Do you know How to Carve a Turkey? Once you’ve put in all that time and effort prepping and cooking the turkey, you want to make sure it’s done right. My tried-and-true steps and useful tips are here to help!
Learning how to carve a turkey for beginners does not have to be stressful or overly time-consuming.
With the right tools and process, you can have a showcase-worthy bird ready to serve in no time!
How to Carve a Turkey Breast Perfectly with an Electric Knife
Carving a turkey can be intimidating, but having the right tools makes the task much easier. An electric knife is the perfect way to smoothly and evenly slice turkey breast meat. Follow this step-by-step guide for expert tips on how to properly carve a turkey breast using an electric knife for picture-perfect results.
Choose the Right Electric Knife
Not all electric knives are created equal when it comes to carving meat. Look for a sturdy, sharp electric knife designed specifically for carving roasts and poultry Models that allow you to remove and change the blades are ideal, as you’ll want a straight edge blade rather than a serrated edge. Opt for a corded electric knife over a cordless model to avoid losing power at inopportune moments
Prepare the Turkey Breast
Take the turkey breast out of the oven and allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute through the meat for maximum moisture and flavor. Place the turkey breast on a large cutting board or carving platter. Have a separate platter ready nearby to arrange the sliced meat onto.
Position Yourself Wisely
Standing in front of the cutting board with the turkey directly in front of you, angled slightly away, will give you the best leverage and control. Make sure you have space on both sides to maneuver the electric knife. If you’re left-handed, you may want to reverse your position.
Anchor the Turkey
Use your hand to hold the turkey breast firmly in place on the cutting board. Or, anchor it by holding a carving fork straight down into the thickest part of the breast. This prevents the breast from slipping as you carve it.
Slice with the Electric Knife
Turn the electric knife on, letting it reach full speed. Position the knife at the top corner of the breast, where it meets the wings. Insert the electric knife into the meat, keeping it as straight as possible. Gently guide the knife straight down through the meat, slicing off even, thin pieces from top to bottom.
Apply just enough pressure to keep the blade moving through the breast, but avoid forcing it. Let the electric knife do the work. Continue making straight, smooth slices down the length of the breast.
Lift and Transfer the Slices
Once you’ve sliced an entire portion, use a carving fork or wide spatula to gently lift up the slice of breast meat. Carefully transfer it from the cutting board to your serving platter, keeping the slice intact. Repeat with the remaining slices until the whole breast is carved.
Arrange the carved slices attractively on the platter. Pour over any accumulated turkey juices from the cutting board to keep each slice moist and flavorful.
Carve the Other Side
When one half of the turkey breast is completely carved, reposition it to carve the other side. Again anchor the breast securely using your free hand or a fork. Slice the second side using the same methodical straight cuts downward from top to bottom.
Transfer the sliced pieces to the serving platter in an appealing arrangement. Pour over more collected juices. Keep the platter in a warm oven until ready to serve for best texture and taste.
Carving Tips and Tricks
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Chill the breast in the fridge for easier, cleaner slicing.
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Cut against the grain of the meat for tender, optimal bites.
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Set the electric knife to a lower speed if it seems to tear the meat.
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Cut thicker slices from the fatter end and thinner from the narrower end.
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Always slice away from yourself for safety and control.
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Add any leftover trimmings to turkey stock for extra flavor.
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Let guests help themselves to avoid manhandling the delicate meat.
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Provide a sharp non-electric knife for diners to cut their own portions.
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Refrigerate all leftover turkey within 2 hours.
Mastering the Electric Knife for Carving
With minimal effort, an electric knife can transform you into a pro at carving turkey breasts to perfection. The key is working slowly and deliberately, letting the electric knife glide through the meat. Resist the urge to force it and you’ll be rewarded with picture-perfect slices. Just follow this guide for foolproof turkey breast carving every time.
Before you know it, you’ll be able to carve and serve turkey breasts like a seasoned professional. Impress your family and guests with your electric knife skills at the next holiday feast. Even better, enjoy how easy it is to DIY with your newfound turkey carving expertise.
The Best Way to Carve a Turkey
These step-by-step instructions for how to carve a turkey with pictures will help you feel like a Thanksgiving pro!
Before we get started, here are the tools you’ll need to carve your turkey:
- Knife. For this tutorial, we’re learning how to carve a turkey with a knife. While I generally use an electric carving knife, any sharp boning or chef’s knife will work just fine.
