Neither chefs nor food writers can agree on whether—or why—youd want to tie up your turkey. Some say that the splayed legs of an untrussed bird cook faster due to more exposure to hot air, plus more of the skin crisps. Others claim that the breasts of an untrussed turkey aren’t protected by the legs and therefore overcook.
But one thing is certain: Whether you prefer a wet-brined, dry-brined, or smoked turkey, trussing definitely makes for a bird worthy of a holiday table. (Have you seen an untrussed roasted turkey? It’s a bit eyebrow-raising.)
The thing is, trussing doesn’t have to involve fancy tucks, flips, or toys like French trussing needles. Sometimes it doesn’t require any twine at all. To achieve company-worthy turkey without all the fuss of traditional trussing, you dont need to do anything more than follow the steps below. Heres how to tie a turkey.
The arrival of Thanksgiving or Christmas means it’s time to roast a turkey. Trussing is a classic technique that helps the bird cook evenly. Traditionally, it requires kitchen twine. However, you can truss a turkey using common household items as replacements for tricky twine. Read on to learn creative methods for binding your bird into a neat bundle, no strings attached.
What Is Trussing and Why Does It Matter?
Trussing a turkey simply means tying it up with string before roasting. You loop string around the legs and body to draw everything together in a tidy cylindrical shape. This serves a few key purposes
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It compacts the body so the turkey cooks evenly, rather than legs or wings overcooking.
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It prevents the wings and legs from drooping and burning.
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It allows the body to absorb heat and cook faster, sealing in juices.
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It provides an aesthetic presentation with wings and legs tucked in neatly.
So yes, trussing is important for ensuring your holiday centerpiece turns out juicy golden brown and beautiful. But reaching for that spool of twine only to find it’s run out can be a hassle. Luckily, trussing without twine is easy with a few clever tricks.
3 Twine-Free Trussing Techniques
You can truss your turkey using common household items in place of kitchen twine or needle and thread. Here are three simple techniques:
1. Use Dental Floss
Dental floss makes a strong, compact trussing material. Simply cut off a length about 2 feet long and use it just as you would kitchen twine. Tie the legs together, wrap floss around the body cavity then tie it in place. The waxed texture helps keep knots in place.
2. Try Aluminum Foil Strips
Heavy-duty aluminum foil can substitute for twine in a pinch. Tear off strips about 2 inches wide and 8-10 inches long. Roll or fold the strips lengthwise into thicker cords. Then wrap these tightly around the bird to secure the legs and wings. The stiffness of foil helps hold its shape while roasting.
3. Insert Toothpicks or Skewers
Wooden skewers or toothpicks inserted strategically into the turkey can effectively truss and hold it together. Insert several at intervals underneath the wings and legs, fastening them to the body. Use at least 8-10 picks to keep the bird compact. The sharp points help secure it neatly.
Key Trussing Steps for Any Method
While the trussing material changes, the technique remains the same:
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Tie or fasten legs together at the ends.
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Loop cord around the body cavity opening to close it.
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Secure wings folded against the body with ties/pins.
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Fasten neck skin flap to back with picks or ties.
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Check that legs and wings are bound snugly to the body.
Expert Tips for Trussing Success
Whether using makeshift dental floss or basic toothpicks, follow these tips for foolproof trussing:
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Ensure your turkey is fully thawed before trussing. Tying up frozen limbs is nearly impossible.
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Use strong, smooth materials that won’t tear or snap under pressure and heat.
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Tie cords very tightly so the trussing doesn’t loosen while cooking.
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Insert at least 2-3 picks or ties securing each wing and leg to the body.
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Check that your trussing allows the legs and wings to remain fixed in place when you lift the turkey.
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Remove all trussing carefully after cooking so you don’t pull off cooked limbs by accident.
Get Creative with Household Trussing Solutions
Don’t let lack of standard kitchen twine stop you from trussing your holiday bird into edible perfection. Look around your home for inventive trussing solutions:
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Cut up an old cotton t-shirt into strips for soft, strong ties.
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Try tightly rolling and knotting parchment paper into durable cords.
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Use a clean shoelace or strip of fabric cut from an old sheet.
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Wrap thin rubber bands repeatedly around the body for a tight bind.
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Twist together multiple lengths of soft wire into a sturdy trussing rope.
With basic materials on hand and a little creativity, you can master the art of twine-free trussing. Before roasting, take a moment to admire your handiwork and snap some photos of your beautiful bird. Then relax and enjoy your perfectly cooked, picture-perfect turkey this holiday season.
Position the Wings
Tuck the wing tips behind the shoulders to lock them into place and protect them from scorching. The positioning of the wings also helps stabilize the bird on a platter. Next. Youll tie the ankles of the legs together to cover the cavity and create a holiday-worthy presentation. Pick one of these methods for how to truss a turkey:
Hold the Legs In Place Using a Hock Lock
Most turkeys come with a plastic, or sometimes metal, contraption that holds the two legs together. You know…the piece that you always cut and pull out so you can stuff the cavity. This is called a “hock lock” and it’s meant to stay in place during the cooking to hold the legs in place. So if youre baking your stuffing outside the turkey (always a smart idea), you can rest easy. You dont need to truss the turkey if you have a hock lock—its already done for you.
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FAQ
What can I use instead of twine to tie turkey?
How do you truss a turkey without skewers?
How do you truss a Turkey?
Fold the wings behind the turkey’s back. Tuck the legs underneath the turkey. Use kitchen twine to tie the legs together. Tie the wings to the body of the turkey. Trussing a turkey is a simple way to help keep the bird in a compact shape while it cooks, resulting in a more evenly cooked and moist turkey.
Do you need twine to truss a Turkey?
The thing is, trussing doesn’t have to involve fancy tucks, flips, or toys like French trussing needles. Sometimes it doesn’t require any twine at all. To achieve company-worthy turkey without all the fuss of traditional trussing, you don’t need to do anything more than follow the steps below.
How do you truss a Turkey using Shepherd’s knot?
To truss a turkey using the Shepherd’s Knot method, you will need the following materials: 1. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat dry with paper towels. 2. Place the turkey breast-side up on a cutting board. 3. Cut a piece of kitchen string or butcher’s twine about 3 feet long. 4.
How do you tie a turkey legs together?
Or, you can simply use twine, kite string, or unwaxed dental floss to hold the legs together. If you’re using this method, follow these steps for how to tie a turkey: Cross the turkey’s “ankles” (the ends of the drumsticks) one over the other. Wrap twine around them and make a regular (overhand) knot to secure them.