Serious Eats: The Ultimate Guide to Perfectly Roasted Turkey Breast

Serious Eats Turkey Breast: A Delicious and Easy Thanksgiving Main Course

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to start thinking about the main course. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy turkey breast recipe, look no further than Serious Eats!

This recipe is perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a foolproof way to cook a turkey breast. The turkey is brined for flavor and moisture, then roasted until it’s juicy and tender. It’s also incredibly easy to make, so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your holiday with family and friends.

So what are you waiting for? Give this Serious Eats turkey breast recipe a try this Thanksgiving!

Ingredients	Instructions	Notes
– 1 (8-pound) bone-in, skin-on turkey breast – 1 tablespoon olive oil – 1 teaspoon kosher salt – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper	1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). 2. Rinse the turkey breast and pat dry. 3. Rub the turkey breast with olive oil, salt, and pepper. 4. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and roast for 2 1/2-3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). 5. Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving.	Serve with your favorite sides.

Choosing the Right Turkey Breast

When it comes to choosing a turkey breast, there are a few factors to consider.

* Size: The size of the turkey breast will determine how many people it can feed. A general rule of thumb is to allow 1 pound of turkey breast per person. However, if you are serving other dishes with the turkey, you may be able to get away with a smaller breast.
* Cut: There are two main cuts of turkey breast: bone-in and boneless. Bone-in turkey breasts are more flavorful, but they also take longer to cook. Boneless turkey breasts are easier to cook, but they can be dry if not cooked properly.
* Price: The price of turkey breasts can vary significantly, depending on the size, cut, and brand. Be sure to compare prices before you buy to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Tips for Selecting the Best Turkey Breast for Your Needs

* If you are hosting a large gathering, you will need a large turkey breast. A 12- to 14-pound turkey breast will feed about 10 people.
* If you are serving other dishes with the turkey, you may be able to get away with a smaller breast. A 8- to 10-pound turkey breast will feed about 6 to 8 people.
* If you prefer a more flavorful turkey breast, choose a bone-in breast. Bone-in turkey breasts take longer to cook, but they also retain more moisture.
* If you are concerned about the turkey breast being dry, choose a boneless breast. Boneless turkey breasts are easier to cook and they are less likely to dry out.
* Be sure to compare prices before you buy to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Preparing the Turkey Breast

Before you can cook the turkey breast, you need to prepare it. This includes thawing the turkey breast, brining it, and roasting it.

Thawing a Frozen Turkey Breast

If you are buying a frozen turkey breast, you will need to thaw it before you can cook it. The best way to thaw a turkey breast is to place it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. You can also thaw the turkey breast in cold water, but this will take longer.

Brining a Turkey Breast

Brining a turkey breast is an optional step, but it can help to make the turkey breast more flavorful and juicy. To brine a turkey breast, you will need to:

1. Dissolve 1 cup of salt in 1 gallon of water.
2. Place the turkey breast in the brine and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.
3. Remove the turkey breast from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels.

Roasting a Turkey Breast

To roast a turkey breast, you will need to:

1. Preheat your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the turkey breast in a roasting pan and rub it with olive oil.
3. Season the turkey breast with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
4. Roast the turkey breast for 15 minutes per pound, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving it.

Tips for Roasting a Turkey Breast

* Be sure to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey breast. The turkey breast is done when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
* Baste the turkey breast with its juices every 15 minutes or so. This will help to keep the turkey breast moist.
* Let the turkey breast rest for 10 minutes before carving it. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey breast will be more tender.

Choosing and preparing a turkey breast can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. By following these tips, you can make sure that you have a delicious and flavorful turkey breast for your next holiday gathering.

3. Carving the Turkey Breast

How to Carve a Whole Turkey Breast

Carving a whole turkey breast can seem daunting, but it’s actually a pretty simple process. With a few basic steps, you can easily create beautiful, evenly sliced pieces of turkey that will impress your guests.

1. Prepare your turkey breast.

Before you start carving, make sure your turkey breast is completely cooled and rested. This will help the meat retain its juices and make it easier to carve.

2. Remove the legs and wings.

To start, use a sharp knife to cut through the skin and meat between the thigh and the breast. Then, cut through the joint to remove the leg. Repeat this process for the other leg.

Next, use your knife to cut through the skin and meat between the wing and the breast. Then, cut through the joint to remove the wing. Repeat this process for the other wing.

3. Carve the breast meat.

Now that you’ve removed the legs and wings, you can start carving the breast meat. Start by cutting down the center of the breast, along the breastbone. Then, cut across the breast, making slices about 1 inch thick.

4. Serve and enjoy!

Once you’ve carved your turkey breast, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy! You can serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.

How to Carve a Boneless Turkey Breast

Carving a boneless turkey breast is even easier than carving a whole turkey breast. With a few simple steps, you can easily create beautiful, evenly sliced pieces of turkey that will impress your guests.

