TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Whether cooking for two guests or 20, preparing a Thanksgiving meal is often stressful. Thus, CBS11 found some time-saving tips to make your holiday feast as easy to put together as it is to enjoy.
The first holiday hack comes from deep in the piney woods of East Texas. In the city of Marshall, on a quiet two-lane highway, is the Bear Creek Smokehouse, which has remained in the Shoults Family for almost 80 years.
Its not at all surprising that third generation owner, Robbie Shoults, knows a thing or two about turkey and how to prepare it… but whats definitely surprising is how he does it.
“So many people, we tell them that and they look at us like you have lost your mind,” said Shoults. “And really, who could blame them? I mean, who ever heard of cooking turkey… in the dishwasher? A lot of times youre short on oven or stove top space. So, we thought, hmm, what can we do, you know, maybe a little hack to show people other ways to heat it? We came up with our fully cooked smoked turkey and put it in the dishwasher and put it on the bottom rack. Leave it in the wrapper and just run it on a regular cycle. And, you know, the hot water and the steam and everything. It just comes out beautiful.”
Now, the key words here are fully cooked. Whether its a turkey or a ham, it already has to be fully cooked and in its original vacuum-sealed wrapper.
“One recommendation I would have,” said Shoults, “is whether its a smoked turkey or smoked ham or whatever, is set it on the kitchen counter the night before. So, its already got the refrigerator chill taken off of it. And then that that morning you would just take it and place it in the dishwasher. And its going to heat it all the way through. If its a big ham, you might want to run it on two cycles. One thing about it with the dishwasher, you cant overcook it.”
And perhaps the best part? Theres no messy roasting pan to scour, clean-up is minimal. But what about the sides?
From cranberry salsa with fresh cilantro and jalapeno — to roasted sweet potatoes with chili powder and cayenne pepper.
“It doesnt have, like, all the butter and the marshmallows and all the ooey gooey stuff in there. Its a its a just a great, healthy alternative to it. And they are fantastic,” said Shoults.
The bacon and brown sugar green beans, which as Shoults joked “is like having sides, protein and desert all in one dish,” are easy to make.
But perhaps the most important tip is simply to remember what Thanksgiving is all about… and to make the most of the time spent together.
“You know, nowadays weve got so many electronics things and sometimes its so easy for parents and kids to become disconnected. And I think its so great when you can come in and get your kids involved in the kitchen (and they love activities) and actually youre going to be making memories that are going to last a lifetime.”
2. In a medium bowl, stir together cranberry mixture, green onions, jalapeno, cilantro and lime juice.
4. Serve over cream cheese with assorted crackers, or use as a side for turkey dinner.
Cooking an entire turkey in the dishwasher may sound crazy, but it’s a real technique that can produce a moist, tender bird. While unconventional, this unique dishwasher turkey method can free up your oven and stovetop when cooking for a crowd.
Below is everything you need to know to try out this zany, yet effective approach to holiday turkey.
Overview of Cooking Turkey in the Dishwasher
The basic process of dishwasher turkey involves
- Placing the raw turkey in an oven bag
- Sealing the bag tightly
- Laying the bagged bird directly on the dishwasher rack
- Running several normal wash cycles
- Finishing in the oven for browning if desired
The hot water bath gently steams the turkey to perfection. It sounds odd but many who have tried it swear by the results.
Benefits of Dishwasher Turkey
Why cook a turkey in the dishwasher? There are a few advantages to this unique technique
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Frees up oven space – Great for small ovens when cooking multiple dishes
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Moist, tender meat – The steam provides an evenly moist bird
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Hands-off method – Just set it and forget it while you prep other foods
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Fun conversation topic – Intrigue and amuse your Thanksgiving guests
While not necessarily easier or faster than roasting, it can be a handy oven-alternative when pressed for space.
Choosing a Turkey for the Dishwasher
You’ll need to use a turkey small enough to fit in your dishwasher. Good options include:
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Turkey breast – Boneless or bone-in breasts work well. Opt for about 3-6 pounds.
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Cornish game hens – Smaller individual birds steam perfectly.
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Turkey thighs – Use 2-4 bone-in thighs depending on size.
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Small turkeys – Select a turkey under 12 pounds. Larger birds won’t fit.
Make sure your turkey will lay flat in the dishwasher to get steamed evenly.
Tips for Preparing Turkey for the Dishwasher
Proper preparation is key for success with dishwasher turkeys:
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Use an oven bag – This contains the meat and prevents a mess. Select large bags for bigger birds.
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Season under the skin – Lift skin and rub herbs, citrus, spices, or compound butter over the breast meat before bagging.
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Truss the turkey – Tie the legs together to allow it to sit flat in the dishwasher.
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Seal the bag tightly – Remove all air and use clips or tape to secure the oven bag shut.
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Place on bottom rack – Lay flat on the dishwasher’s bottom rack away from the heating element.
Proper trussing and tightly sealing the bag are vital to prevent leaks or uneven cooking.
How Long to Cook Turkey in Dishwasher
Cooking time depends on the size of your turkey:
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Turkey breast – Cook for 25-35 minutes per pound
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Cornish hens – Cook for 50-60 minutes total
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Turkey thighs – Cook for 60-75 minutes per pound
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Small turkey – Cook for about 50 minutes per pound
For example, a 6 pound turkey breast would take 3-3.5 hours while a 12 pound small turkey would need about 10 hours total.
Dishwasher Turkey Cooking Directions
Follow these step-by-step instructions for perfectly steamed dishwasher turkey:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole small turkey or turkey breast, thighs, or Cornish hens
- Oven bag
- Herbs, citrus, butter, or seasoning of choice
Steps:
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Clean turkey inside and out. Pat dry.
