Figuring Out the Right Turkey Cooking Time
Whether it is the famous thanksgiving holiday or any other time that you are considering making turkey, the turkey cooking time is very important. This is because you wouldn't want the turkey to be overcooked and dried out. Similarly an undercooked turkey is not a great idea as while steak can be consumed rare, poultry should never be eaten until it is well done to prevent the spread of disease.
Variables
Turkey cooking time varies as it depends on a lot of factors. The biggest thing is the size of the turkey and then whether it was frozen or fresh, the method of cooking (such as roasting or frying) and the dish unused to cook it in and other such considerations.
There are several websites and cookbooks that provide you with a good enough guideline for turkey cooking time. If all fails you ca ask a trusted friend, mother or mother in law as they would be more acquainted with your recipe, the type of oven you have, the marinating techniques and the like as compared to a website that has standard times based upon weight.
Another alternative is to call the turkey hotline several manufacturers have started and ask an expert as to what they think is the best turkey cooking time. Because there are so many variables it is always best to check the internal temperature of the turkey with a cooking thermometer than to just set the timer and forget bout it.
Guideline
However, to get you started, here are some guidelines you can keep in mind so that your guests are not left waiting at the table. The general rule is that if your turkey weighs in the range of 10 and 20 pounds roasting for around five hours should be enough. The best way to know that your meal isn't dried out is to check if an internal temperature of 165 degrees has been reached. If the bird is bigger, say in the range of 20 and 30 pounds, then around six hours should be enough time for roasting.
If the turkey is the main course, and it usually will be, it is even more important for it to be perfect as even if you mess up the appetizer, you can skip it and if your dessert flops, you can run out for some ice cream. However, if your turkey cooking time gets messed up, the only alternative will be to order pizza!
