Serious Eats: The Ultimate Guide to Sous Vide Turkey

Serious Eats: The Ultimate Guide to Sous Vide Turkey

Sous vide turkey is a delicious and easy way to cook a Thanksgiving turkey that is moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. With sous vide, you can cook your turkey to the exact temperature you want, without having to worry about it drying out.

This guide will show you everything you need to know about sous vide turkey, from choosing the right turkey to cooking it sous vide. We’ll also share some tips for making the most flavorful and delicious turkey possible.

So whether you’re a sous vide novice or a seasoned pro, this guide has everything you need to know to cook the perfect sous vide turkey this Thanksgiving.

Ingredients Instructions Notes
– 1 1/2 to 2 pounds boneless, skinless turkey breast
– 1 tablespoon kosher salt
– 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon dried sage
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 1 cup dry white wine
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 bay leaf
1. In a large bowl, combine the turkey breast, salt, peppercorns, thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
2. Place the turkey breast in a large zip-top bag. Add the white wine, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Seal the bag and massage to coat the turkey breast in the marinade.
3. Place the bag in a sous vide cooker and set the temperature to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Cook the turkey breast for 4 hours.
4. Remove the turkey breast from the sous vide cooker and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
The turkey breast can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the turkey breast in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

What is sous vide cooking?

Sous vide cooking is a method of cooking food in a sealed bag in a temperature-controlled water bath. The term “sous vide” is French for “under vacuum.”

Sous vide cooking is becoming increasingly popular because it produces consistently cooked food with a high degree of precision. The food is cooked evenly throughout, and there is no risk of overcooking or undercooking.

Sous vide cooking also helps to retain moisture in food, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy dish.

To sous vide food, you will need a sous vide immersion circulator, a vacuum sealer, and a heat-safe container.

The immersion circulator is a device that circulates water at a precise temperature. The vacuum sealer is used to seal the food in a plastic bag. The heat-safe container is used to hold the water and the food.

To cook food sous vide, you first place the food in a vacuum-sealed bag. Then, you place the bag in the water bath and set the temperature of the immersion circulator. The food will cook in the water bath for the desired amount of time.

When the cooking time is complete, you remove the food from the bag and sear it in a hot pan or grill.

Sous vide cooking is a great way to cook a variety of foods, including meats, vegetables, and seafood. It is a versatile cooking method that can be used to create delicious and flavorful dishes.

How to sous vide a turkey?

Sous vide turkey is a great way to cook a flavorful and juicy bird for your holiday feast. This method is simple to follow and produces consistent results.

To sous vide a turkey, you will need the following ingredients:

* A 10- to 12-pound turkey
* 1 cup of kosher salt
* 1 cup of brown sugar
* 1 tablespoon of black peppercorns
* 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
* 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
* 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary
* 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon of onion powder
* 1 bay leaf
* 1 gallon of water
* A sous vide immersion circulator
* A vacuum sealer
* A heat-safe container

Instructions:

1. Prepare the turkey. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels.
2. Season the turkey. In a large bowl, combine the salt, brown sugar, peppercorns, thyme, oregano, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder, and bay leaf. Rub the mixture all over the turkey, inside and out.
3. Vacuum seal the turkey. Place the turkey in a large vacuum seal bag. Seal the bag according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Cook the turkey. Fill a large heat-safe container with the water. Place the immersion circulator in the water and set the temperature to 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Once the water has reached the desired temperature, carefully place the turkey in the bag and lower it into the water.
6. Cook the turkey for 24 hours.
7. Remove the turkey from the water bath. Carefully remove the turkey from the water bath and place it on a cutting board.
8. Let the turkey rest for 1 hour. Cover the turkey with foil and let it rest for 1 hour before carving.

The turkey is now ready to serve. Enjoy!

Tips for Sous Vide Turkey Cooking

Sous vide turkey is a great way to cook a juicy, flavorful bird. Here are a few tips to help you get the best results:

1. Use a high-quality sous vide cooker. A good sous vide cooker will make all the difference in the quality of your finished product. Look for a cooker with a precise temperature control and a large capacity.
2. Choose the right cut of turkey. The best cuts of turkey for sous vide cooking are the breast, thigh, and leg. These cuts are all relatively lean, so they won’t dry out when cooked sous vide.
3. Season the turkey well. Seasoning the turkey before cooking is essential to getting a flavorful dish. Use a dry rub or marinade to infuse the turkey with flavor.
4. Cook the turkey to the desired temperature. The USDA recommends cooking turkey to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. However, you may prefer to cook your turkey to a lower temperature for a more juicy result.
5. Let the turkey rest before serving. After cooking, let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy dish.

Here are a few additional tips for sous vide turkey cooking:

* Use a sous vide bag that is large enough to accommodate the turkey. The bag should also be strong enough to withstand the pressure of the water bath.
* Make sure the turkey is completely submerged in the water bath. This will help to ensure that the turkey cooks evenly.
* Check the turkey’s temperature regularly to make sure it is cooking at the desired temperature.
* If you are not going to eat the turkey immediately, store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

Sous vide turkey is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily cook a perfect turkey sous vide.

