The Perfect Keto Turkey: Cooking Time And Tips

Cooking a turkey can be daunting, especially if you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner. The first step is to plan for 1.5 pounds of uncooked turkey per person. Then, you'll need to budget enough time for thawing your bird if it's frozen, which can take three to five days.

The best temperature to cook a turkey is 325 degrees Fahrenheit. The amount of time it'll need in the oven depends on the size and weight of your bird. An unstuffed 8-pound turkey can take less than 3 hours, while a stuffed 24-pound turkey can take over 5 hours.

There are many ways to prepare a turkey, including roasting, grilling, and frying. If you're looking for a keto-friendly option, you can try a low-carb turkey casserole or a low-carb turkey taco skillet.

Remember, the safest way to know your turkey is cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Your turkey is done when the internal temperature is a minimum of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How to make a keto white sauce

A keto white sauce is a great alternative to a traditional white sauce, which is usually made with flour, butter, and milk. This keto-friendly version is gluten-free and low-carb, making it perfect for those following a keto diet. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to make a delicious keto white sauce.

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Cream Cheese
• Heavy Cream
• Salt
• Pepper
• Nutmeg (optional)
• Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese and Butter

Start by cutting the cream cheese into small cubes. This will help it melt more easily. Then, melt the butter in a small pot over medium heat. Once melted, add in the cream cheese cubes.

Step 2: Combine Cream Cheese and Butter

You'll notice that the cream cheese and butter will stay separated and won't mix together. That's normal. Continue stirring and mixing with a whisk until they are combined.

Step 3: Add Heavy Cream

To help the cream cheese and butter blend, add in the heavy cream and stir until everything is well incorporated. Keep the heat at a low to medium level to avoid overheating, which can cause the dairy and fat to separate.

Step 4: Season to Taste

Now, it's time to add your seasonings. Add salt and pepper to taste. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for some extra flavour. Keep whisking until everything is melted and combined.

Step 5: Optional - Add Parmesan Cheese

If you'd like to enhance the cheesiness of your sauce, you can add in some grated parmesan cheese. Continue heating the sauce until it starts to bubble, whisking continuously.

Step 6: Use or Store the Sauce

Your keto white sauce is now ready to use! You can pour it over meat, vegetables, or use it in casseroles and lasagna. If you're not using it immediately, you can store it in the fridge for later. When reheating, do so gently over low heat, whisking to maintain a smooth consistency.

Tips:

• Always cook the sauce on low to medium heat to avoid overheating, which can cause the sauce to separate.
• If your sauce does break (separate), simply add it to a powerful blender and blend for about 20 seconds to bring it back together.
• Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, to find your favourite flavour combination.

How to brine a turkey

Brining a turkey is a great way to ensure your bird is juicy, tender, and full of flavor. It's an extra step, but it's worth it! Here's a step-by-step guide on how to brine a turkey:

Step 1: Clear Out Your Fridge

First, you'll need to make space in your fridge. Brining requires a large container, such as a pot or bucket, that can fit the entire turkey and keep it submerged. The crisper drawer is a good option if it's deep enough. Alternatively, you can use a brining bag placed in a roasting pan.

Step 2: Choose the Right Turkey

Make sure to select a turkey that has not been pre-salted or labelled as "kosher," "enhanced," or "self-basting." Brining these turkeys will result in an overly salty bird.

Step 3: Thaw Your Turkey

It is essential to thaw your turkey before brining. You can brine a partially thawed turkey, as the thawing process will continue while it soaks. However, do not brine a fully frozen turkey, as it is not safe.

Step 4: Prepare the Brine

The basic brine solution is a combination of water and salt. For a wet brine, use a ratio of 2 cups of kosher salt or coarse sea salt for every 2 gallons of water. You can also add aromatics and flavourings such as bay leaves, peppercorns, citrus fruit, garlic, herbs, or sugar.

Step 5: Brine the Turkey

Place the thawed turkey in the brining container, removing any giblets and the neck. Add your brine solution, making sure the turkey is fully submerged. If it floats, weigh it down with a plate. Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours. Do not brine for longer, or the meat may become spongy.

Step 6: Rinse and Dry the Turkey

After brining, remove the turkey from the brine and rinse it under cold water. Pat it dry with paper towels. If you want crispier skin, let the turkey air-dry in the refrigerator for another 24 hours before roasting.

Step 7: Cook the Brined Turkey

You can cook your brined turkey using your preferred method, such as roasting or smoking. Just remember that brined turkeys may cook a little faster, so start checking the internal temperature about an hour before your expected cooking time is up. Ensure the thickest part of the thigh reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How to make keto gravy

Keto gravy is a great way to enjoy a classic comfort food combination without the carbs. It is super flavorful, perfectly thick, and goes well with a variety of dishes. Here is a step-by-step guide to making delicious keto gravy in just a few minutes.

