How Much Time Does a Turkey Breast Need to Cook?
While most people just worry about turkey cooking times around thanksgiving, there are many other occasions throughout the year when you can enjoy this lean, white meat alternative to chicken. Whether it is in stir fry's, salads, sandwiches and pasta, turkey breast can be very versatile.
The turkey breast cooking time depends on a variety of factors, number one being size. Obviously, the bigger the portion of meat, the longer it will take to cook. However, to add to the variables the shape of the portion as well as how much bone it has in ratio to the meat also pays a role. Additional considerations include whether the turkey breast was fresh or defrosted after being frozen. The marinating techniques and the way it will be cooked also will affect the turkey breast cooking time.
Internal Temperature
Even though different cooks and cookbooks will give you their best guesstimate for the ideal turkey breast cooking time according to size of the piece, the surefire way of getting the roasting done just right is to buy a cooking thermometer an checking to see if the internal temperature has reached 170 degrees Fahrenheit. As soon as it has, not only is your turkey safe to eat, it is also not dry nor raw. The method you use to cook and the pan you opt for can also vary, but shallow roasting pans are deemed to be the best bet for cooking turkey breast time and time again.
Most turkey breast, especially smaller sizes are usually served without stuffing. However, bigger portions like 8 pound portions can be stuffed with your favorite herbs and spices. Some general guidelines for a 2 or 3 pound turkey breast is around 1 and a half to 2 hours in a conventional oven at 325 degrees Fahrenheit. If the breast is 4 to 6 pounds, then 2 and a half to 3 hours is usually recommended and if the piece is around 8 pounds in weight, then 3 and a half hours should be a safe bet.
Easy Recipe
You can enjoy cooking a turkey breast time and time again by adding some zing to the recipe. Try a citrus turkey breast sandwich to take to work and you will be glad you didn't walk down to the greasy burger joint. All you need for this recipe is some jalapeno paste, lime juice, orange juice, garlic and onion paste. Marinade the breast and roast it. Shred or slice and pack in individual baggies for several healthy sandwiches.