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Loosen skin from breast and rub seasoned butter or citrus under skin.
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Truss turkey legs with cooking twine to fit in bag.
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Place turkey in a large oven bag. Remove air and seal tightly with bag clips or tape.
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Lay bagged turkey flat on bottom dishwasher rack. Keep away from heating element.
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Run dishwasher through full wash cycles on santize setting until turkey is cooked through.
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Use a meat thermometer to check internal temperature, which should reach 165°F.
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For crispy skin, remove from bag and broil 10-15 minutes.
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Let rest 15 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your dishwasher turkey!
Be sure to use a thermometer for safety. The moist heat makes it easy to overcook.
Tips for the Best Dishwasher Turkey
Maximize success and flavor with these pro tips:
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Inject broth or rub compound butter under the skin for added moisture and flavor
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Add lemons, oranges, onions, or garlic to the bag to infuse citrus and aromatics
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Use poultry seasoning or cajun seasoning for a flavor boost
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Inspect seals mid-cycle to ensure no leaks
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Flip turkey halfway through cooking for even steaming
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Add a touch of broth or water to the bag to generate extra steam
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Finish under the broiler or on the grill for crispy browned skin
Getting creative with flavorings gives you a delicious dishwasher-cooked bird.
Common Dishwasher Turkey Mistakes to Avoid
Steer clear of these common pitfalls when cooking turkey in the dishwasher:
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Not sealing the bag well – Sloppy seals lead to leaks and watery turkey.
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Overfilling the cavity – Stuffing expands and can burst the bag. Cook stuffing separately.
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Puncturing the bag – Prick holes will also create leaks. Be gentle when handling.
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Adding too much liquid – More than a splash creates excess water.
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Not monitoring temperature – Overcooking results in dry, stringy meat.
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Removing from heat too soon – Check for safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F.
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Forgetting to truss – Untied legs lead to uneven cooking.
Proper sealing and monitoring are key for juicy, properly cooked dishwasher turkey.
Troubleshooting Dishwasher Turkey Problems
If you run into issues, here are some likely causes and solutions:
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Unevenly cooked meat – Bird wasn’t properly trussed flat. Use more twine next time.
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Soggy, waterlogged skin – Bag leaked. Check seals and clips.
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Dried out meat – Cooking time was too long. Remove earlier next try.
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Undercooked interior – Didn’t run dishwasher long enough. Extend time for size of turkey.
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Burst oven bag – Overstuffed cavity. Cook stuffing separately.
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Grease buildup in dishwasher – Be sure to remove all turkey juices from dishwasher after cooking. Run empty cycle with dishwasher cleaner to remove residue.
Getting it right may take some trial and error. Adjust any variables if your first attempt doesn’t go perfectly.
Should You Really Cook Turkey in the Dishwasher?
While this unorthodox dishwasher turkey method does work, whether you should try it is up for debate.
There are certainly easier and more foolproof ways to cook a turkey for Thanksgiving or other holidays. Roasting in the oven with a simple brine yields predictable, fantastic results every time.
However, for those looking to experiment or wanting to free up oven space, dishwasher turkey can be an interesting adventure and tasty conversation piece.
If you elect to give this quirky technique a shot, proper preparation and closely monitoring cook times are essential. Take precautions to avoid leaks or safety issues. And have a backup turkey ready just in case!
The takeaway: While cooking turkey in the dishwasher is certainly feasible, standard oven roasting is likely the simpler, safer choice for most. But for the daring cooks out there, dishwasher turkey can be a moist, fun way to shake up tradition.
More from CBS News
Karen Borta is a veteran journalist who joined CBS 11 News in 1995. Prior to that, she was an anchor and reporter at CBS affiliate WTVT-TV in Tampa, KRBK-TV in Sacramento and KCEN-TV in Waco.
I Made Thanksgiving Dinner In The Dishwasher…And My Family Had No Idea!
FAQ
How do you clean and cook a turkey?
Do you put water in the bottom when cooking a turkey?
Is it safe to soak a turkey in the sink?
Can you cook a Thanksgiving turkey in a dishwasher?
If you can’t seem to keep your Thanksgiving turkey moist in the oven, you may want to try your dishwasher.Yes, people have been using the kitchen washing machine to cook proteins and fish since the 1970s, but famed chef David Burke insists you can also use it to cook the star of your Thanksgiving meal.
Can one eat turkey sandwich with diarrhea?
Ideally, you should avoid processed and very fatty foods, such as ready-made sauces, fried foods and sausages, as well as foods that can cause the production of gases. During diarrhea it is important to prioritize easily digestible foods, lean meats, such as chicken and fish; and peeled fruits, which will help with digestion, control the volume of bowel movements and relieve stomach pain.
How long do you cook a 2Lb Turkey in the dishwasher?
Toss it in the dishwasher for one 50-minute cycle per two pounds o’ turkey (yes, this makes cooking a big bird rather impractical) Make sure your turkey reaches 165 degrees F (use a meat thermometer) before enjoying Don’t tell your guests how you cooked it, or you’ll be eating alone Unconvinced?
Can you cook a Turkey in a washing machine?
Yes, people have been using the kitchen washing machine to cook proteins and fish since the 1970s, but famed chef David Burke insists you can also use it to cook the star of your Thanksgiving meal. But before you start shoving your entire turkey in the dishwasher, Burke’s recipe calls for two boneless turkey breasts, not the entire bird.