How to Roast a Juicy, Perfectly-Cooked 5-lb Turkey Breast

ByMike Thompson Turkey Recipe

How to Roast a 5-Pound Turkey Breast

The holidays are coming up, and that means it’s time to start thinking about roasting a turkey. If you’re not sure how to roast a turkey breast, don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of roasting a 5-pound turkey breast, from start to finish. We’ll give you tips on how to choose the right turkey, how to prepare it, and how to cook it to perfection. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a complete novice, read on for all the information you need to roast a delicious turkey breast this holiday season.

Step Instructions Time
1 Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). 15 minutes
2 Rinse the turkey breast and pat dry with paper towels. 5 minutes
3 Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan. 5 minutes
4 Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. 5 minutes
5 Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of the roasting pan. 5 minutes
6 Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil. 5 minutes
7 Roast the turkey breast for 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). 2 hours
8 Let the turkey breast rest for 15 minutes before carving. 15 minutes

Equipment and Ingredients

Equipment

* A large roasting pan
* A roasting rack
* A meat thermometer
* A basting brush
* Kitchen shears
* Paper towels

Ingredients

* 5-pound boneless turkey breast
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup dry white wine
* 1/4 cup chicken broth
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or sage)

Preparation

Thawing the turkey breast

If your turkey breast is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours before cooking.

Removing the giblets

If your turkey breast comes with giblets, remove them and save them for another use. The giblets are the internal organs of the turkey, including the heart, liver, and gizzard.

Marinating the turkey breast

To marinate the turkey breast, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, white wine, chicken broth, and herbs in a large bowl. Place the turkey breast in the marinade and turn to coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

Drying the turkey breast

Before roasting the turkey breast, pat it dry with paper towels. This will help to create a crispy skin.

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Remove the turkey breast from the marinade and place it on a roasting rack in a large roasting pan.
3. Roast the turkey breast for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Baste the turkey breast with the marinade every 15 minutes during cooking.
5. Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Tips

* To ensure that the turkey breast is cooked evenly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey breast is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Baste the turkey breast with the marinade every 15 minutes during cooking to keep it moist.
* Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
* Serve the turkey breast with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

Roasting a 5-pound turkey breast is a simple and delicious way to cook a holiday meal. With a little preparation and care, you can create a delicious and impressive meal for your family and friends.

Cooking

To roast a 5-pound turkey breast, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 (5-pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels.
  3. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder.
  4. Rub the turkey breast with the spice mixture.
  5. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan.
  6. Cover the roasting pan with aluminum foil.
  7. Roast the turkey breast for 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
  8. Remove the turkey breast from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Tips:

  • To ensure that the turkey breast is cooked evenly, make sure to rotate the roasting pan halfway through cooking.
  • If you want to baste the turkey breast, remove the aluminum foil from the roasting pan and baste the turkey breast with the pan drippings every 30 minutes.
  • If you are not sure if the turkey breast is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Resting and Carving

After the turkey breast has roasted for 2 hours, it is important to let it rest for 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy turkey breast.

To carve the turkey breast, you will need a sharp knife. Start by cutting along the breastbone, then slice the meat against the grain.

You can serve the turkey breast whole, or you can cut it into smaller pieces. Serve the turkey breast with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.

Enjoy!

Q: What is the best way to roast a 5 lb turkey breast?

A: To roast a 5 lb turkey breast, preheat your oven to 325 degrees F (163 degrees C).

Place the turkey breast on a roasting rack in a roasting pan.

Rub the turkey breast with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Roast the turkey breast for 2-2 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving.

Q: How long do I brine a turkey breast?

A: To brine a turkey breast, you will need to soak it in a brine solution for at least 4 hours, and up to 24 hours.

The brine solution is made by combining 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of salt, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of each of the following spices: garlic powder, onion powder, black peppercorns, and bay leaves.

Once the brine solution is made, place the turkey breast in a large container and pour the brine solution over it.

Make sure that the turkey breast is completely submerged in the brine solution.

Cover the container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, and up to 24 hours.

Q: What temperature should I cook a turkey breast to?

A: The USDA recommends cooking turkey breast to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

This will ensure that the turkey breast is cooked through and safe to eat.

Q: How do I know when my turkey breast is done cooking?

A: There are a few ways to tell if your turkey breast is done cooking.

First, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The turkey breast is done cooking when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Second, you can check to see if the juices run clear when you poke the turkey breast with a fork. If the juices run clear, the turkey breast is done cooking.

Third, you can check to see if the turkey breast is browned on the outside. If the turkey breast is browned on the outside, it is done cooking.

Q: How do I carve a turkey breast?

A: To carve a turkey breast, you will need a sharp knife.

First, place the turkey breast on a cutting board.

Cut the turkey breast in half lengthwise, using the breastbone as a guide.

Then, cut each half of the turkey breast into thin slices.

Serve the turkey breast immediately.

roasting a 5-pound turkey breast is a relatively simple task that can be accomplished with a few basic ingredients and steps. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can be sure to produce a delicious and juicy turkey breast that will be the star of your holiday meal.

Here are a few key takeaways to remember when roasting a turkey breast:

* Start with a high-quality turkey breast. The best turkeys are those that are fresh or frozen, not processed. Look for a turkey that is plump and has a good color.
* Remove the giblets and neck from the turkey breast before roasting. The giblets and neck can be used to make gravy or stock.
* Rub the turkey breast with a mixture of oil, salt, and pepper. This will help to create a flavorful crust on the turkey.
* Roast the turkey breast in a preheated oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes per pound. Baste the turkey breast every 30 minutes with the pan drippings.
* Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more juicy and flavorful turkey.

With a little planning and effort, you can easily roast a delicious 5-pound turkey breast that will be the centerpiece of your 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!