe!