Upside-Down Turkey: The Easiest and Most Delicious Way to Cook a Turkey

The holidays are a time for tradition, and for many people, that includes a big, juicy turkey on the dinner table. But if you’re looking for a new twist on a classic dish, why not try cooking your turkey upside down? This method results in a moist, flavorful bird that is sure to impress your guests.

To cook a turkey upside down, you’ll need a large roasting pan with a rack. Start by placing the turkey breast-side up on the rack. Then, fill the bottom of the pan with vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and celery. Next, carefully turn the turkey upside down so that it is breast-side down on the vegetables. Finally, cover the pan with foil and bake the turkey according to the recipe.

Cooking a turkey upside down has several advantages. First, it helps to keep the breast meat moist, as the juices from the turkey drip down onto the vegetables and back onto the breast. Second, it allows the legs and thighs to cook more evenly, as they are not directly exposed to the heat of the oven. Third, it creates a beautiful presentation, with the golden brown skin of the turkey facing up.

If you’re looking for a delicious and festive way to cook your turkey this holiday season, give the upside-down method a try! You won’t be disappointed.

Ingredients	Instructions	Tips
1 (12- to 14-pound) turkey 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and sage 1/4 cup Dijon mustard 1/4 cup honey 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1/2 cup chicken broth 1 lemon, quartered	Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place the turkey breast-side up in a large roasting pan. In a small bowl, combine the butter, herbs, mustard, honey, vinegar, and chicken broth. Pour the butter mixture over the turkey. Cover the turkey with aluminum foil and bake for 3 hours. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until the turkey is cooked through. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.	To make sure the turkey is cooked through, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The internal temperature should reach 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can check to see if the turkey is done by poking it with a fork. The meat should be white and juicy, and the juices should run clear. Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. This will help the juices redistribute and make the meat more flavorful.

Introduction

Turkey cooked upside down is a delicious and unique way to cook a turkey. The turkey is cooked breast-side down, which allows the juices to drip down and flavor the vegetables below. This results in a moist and flavorful turkey that is perfect for a holiday meal.

Ingredients

Turkey (10-12 pounds)
Salt
Pepper
Vegetable oil
Onion
Garlic
Celery
Carrots
Fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, and sage)
Chicken broth
White wine
Brown sugar
Cornstarch
Water

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry. Season the turkey with salt and pepper inside and out.
3. Heat the oil in a large roasting pan over medium heat. Add the turkey, breast-side down, and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, or until browned. Remove the turkey from the pan and set aside.
4. Add the onion, garlic, celery, carrots, and herbs to the roasting pan and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.
5. Place the turkey breast-side up on top of the vegetables. Add the chicken broth, white wine, brown sugar, cornstarch, and water to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.
6. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 2-2 1/2 hours, or until the turkey is cooked through.
7. Remove the turkey from the oven and let rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Ingredients

1 (12- to 14-pound) turkey, thawed
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, and sage
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/4 cup dry white wine
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. Rinse the turkey inside and out and pat dry with paper towels.
3. Place the turkey breast-side up in a large roasting pan.
4. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, herbs, onion, celery, carrot, wine, salt, and pepper.
5. Rub the butter mixture all over the turkey.
6. Cover the turkey loosely with aluminum foil.
7. Roast the turkey for 3 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
8. Remove the turkey from the oven and let it rest for 15 minutes before carving.

Tips

To make sure the turkey is cooked through, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh. The temperature should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

If you don’t have a roasting pan large enough to fit the turkey breast-side up, you can cook it breast-side down. Just be sure to baste the turkey every 30 minutes or so to prevent the breast from drying out.

You can also cook the turkey in a slow cooker. Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cooking a whole turkey.

A turkey cooked upside down is a delicious and flavorful way to enjoy this holiday classic. The butter and herb mixture creates a flavorful crust on the turkey, while the slow cooking method ensures that the meat is moist and juicy. This is a great recipe for a large gathering, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What Is The Ideal Cooking Time For An Upside-Down Turkey?

Answer: The ideal cooking time for an upside-down turkey varies based on its weight. Generally, you should cook it at 325°F, allowing about 15 minutes per pound. For a more precise estimation, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F in the thickest part of the turkey.

2. Do I Need To Flip The Turkey During Cooking?

Answer: No, you don’t need to flip the turkey. The upside-down position during the majority of the cooking time allows the juices to flow into the breast. However, some cooks prefer to flip it breast-side up during the last 30 to 45 minutes to brown the skin.

3. How Does Cooking A Turkey Upside-Down Keep It Moist?

Answer: Cooking a turkey upside-down allows the natural juices and fat to flow downwards into the breast meat, which is typically prone to drying out. This results in a more moist and flavorful breast meat compared to traditional roasting methods.

4. Can I Stuff An Upside-Down Turkey?

Answer: Yes, you can stuff an upside-down turkey, but it’s a bit more challenging than with a right-side-up turkey. It’s important to loosely fill the cavity and consider the added cooking time needed for both the turkey and the stuffing to reach safe temperatures.

5. Is Basting Necessary When Cooking A Turkey Upside-Down?

Answer: Basting is not necessary when cooking a turkey upside-down. The cooking position allows for natural self-basting as the juices flow through the breast meat. This method simplifies the process and reduces the need for frequent oven checks.

Final Word

Cooking a turkey upside-down is not only an easy method but also one that yields delicious results. This technique involves roasting the turkey with the breast facing down for the majority of the cooking time. This position allows the juices to flow into the breast, ensuring it remains moist and flavorful. Unlike traditional methods where the breast can dry out, this upside-down approach guarantees a succulent and tender meat. Moreover, the ease of this method lies in its simplicity; it requires no special tools or constant basting, making it a stress-free option for both novice and experienced cooks.

Ultimately, the upside-down turkey cooking method stands out as a superior choice for a flavorful and moist feast. Its simplicity and effectiveness in enhancing the meat’s juiciness make it an excellent choice for holiday meals or any special occasion. Whether you’re a first-time cook or a seasoned chef, this method promises a delectable turkey that is sure to impress your guests and become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire.