How to Cook a Juicy, Delicious 19-Pound Turkey

How to Cook a 19-pound Turkey

The holidays are coming up, and that means it’s time to start thinking about cooking a turkey. If you’re planning on cooking a 19-pound turkey, you’re in for a challenge, but it’s definitely doable. With a little planning and preparation, you can cook a delicious and juicy turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of cooking a 19-pound turkey, from brining to roasting. We’ll provide tips on how to make sure your turkey is cooked evenly and safely, and we’ll also give you some ideas for delicious side dishes to serve with your turkey.

So whether you’re a seasoned turkey cook or you’re just starting out, read on for all the information you need to cook a perfect 19-pound turkey.

Step Instructions Tips
1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). If your turkey is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator for 2 days before cooking.
2 Remove the giblets from the turkey’s cavity. The giblets are the internal organs of the turkey, including the heart, liver, and gizzard.
3 Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
4 Place the turkey breast-side up in a roasting pan. If you are stuffing the turkey, do so now.
5 Cover the turkey with aluminum foil. The foil will help to keep the turkey moist while it cooks.
6 Roast the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the turkey.
7 Let the turkey rest for 10 minutes before carving. The turkey will continue to cook while it rests.

Equipment and Ingredients

What you will need

* A 19-pound turkey
* A roasting pan
* A meat thermometer
* A basting brush
* Aluminum foil
* Cooking spray
* Salt
* Pepper
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Dried thyme
* Dried oregano
* Fresh rosemary
* Fresh sage

Ingredients

* 1 cup of melted butter
* 1/2 cup of chopped onion
* 1/2 cup of chopped celery
* 1/2 cup of chopped carrots
* 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
* 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
* 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon of salt
* 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Steps

Step 1: Thawing the turkey

If you are thawing the turkey in the refrigerator, it will take about 24 hours for a 19-pound turkey to thaw completely. If you are thawing the turkey in a sink full of cold water, it will take about 3-4 hours for a 19-pound turkey to thaw completely.

Once the turkey is thawed, rinse it inside and out with cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Preparing the turkey

Remove the giblets from the turkey cavity. Rinse the giblets under cold water and set them aside.

If you are not stuffing the turkey, place a large piece of aluminum foil over the breast of the turkey. This will help to keep the breast from drying out.

If you are stuffing the turkey, stuff the cavity with your favorite stuffing. Be sure to pack the stuffing loosely so that it cooks evenly.

Tie the legs of the turkey together with kitchen twine.

Step 3: Cooking the turkey

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.

Place the turkey in a roasting pan. Brush the turkey with melted butter.

Roast the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

If you are basting the turkey, baste it every 30 minutes with the pan drippings.

Step 4: Carving the turkey

Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving it.

To carve the turkey, remove the legs by cutting through the joint between the thigh and the body. Remove the wings by cutting through the joint between the wing and the body.

Cut the breast meat off of the bone in thin slices.

Serve the turkey with your favorite sides.

Conclusion

Cooking a 19-pound turkey can be a daunting task, but it is definitely doable. Just follow these steps and you will have a delicious and juicy turkey for your Thanksgiving dinner.

3. Tips and Tricks

* Tips for cooking a juicy turkey

There are a few things you can do to help ensure that your turkey is juicy and flavorful.

* Start with a fresh turkey. The best way to get a juicy turkey is to start with a fresh bird. Frozen turkeys can be just as delicious, but they will take longer to cook and may not be as juicy.
* Rub the turkey with a flavorful mixture. Before cooking, rub the turkey with a mixture of olive oil, butter, herbs, and spices. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the meat.
* Don’t overcook the turkey. The best way to ensure that your turkey is juicy is to cook it to the correct internal temperature. A whole turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Let the turkey rest before carving. After cooking, let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more juicy.

* Tips for avoiding dry turkey

There are a few things you can do to help avoid a dry turkey.

* Don’t overcook the turkey. As mentioned above, the best way to ensure that your turkey is juicy is to cook it to the correct internal temperature. A whole turkey should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Use a meat thermometer. The best way to check the internal temperature of your turkey is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, away from the bone. The turkey is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Don’t baste the turkey. Basting the turkey can actually dry it out. The water from the basting liquid will evaporate, leaving the turkey drier than it would be if you didn’t baste it.
* Don’t let the turkey dry out while resting. After cooking, let the turkey rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more juicy.

* Tips for making a flavorful turkey

There are a few things you can do to help make your turkey more flavorful.

* Rub the turkey with a flavorful mixture. Before cooking, rub the turkey with a mixture of olive oil, butter, herbs, and spices. This will help to add flavor and moisture to the meat.
* Use a flavorful cooking liquid. When roasting a turkey, use a flavorful cooking liquid such as chicken broth, white wine, or apple cider. This will help to add flavor to the meat.
* Serve the turkey with flavorful sides. Serve the turkey with flavorful sides such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, and gravy. This will help to round out the flavor of the meal.

4. Safety Precautions

* How to safely thaw a turkey

The best way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator. To do this, place the turkey in a large bowl or roasting pan and cover it with plastic wrap. Allow the turkey to thaw in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours, or until it is completely thawed.

* How to safely cook a turkey

The best way to cook a turkey is to roast it in the oven. To do this, preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the turkey in a roasting pan and rub it with a mixture of olive oil, butter, herbs, and spices. Roast the turkey for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

* How to safely store a cooked turkey

The best way to store a cooked turkey is in the refrigerator. To do this, allow the turkey to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store the turkey in the refrigerator for up to three days.

By following these tips and tricks, you can cook a juicy, flavorful, and safe turkey for your next holiday meal.

How long do I cook a 19 lb turkey?

A 19 lb turkey will take about 4 hours to cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

What temperature should I cook a turkey?

The ideal cooking temperature for a turkey is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best way to cook a turkey?

There are many different ways to cook a turkey, but the most common methods are roasting, frying, and smoking.

What is the best way to baste a turkey?

The best way to baste a turkey is to use a pastry brush to apply melted butter or cooking oil to the skin every 30 minutes or so. This will help to keep the turkey moist and flavorful.

What is the best way to stuff a turkey?

The best way to stuff a turkey is to loosely fill the cavity with stuffing and then secure the opening with a truss. This will help to prevent the stuffing from becoming dry and overcooked.

What is the best way to cook a turkey breast?

The best way to cook a turkey breast is to roast it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best way to cook a turkey leg?

The best way to cook a turkey leg is to roast it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best way to cook a turkey wing?

The best way to cook a turkey wing is to fry it in oil at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

cooking a 19-pound turkey can be a daunting task, but it is definitely doable with the right planning and preparation. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can cook a delicious and juicy turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving dinner.

Here are a few key takeaways to remember:

* Start by brining the turkey for at least 24 hours. This will help to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
* Rub the turkey with a mixture of oil, herbs, and spices before roasting. This will add flavor and help to create a crispy skin.
* Roast the turkey at a low temperature (325 degrees Fahrenheit) for the first hour. This will help to render the fat and keep the meat from drying out.
* Increase the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit for the remainder of the cooking time. This will help to brown the skin and finish cooking the meat.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make for a more flavorful and juicy turkey.

With a little bit of planning and effort, you can cook a 19-pound turkey that will be the talk of your Thanksgiving dinner. So get started today and enjoy a delicious and memorable holiday meal!

Author Profile

Mike Thompson
Mike Thompson
Hello, fellow turkey enthusiasts! I'm Mike Thompson, a proud resident of the picturesque state of Missouri, renowned for its thriving turkey population and favorable hunting conditions. For over a decade, I've roamed the woods, valleys, and peaks of our beautiful state, learning every nook, cranny, and secret that turkey hunting has to offer. My track record? Well, let's just say I've bagged more turkeys than there are days in November, and each hunt has added a story to my ever-growing book of experiences.

However, as much as I love the thrill of the hunt, what truly fuels my passion is the joy of sharing my knowledge with others. That's why I created this platform. This site is not just a testament to my journey but a beacon for all those who are looking to embark on their own turkey hunting adventures. Whether you're a beginner eager to get started or a seasoned pro seeking advanced tips, you'll find a wealth of information here.

From understanding turkey behavior, tracking techniques, and the best equipment to use, to the do's and don'ts of turkey hunting, this site is a comprehensive guide to all things turkey. So, strap on your boots, pick up your gear, and let's embark on a journey together into the world of turkey hunting. Welcome to my site, and happy hunting!