- Carving Board. Aside from the sharp knife, a carving board is an incredibly helpful tool to have. The ridges help hold the meat in place while you’re cutting, and grooves in the board will catch any juices (no slimy countertops!).
- Serving Platter. While not an absolutely essential item, showcasing all your hard work on a beautiful platter is deeply satisfying (and the platter will look wonderful on your table!). This one is festive and dishwasher-safe. Having your Thanksgiving meal outdoors (lucky!)? Try this sturdy melamine option with handles.
Let your turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This critical step allows the juices to reincorporate into the meat, resulting in a more tender and moist turkey.
- Once you’ve let your turkey rest (DO NOT skip this!), place the turkey on a carving board with the legs facing you. If your turkey has a string holding the legs together, snip it away with a pair of scissors and discard.
- Start by pulling the legs back and away from the body, until you hear the thigh bones pop. (If you’re having trouble getting them to snap, use your hand to put pressure on the joint; if you’re using an electric knife, you may not need to snap them all the way, but pulling will help you see the right spot to cut.) Cut the legs off where they connect to the breast and place them on your plate (leave the drumsticks connected for now).
- Cut the breast meat off the turkey one side at a time, slicing downward as close to the breast bone as you can. Place the breasts on the platter.
- Remove the wings by pulling and cutting them at the joints. Place them on your serving platter. Transfer the turkey carcass to a separate platter or back to your roasting pan. Wipe your carving board clean with a paper towel.
- Place the thighs back on your carving board. Pull the thighs and drumsticks apart at the joints.
- Carve these pieces of meat by making cuts parallel to the bones. Return the sliced meat to your platter.
- Place the breasts on your carving board. With the skin facing up, carve the turkey breasts crosswise against the grain, creating slices that are about 1/4-inch thick. Return the sliced meat to your platter. Beautiful work, ENJOY!
How to Carve a Turkey
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- 1 Roasted turkey see How to Cook a Turkey and Spatchock Turkey for directions
- Sharp knife or electric knife
- Once you’ve let your turkey rest (DO NOT skip this!), place the turkey on a carving board with the legs facing you. If your turkey has a string holding the legs together, snip it away with a pair of scissors and discard.
- Start by pulling the legs back and away from the body, until you hear the thigh bones pop. (If you’re having trouble getting them to snap, use your hand to put pressure on the joint; if you’re using an electric knife, you may not need to snap them all the way, but pulling will help you see the right spot to cut.) Cut the legs off where they connect to the breast and place them on your plate (leave the drumsticks connected for now).
- Cut the breast meat off the turkey one side at a time, slicing downward as close to the breast bone as you can. Place the breasts on the platter.
- Remove the wings by pulling and cutting them at the joints. Place them on your serving platter. Transfer the turkey carcass to a separate platter or back to your roasting pan. Wipe your carving board clean with a paper towel.
- Place the thighs back on your carving board. Pull the thighs and drumsticks apart at the joints.
- Carve these pieces of meat by making cuts parallel to the bones. Return the sliced meat to your platter.
- Place the breasts on your carving board. With the skin facing up, carve the turkey breasts crosswise against the grain, creating slices that are about 1/4-inch thick. Return the sliced meat to your platter. Beautiful work, ENJOY!
- Check out my Leftover Turkey Recipes post for all the best turkey storage tips and ways to repurpose any leftovers.
How to carve a turkey breast with an electric knife
FAQ
Should you carve a turkey with an electric knife?
How to carve a turkey breast for beginners?
Do you cut a turkey breast with the grain or against the grain?
How long to let a turkey breast rest before carving?
How do you carve a turkey breast?
Carve these pieces of meat by making cuts parallel to the bones. Return the sliced meat to your platter. Place the breasts on your carving board. With the skin facing up, carve the turkey breasts crosswise against the grain, creating slices that are about 1/4-inch thick. Return the sliced meat to your platter. Beautiful work, ENJOY! Electric Knife.
How to slice a turkey breast with an electric knife?
Now, it’s time to start slicing and plating your turkey. Start with the breasts, carefully slicing the meat down with the electric knife and then pulling it out. You should avoid sawing the meat; it’s not necessary with an electric knife.
How do you cut a turkey breast with a knife?
Jason Donnelly Place the turkey breast bone-side up on a cutting board. Locate the breastbone, then place the blade of your knife just to the outside of the bone. Using your knife, run the blade from one edge of the turkey breast to the other, tracing as closely along the breast bone as possible.
How to carve a 20 pound turkey?
Carving a 20 pound turkey quickly and easily using a boning knife and an electric knife.