How Long to Rest a 20-Pound Turkey: The Ultimate Guide

The holidays are coming up, and that means it’s time to start thinking about roasting a turkey. But before you can carve into that delicious bird, you need to know how long to rest it.

Resting a turkey is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bird. But how long should you rest a turkey?

The answer depends on a few factors, including the size of the turkey and the cooking method. For a 20-pound turkey, you should plan to rest it for at least 30 minutes. If you’re cooking the turkey in a roasting pan, you can loosely tent it with foil to keep it warm while it rests.

Resting a turkey is a simple step that can make a big difference in the final product. So next time you’re roasting a turkey, be sure to give it plenty of time to rest. Your taste buds will thank you!

Time	Temperature	Internal Temperature
30 minutes	150 degrees F	165 degrees F
45 minutes	160 degrees F	170 degrees F
60 minutes	170 degrees F	175 degrees F

Why Rest a Turkey?

Resting a turkey is an important step in the cooking process that helps to ensure that the meat is juicy and flavorful. When you cook a turkey, the juices inside the bird are heated and begin to flow. If you carve the turkey immediately, these juices will be lost, resulting in a dry bird. By resting the turkey for a period of time after cooking, the juices have a chance to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more moist and flavorful finished product.

There are a few different ways to rest a turkey. The most common method is to let the turkey sit loosely covered with foil for at least 30 minutes before carving. You can also rest the turkey in a warm oven (175 degrees Fahrenheit) for up to 2 hours. If you are planning to reheat the turkey later, it is best to rest it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Resting a turkey is a simple step that can make a big difference in the final product. By taking the time to rest your turkey, you will be rewarded with a juicy, flavorful bird that everyone will enjoy.

How to Rest a Turkey

To rest a turkey, you will need the following:

A large platter or cutting board
A sheet of aluminum foil
A meat thermometer

Instructions

1. Remove the turkey from the oven and place it on a large platter or cutting board.
2. Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
3. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, making sure not to touch the bone.
4. Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Carve the turkey and enjoy!

Here are a few tips for resting a turkey

Make sure the turkey is completely cooked before resting it. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh.

Tent the turkey loosely with aluminum foil to help retain heat.

Do not let the turkey rest for too long. If the turkey rests for too long, the juices will start to congeal and the meat will become dry.

Carve the turkey and enjoy!

Resting a turkey is an important step in the cooking process that helps to ensure that the meat is juicy and flavorful. By taking the time to rest your turkey, you will be rewarded with a delicious meal that everyone will enjoy.

How Long to Rest a Turkey

After you’ve roasted a turkey, it’s important to let it rest before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bird.

The amount of time you need to rest a turkey will vary depending on its size. A general rule of thumb is to rest a turkey for 20 minutes per pound. So, a 20-pound turkey will need to rest for 4 hours.

However, there are a few factors that can affect how long you need to rest a turkey. These include:

The temperature of the turkey: A hotter turkey will need to rest for less time than a cooler turkey.
The type of cooking method you used: A turkey that was roasted in the oven will need to rest for longer than a turkey that was grilled or smoked.
The size of the turkey: A larger turkey will need to rest for longer than a smaller turkey.

If you’re not sure how long to rest your turkey, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and rest it for longer. A rested turkey will be more flavorful and juicy, and it will be less likely to dry out when you carve it.

Here are some tips for resting a turkey

Place the turkey on a platter or cutting board and cover it loosely with foil.
Let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes per pound.
If you’re not going to carve the turkey right away, keep it warm by placing it in a preheated oven at 175 degrees Fahrenheit.
Don’t carve the turkey until it’s reached room temperature. This will help to prevent the juices from running out.

Troubleshooting

If you’re not sure if your turkey is done resting, there are a few things you can check.

The turkey should be firm to the touch.
The juices should run clear when you insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh.
The internal temperature of the turkey should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

If your turkey is not done resting, cover it loosely with foil and return it to the oven for 10-15 minutes.

Here are some common problems people have when resting a turkey

The turkey is too hot. If the turkey is too hot, it will cook further while it’s resting. This can result in a dry turkey. To prevent this, let the turkey cool down for a few minutes before resting it.

The turkey is not covered. If the turkey is not covered, the juices will evaporate. This can result in a dry turkey. To prevent this, cover the turkey loosely with foil.

The turkey is not rested long enough. If the turkey is not rested long enough, the juices will not redistribute evenly throughout the meat. This can result in a dry turkey. To prevent this, rest the turkey for at least 20 minutes per pound.

By following these tips, you can rest your turkey properly and ensure that it’s juicy and flavorful.

Resting a turkey is an important step in the cooking process. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy bird. By following the tips in this article, you can rest your turkey properly and ensure that it’s cooked to perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How Long Should A 20-Pound Turkey Rest Before Carving?

Answer: A 20-pound turkey should rest for about 30 to 40 minutes before carving. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring that the turkey remains moist and flavorful when served.

2. Is It Necessary To Cover The Turkey While It Rests?

Answer: Yes, it is advisable to loosely cover the turkey with aluminum foil while it rests. This helps to keep it warm without making the skin soggy, preserving the crispness of the skin.

3. Can Resting Time Vary Based On Cooking Method?

Answer: Yes, the resting time can vary slightly depending on the cooking method. For instance, a turkey cooked in a convection oven might require a slightly shorter resting time compared to one roasted in a traditional oven. However, the general guideline of 30 to 40 minutes still applies.

4. What Happens If You Don’t Rest The Turkey Long Enough?

Answer: If a turkey doesn’t rest long enough, the juices haven’t had sufficient time to redistribute, which can result in a drier, less flavorful meat. Cutting into the turkey too soon can cause these juices to run out, leaving the meat less moist.

5. How Does Resting Affect The Overall Flavor And Texture Of The Turkey?

Answer: Resting significantly affects the overall flavor and texture of the turkey. It allows the meat to reabsorb the juices that have been driven to its center during cooking, leading to a moist, tender, and flavorful final product. Without adequate resting, the turkey can be less juicy and flavorful.

Final Word

resting a 20-pound turkey is a crucial step in ensuring that its flavors are fully developed and its texture is optimal. The recommended resting time for a turkey of this size is approximately 30 to 40 minutes. This duration allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a moist, flavorful turkey. It’s important to cover the turkey loosely with foil during this period to retain heat without causing the skin to lose its crispness.

Additionally, patience during the resting period pays off in the quality of the meat. Avoid cutting into the turkey too soon, as this can lead to a loss of moisture and flavor. Instead, use this time to prepare your side dishes or set the table. By following these guidelines, you ensure that your 20-pound turkey is not only cooked to perfection but also rests adequately to achieve the ideal texture and flavor.