Sous Vide Entire Turkey: The Easiest Way to Cook a Thanksgiving Turkey

Sous Vide Entire Turkey: A Foolproof Guide

Thanksgiving is coming up, and that means it’s time to start thinking about the main event: the turkey. But if you’re tired of the same old dry, roasted turkey, why not try something different this year? Sous vide turkey is the perfect way to cook a moist, flavorful turkey that everyone will love.

In this guide, we’ll show you how to sous vide an entire turkey using a sous vide immersion circulator. We’ll also provide tips on how to brine and spatchcock your turkey, and we’ll share our favorite recipes for sous vide turkey. So whether you’re a sous vide novice or a seasoned pro, read on for everything you need to know about sous vide turkey!

Temperature	Time	Notes
135F	12-14 hours	The ideal temperature for sous vide turkey is 135F. This will cook the turkey through without drying it out.
145F	8-10 hours	Cooking the turkey at 145F will result in a more juicy and flavorful bird.
155F	5-7 hours	Cooking the turkey at 155F will result in a drier turkey, but it will also be cooked through more quickly.

Equipment and Ingredients

To sous vide an entire turkey, you will need the following equipment:

* A sous vide immersion circulator
* A large, food-grade plastic bag
* A metal rack or trivet
* A large pot or container that is large enough to fit the turkey and the water bath
* A thermometer to check the temperature of the water bath
* Kitchen shears
* A slotted spoon or tongs

You will also need the following ingredients:

* A whole turkey
* Salt
* Pepper
* Herbs and spices, such as thyme, rosemary, sage, and garlic powder
* Butter or oil

Preparation

To prepare the turkey for sous vide cooking, you will need to:

1. Rinse the turkey inside and out with cold water.
2. Pat the turkey dry with paper towels.
3. Season the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper, and herbs and spices.
4. Place the turkey in a large, food-grade plastic bag.
5. Add the butter or oil to the bag.
6. Seal the bag using a vacuum sealer or by folding the top of the bag over twice and then crimping it shut with kitchen shears.
7. Place the turkey in the sous vide bath.
8. Set the temperature of the water bath to 155 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Cook the turkey for 6-8 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Cooking Times

The cooking time for a sous vide turkey will vary depending on the size of the turkey. A 10-pound turkey will take approximately 6 hours to cook, while a 20-pound turkey will take approximately 8 hours to cook.

Tips for Sous Vide Turkey

Here are a few tips for sous vide turkey:

* Use a high-quality sous vide immersion circulator. This will ensure that the turkey is cooked evenly and to the desired temperature.
* Use a large, food-grade plastic bag. This will help to prevent the turkey from becoming overcooked.
* Make sure to season the turkey inside and out. This will help to create a flavorful and juicy turkey.
* Cook the turkey until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the safe internal temperature for poultry.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 10 minutes before carving. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the turkey to be more tender.

Conclusion

Sous vide turkey is a delicious and easy way to cook a turkey. The turkey is cooked evenly and to the desired temperature, and it is incredibly juicy and flavorful. So if you are looking for a new way to cook turkey, give sous vide a try!

Cooking

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

* A whole turkey
* A sous vide cooker
* A large zip-top bag
* A roasting rack
* A baking sheet
* Salt
* Pepper
* Garlic powder
* Onion powder
* Thyme
* Rosemary
* Bay leaves

Instructions:

1. Preheat your sous vide cooker to 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out, and pat it dry.
3. Season the turkey inside and out with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, and bay leaves.
4. Place the turkey in a large zip-top bag.
5. Seal the bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible.
6. Place the bag in the sous vide cooker and cook for 24 hours.
7. Remove the turkey from the sous vide cooker and let it rest for 15 minutes.
8. Carve the turkey and serve.

Resting and Carving

After cooking the turkey sous vide, it is important to let it 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 turkey.

To carve the turkey, start by removing the legs. Cut through the skin between the leg and the body, and then cut through the joint. Remove the legs by pulling them away from the body.

Next, remove the wings. Cut through the skin between the wing and the body, and then cut through the joint. Remove the wings by pulling them away from the body.

Finally, carve the breast. Cut through the breastbone, and then cut the breast into slices.

Serve the turkey immediately, or refrigerate it for later.

Conclusion

Sous vide is a great way to cook a whole turkey. The results are a moist, flavorful, and juicy turkey that is sure to impress your guests.

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 results in evenly cooked food with a moist and flavorful result.

Q: Can I sous vide a whole turkey?

A: Yes, you can sous vide a whole turkey. However, it is important to note that the cooking time will be longer than if you were to cook the turkey in a traditional oven. For a 12-pound turkey, you can expect to cook it for 24-36 hours.

Q: What is the best temperature to sous vide a turkey?

A: The best temperature to sous vide a turkey is 155 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that the turkey is cooked through without drying it out.

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

A: A turkey breast will take about 6-8 hours to sous vide.

Q: What are some of the benefits of sous vide cooking a turkey?

There are many benefits to sous vide cooking a turkey, including:

* The meat will be evenly cooked throughout, with no dry or overcooked spots.
* The meat will be moist and flavorful, with a tender texture.
* The cooking time is shorter than traditional oven-roasting, which saves time and energy.
* Sous vide cooking is a more hands-off cooking method, which is ideal for busy cooks.

Q: What are some of the challenges of sous vide cooking a turkey?

There are a few challenges to sous vide cooking a turkey, including:

* The equipment required for sous vide cooking can be expensive.
* The cooking time is longer than traditional oven-roasting.
* It is important to make sure that the turkey is properly sealed in a bag before cooking, to prevent any bacteria from growing.

Q: What are some tips for sous vide cooking a turkey?

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

* Use a high-quality vacuum sealer to seal the turkey in a bag.
* Make sure that the turkey is completely thawed before cooking.
* Use a probe thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey to ensure that it is cooked through.
* Let the turkey rest for at least 30 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Q: What are some common mistakes people make when sous vide cooking a turkey?

Here are a few common mistakes people make when sous vide cooking a turkey:

* Not using a high-quality vacuum sealer.
* Not thawing the turkey completely before cooking.
* Not using a probe thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey.
* Not letting the turkey rest before carving.

Q: What are some additional resources that I can use to learn more about sous vide cooking a turkey?

Here are a few additional resources that you can use to learn more about sous vide cooking a turkey:

* [The Spruce Eats: Sous Vide Turkey Breast](https://www.thespruceeats.com/sous-vide-turkey-breast-591586)
* [Serious Eats: Sous Vide Turkey](https://www.seriouseats.com/sous-vide-turkey-recipe)
* [Cooking Sous Vide: Sous Vide Turkey](https://www.cookingsousvide.com/sous-vide-turkey/)

sous vide cooking is a great way to cook a whole turkey. It produces a moist, flavorful bird that is evenly cooked throughout. The key to success is to use a high-quality sous vide circulator and to follow the recipe carefully. With a little practice, you can easily cook the perfect sous vide turkey for your next holiday gathering.

Here are a few key takeaways from this article:

* Sous vide cooking is a gentle cooking method that results in a moist, flavorful turkey.
* The best way to cook a whole turkey sous vide is to brine it first, then cook it at 155 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-8 hours.
* To make the most of your sous vide turkey, baste it with melted butter or herb butter every few hours and let it rest for at least 30 minutes before carving.
* Sous vide turkey is perfect for holiday gatherings and special occasions.