How to Pluck a Turkey Using Hot Water: A Step-by-Step Guide

Plucking a turkey is an essential part of preparing it for roasting or smoking. While it may seem daunting, with the right technique, plucking a turkey is a manageable task Using hot water is one of the most effective and efficient ways to pluck a turkey. The heat from the hot water helps loosen the feathers so they can be removed more easily. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn how to perfectly pluck a turkey using hot water.

Gather the Necessary Supplies

Before starting the plucking process assemble all the supplies you’ll need

A large pot or bucket big enough to fit the turkey and fill with hot water. Stainless steel is ideal.
A stove, burner, or other heat source to boil the water.
A thermometer to monitor the water temperature. You’ll want it between 140-150°F.
Tongs or a turkey hook to immerse and remove the bird.
Rubber gloves to protect your hands.
An apron or clothes you don’t mind getting messy.
A cutting board and sharp knife.
A clean towel or paper towels.

Prepare the Turkey

Take a few preliminary steps to prepare the turkey before plucking:

Remove the head and neck if still attached. Cut off at the base of the neck.
Cut off the wings at the joints. This isn’t mandatory but can make plucking easier.
Optional: Remove the tail feathers if you want to save them.
Do not remove innards prior to plucking to avoid contaminating the cavity.

Heat Up the Water

Fill your pot with enough water to submerge the turkey up to its thighs.
Heat the water to around 140-150°F. Bring to a boil then let cool slightly.
Check temperature frequently with a thermometer. Water that is too hot can cook the skin.

Dunk and Swish the Turkey

Using tongs, slowly lower the turkey into the hot water, head first.
Completely submerge and hold for 10 seconds. Do not leave in too long.
Gently swish the bird around to agitate the feathers.
Carefully remove the turkey and allow excess water to drain off.

Pluck the Feathers

Hang the turkey upside down by its feet or place on a flat surface.
Starting from the tail, use firm, quick motions to pluck feathers in the direction they grow.
Work methodically around the body, removing feathers a section at a time.
Take your time and be gentle yet firm. Yanking too hard can tear the skin.
Remove any small pinfeathers with tweezers or by singeing with a lighter.
Thoroughly rinse away all feathers under cool running water.

Finish Prepping the Turkey

Pat the turkey dry thoroughly inside and out with paper towels.
If not done prior, carefully remove the innards and giblets.
Rinse the cavity again. Pat dry.
Truss the turkey or prepare as desired for cooking.
Refrigerate immediately until ready to cook.

With the proper supplies and technique, plucking a turkey using hot water is an easy process that readies your bird for incredible roasted flavor. The hot water loosens the feathers for quick removal while leaving the skin intact. Take your time, use proper temperatures, and work methodically for the best results. In no time, you’ll have a holiday-ready plucked turkey ready for all your favorite recipes and carving presentations. Enjoy!

how to pluck a turkey using hot water

How to Pluck a Wild Turkey

FAQ

How hot does water have to be to pluck a turkey?

Bring the water to a boil – while you’re waiting, remove with wings and tail feathers from the bird. Note that some turkey hunters think boiling is too hot and will dip their bird once the water temperature reaches 140º. Once the water reaches a boil, grab the bird by the feet (not the head) and completely submerge it.

Do you gut a turkey before plucking?

Instead, gut your bird in the field and leave the feathers on until you get it home or back to camp. The feathers will help protect the meat from bruising and dirt, and your home or camp will be a more efficient place to pluck. Dry-plucking a turkey takes time, which is why many hunters prefer wet plucking.

Can you rinse turkey with hot water?

“Many consumers think that washing their turkey will remove bacteria and make it safer. However, it’s virtually impossible to wash bacteria off the bird. Instead, juices that splash during washing can transfer bacteria onto the surfaces of your kitchen, other foods and utensils,” USDA officials warned.

How do you pluck a Turkey in a tub?

Tub pluckers make a world of difference. If you can get one, it will save a lot of effort. To pluck your turkey, you need to loosen the muscles that hold the feathers in place. You do this by scalding the deceased bird in hot water. Soak the bird in the hot water bath until the wing feathers pluck with marginal effort.

How do you pluck a dead Turkey?

To pluck your turkey, you need to loosen the muscles that hold the feathers in place. You do this by scalding the deceased bird in hot water. Soak the bird in the hot water bath until the wing feathers pluck with marginal effort. I use a water tank set on a robust bayou burner to achieve 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

How do you Dry pluck a Turkey?

To dry pluck a turkey, hang it up or hold it by the neck with one hand. Grab a few feathers at a time and pull them down toward the tail. Pulling in the direction the quills are laying makes them easier to remove and you’re less likely to rip the skin. Work your way around the bird until all the feathers are removed.

Should you pluck a Turkey?

Plucking is in line with this commitment to respect the wild animal fully, as you waste far less of the bird when defeathering than you would if skinning it. If you try plucking a turkey, you’ll also gain a new level of appreciation for this bird’s majesty.