1. Prepare your turkey breast.

Before you start carving, make sure your turkey breast is completely cooled and rested. This will help the meat retain its juices and make it easier to carve.

2. Remove the skin.

To start, use a sharp knife to remove the skin from the turkey breast. You can do this by cutting around the edges of the breast, then pulling the skin away from the meat.

3. Carve the breast meat.

Now that you’ve removed the skin, you can start carving the breast meat. Start by cutting down the center of the breast, along the breastbone. Then, cut across the breast, making slices about 1 inch thick.

4. Serve and enjoy!

Once you’ve carved your turkey breast, it’s time to serve it up and enjoy! You can serve it with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy.

4. Storing and Reheating Leftover Turkey Breast

How to Store Leftover Turkey Breast

Leftover turkey breast is a delicious and versatile protein that can be used in a variety of dishes. To store leftover turkey breast, follow these steps:

1. Let the turkey breast cool completely before storing it. This will help to prevent the growth of bacteria.
2. Wrap the turkey breast tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This will help to keep the meat moist and fresh.
3. Store the turkey breast in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
4. If you plan to store the turkey breast for longer than 3 days, freeze it. To freeze the turkey breast, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. The turkey breast will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How to Reheat Leftover Turkey Breast

Reheating leftover turkey breast is easy and can be done in a variety of ways. Here are a few of our favorite methods:

* Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the leftover turkey breast on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
* Stovetop: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover turkey breast and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until heated through.
* Microwave: Place the leftover turkey breast on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.

Tips for Reheating Leftover Turkey Breast

* To prevent the turkey breast from drying out, reheat it in a moist environment, such as covered in foil in the oven or on a bed of vegetables in the microwave.
* If you’re reheating the turkey breast in the oven, make sure to preheat the oven before adding the meat. This will help to prevent the turkey breast from overcooking.
* When re

Q: What is the best way to cook a turkey breast?

A: There are many different ways to cook a turkey breast, but some methods are more popular than others. The most common methods include roasting, grilling, and baking.

Q: What are the different parts of a turkey breast?

A: The turkey breast is divided into two parts: the breast meat and the wing meat. The breast meat is the largest and most tender part of the turkey, and it is typically roasted or grilled. The wing meat is smaller and darker than the breast meat, and it is often used for making stock or soup.

Q: How long does it take to cook a turkey breast?

A: The cooking time for a turkey breast depends on the size of the breast and the cooking method. A small turkey breast (about 4 pounds) will take about 2 hours to roast, while a large turkey breast (about 8 pounds) will take about 3 hours to roast.

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

A: The USDA recommends cooking turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the turkey is cooked through and safe to eat.

Q: How do I know if a turkey breast is done cooking?

A: There are a few ways to tell if a turkey breast is done cooking. The first is to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The second is to check the color of the meat. The meat should be white throughout, with no pink or red remaining. The third is to check the juices. The juices should run clear, with no pink or red.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when cooking turkey breast?

A: There are a few common mistakes people make when cooking turkey breast. These include:

* Cooking the turkey breast at too high a temperature. This can cause the meat to dry out.
* Not letting the turkey breast rest before carving. This can cause the meat to be tough and dry.
* Overcooking the turkey breast. This can also cause the meat to be dry and tough.

Q: How can I make my turkey breast more flavorful?

A: There are a few ways to make your turkey breast more flavorful. These include:

* Marinating the turkey breast in a flavorful liquid, such as wine, stock, or brine.
* Rubbing the turkey breast with a flavorful spice rub.
* Stuffing the turkey breast with a flavorful stuffing.

Q: What are some tips for making a moist and juicy turkey breast?

A: There are a few tips for making a moist and juicy turkey breast. These include:

* Brining the turkey breast in a saltwater solution before cooking. This will help to retain moisture in the meat.
* Roasting the turkey breast at a low temperature (325 degrees Fahrenheit) for a long period of time. This will allow the meat to cook slowly and evenly, resulting in a moist and juicy finished product.
* Letting the turkey breast rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy finished product.

Serious Eats’s recipe for turkey breast is a simple and delicious way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey. The brine helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful, and the roasting method ensures that it is cooked evenly. This recipe is a great option for anyone who wants to cook a turkey without a lot of fuss.

Here are some key takeaways from the article:

* Brining a turkey before cooking helps to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
* Roasting a turkey breast at a low temperature helps to prevent it from drying out.
* Wrapping the turkey breast in foil after it has been roasted helps to keep it warm and juicy.
* Carving a turkey breast can be tricky, but following the steps in the article will help you to produce beautiful, evenly sliced pieces of meat.

With these tips, you can cook a delicious and impressive turkey breast for your next Thanksgiving dinner.