Recipes for Sous Vide Turkey

Here are a few recipes for sous vide turkey that you can try:

* [Sous Vide Turkey Breast](https://www.seriouseats.com/sous-vide-turkey-breast-recipe)
* [Sous Vide Turkey Thighs](https://www.seriouseats.com/sous-vide-turkey-thighs-recipe)
* [Sous Vide Turkey Legs](https://www.seriouseats.com/sous-vide-turkey-legs-recipe)
* [Sous Vide Turkey Breast with Gravy](https://www.seriouseats.com/sous-vide-turkey-breast-with-gravy-recipe)
* [Sous Vide Turkey Breast with Cranberry Sauce](https://www.seriouseats.com/sous-vide-turkey-breast-with-cranberry-sauce-recipe)

These recipes are all simple to follow and will help you create a delicious and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey.

Sous vide turkey is a great way to cook a juicy, flavorful bird. With a little planning and preparation, you can easily cook a perfect turkey sous vide. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!

Q: What is sous vide cooking?
A: Sous vide cooking is a method of cooking food in a sealed bag in a temperature-controlled water bath. This method produces evenly cooked food with a moist and flavorful result.

Q: What are the benefits of sous vide cooking turkey?
A: Sous vide cooking turkey has several benefits over traditional cooking methods. These benefits include:

* More evenly cooked meat. Sous vide cooking ensures that the turkey is cooked evenly throughout, with no cold or dry spots.
* Moister meat. The gentle cooking method used in sous vide cooking helps to retain moisture in the meat, resulting in a more juicy and flavorful result.
* Less shrinkage. Sous vide cooking causes less shrinkage than traditional cooking methods, resulting in a larger yield of meat.
* More flavorful meat. The long cooking time at low temperatures allows the flavors of the herbs, spices, and marinades to penetrate the meat, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

Q: What are the steps involved in sous vide cooking turkey?
A] The steps involved in sous vide cooking turkey are as follows:

1. Prepare the turkey. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat it dry. Remove the giblets and neck from the cavity. If desired, cut the turkey into pieces.
2. Season the turkey. Rub the turkey with your favorite herbs, spices, and marinade.
3. Place the turkey in a sous vide bag. Seal the bag according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
4. Set the sous vide temperature. The ideal sous vide temperature for cooking turkey is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Cook the turkey. Cook the turkey for the desired amount of time. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the turkey.
6. Remove the turkey from the sous vide bath. Carefully remove the turkey from the sous vide bath and open the bag.
7. Dry the turkey. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
8. Carve and serve the turkey. Carve the turkey and serve it immediately.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when sous vide cooking turkey?
A: Some common mistakes people make when sous vide cooking turkey include:

* Not using a high-quality sous vide machine. A good sous vide machine is essential for achieving the best results.
* Not using a properly calibrated sous vide bath. The water bath temperature must be accurate in order to cook the turkey evenly.
* Not cooking the turkey long enough. The cooking time for turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey.
* Not letting the turkey rest before carving. Resting the turkey allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more juicy and flavorful dish.

Q: What are some tips for sous vide cooking turkey?
A: Some tips for sous vide cooking turkey include:

* Use a high-quality sous vide machine. A good sous vide machine is essential for achieving the best results.
* Use a properly calibrated sous vide bath. The water bath temperature must be accurate in order to cook the turkey evenly.
* Cook the turkey long enough. The cooking time for turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey.
* Let the turkey rest before carving. Resting the turkey allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more juicy and flavorful dish.
* Serve the turkey immediately. Sous vide cooked turkey is best served immediately after cooking.

Q: Where can I find more information about sous vide cooking turkey?
A: There are many resources available online for learning more about sous vide cooking turkey. Some helpful resources include:

* [The Serious Eats Guide to Sous Vide Cooking](https://www.seriouseats.com/sous-vide-turkey-breast-recipe)
* [The Food Lab’s Guide to Sous Vide Cooking](https://www.seriouseats.com/sous-vide-turkey-breast-recipe)
* [ChefSteps’ Guide to Sous Vide Cooking](https://www.chefsteps.com/sous-vide-turkey-breast-recipe)

In this article, we’ve discussed the basics of sous vide cooking and how to use it to cook a perfect turkey. We’ve also shared some tips and tricks for getting the best results.

Here are the key takeaways:

* Sous vide cooking is a great way to cook a turkey because it results in a moist, flavorful bird that’s cooked evenly throughout.
* To sous vide a turkey, you’ll need a sous vide cooker, a vacuum sealer, and a large container.
* The cooking time for a sous vide turkey will vary depending on the size of the bird.
* You can serve your sous vide turkey with your favorite sides.

We hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below.

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!