Ingredients:

• Butter
• Beef Broth (or Bone Broth)
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Xanthan Gum (or Glucomannan)
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
• Turkey Pan Drippings (optional)
• Low-Sodium Beef Broth
• Worcestershire Sauce

Instructions:

Step 1: Combining the Ingredients

Take a medium saucepan and put it over medium-high heat. Add all the ingredients, except the turkey pan drippings, and whisk them together. If you are using turkey pan drippings, slowly add them along with the broth, whisking until smooth.

Step 2: Simmering the Gravy

Bring the mixture to a low boil. Once it reaches a boil, turn down the heat and simmer, whisking occasionally for a few minutes.

Step 3: Serving the Gravy

Transfer the gravy to a gravy boat and serve. If the gravy is too thick, you can add a little water to thin it out.

Tips and Variations:

• Keto gravy is perfect for pouring over keto mashed potatoes, keto chicken pot pie, keto cheddar bay biscuits, or instant pot shredded chicken.
• You can store any leftover gravy in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or in a freezer-safe container for about 2 months.
• To reheat the gravy, use a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish for a few seconds.
• If you don't want to use a thickener, you can simply make a looser "jus" by combining all the ingredients and bringing them to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the gravy simmer until it reaches your desired consistency.
• If you don't have enough pan drippings, you can substitute them with extra broth or use other meats' grease, such as bacon or sausage.

How to defrost a turkey

There are three safe ways to defrost a turkey: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in a microwave oven.

Refrigerator Thawing (Recommended)

The refrigerator is the safest method because the turkey will thaw at a consistent, safe temperature. This method takes time, so allow one day for each 4-5 pounds of weight. For example, a 16-pound turkey will take about four days to thaw. Once thawed, the turkey is safe for another two days, so you can start thawing it six days before you plan to cook it.

Cold Water Method

This method must be done immediately before you start cooking the turkey. Leave the turkey in its original wrapping and submerge it in a sink (or container) full of cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes and allow 30 minutes of defrosting time per pound. For example, a 16-pound turkey will take 8 hours to thaw using this method. Once the turkey has thawed, cook it immediately.

Microwave Oven

Before you commit to thawing your turkey in the microwave, check your owner’s manual for the size of the turkey that will fit, the minutes per pound, and the power level to use. Remove all outside wrapping and place the turkey on a microwave-safe dish to catch any juices that may leak. Use the defrost function based on weight, allowing about 6 minutes per pound. Be sure to rotate and flip the turkey during the thawing process. Once the turkey has thawed, cook it immediately.

How to carve a turkey

Now that your keto turkey is cooked to perfection, it's time to carve it up and serve it! Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to carve a turkey like a pro:

Step 1: Rest the Turkey

First, let your turkey rest for 15 to 30 minutes. This is an important step as it allows the juices to settle, ensuring they don't spill out when you start carving. Instead, the juices will be reabsorbed, resulting in juicy and tender meat. The resting period also gives you time to set up your workspace and gather the necessary tools.

Step 2: Gather Your Tools and Prepare the Turkey

You'll need a sharp chef's knife, a large cutting board, a platter, and some paper towels. Place the turkey on the cutting board with the cavity facing you. If there is any butcher's twine trussing the legs, remove it.

Step 3: Remove the Legs and Thighs

Slice the skin near the thigh to separate the leg from the body. Cut through the joint, angling your knife towards the bone. Once you hit the bone, you can use your hands to grasp the thigh and bend it backward until you hear a pop, exposing the joint. Clean your hands, then use your knife to slice through the joint and the rest of the thigh meat to separate the leg and thigh from the backbone. Repeat this process for the other leg and thigh.

Step 4: Cut Off the Wings

Pull the wings backward until you hear a pop, similar to what you did with the legs. Then, simply slice through the joints to remove them.

Step 5: Remove the Breasts

Make a long, deep cut along one side of the breastbone, following the curve of the bone. Use long strokes with the tip of your knife and gently pull the meat away as you go. Repeat this on the other side of the breast. At this point, you may want to wipe down your cutting board to get rid of any excess juice.

Step 6: Slice the White Meat

Place the breasts skin-side up on the cutting board. Cut across the breast meat into 1/2-inch-thick slices. For neater slices, use long cutting strokes instead of short sawing motions. Cut the wing in half and transfer the white meat to your serving platter.

Step 7: Slice the Dark Meat

Separate the thigh from the drumstick by wiggling your knife in the joint until you find the right spot. Place the drumsticks on the platter. Remove the bone from the thigh, then place the boneless thigh skin-side up on the cutting board and slice it. Transfer the sliced dark meat to the platter.

And there you have it! Your beautifully carved keto turkey is now ready to be served and enjoyed.

Frequently asked questions