It might seem difficult to try something new around Thanksgiving, but stick with us. We’ve developed a topsy-turvy method for roasting turkey that yields a delicious, consistently moist bird. Traditional turkey roasting techniques frequently result in the breast meat being overcooked or the dark meat being undercooked, but cooking the turkey upside down eliminates this issue.
Tips for Browning the Breast Meat
Some recipes for upside-down turkey call for flipping the bird over for the final 30 minutes of cooking to brown the breast skin, but after trying this, I don’t believe the risk of harm justifies the minimal amount of browning that occurs during those final 30 minutes of roasting. Rest the turkey, then flip it over and broil it (or just the breasts) for a few minutes under the broiler if you really want a brown, crisped breast skin.
Why You Should Roast Your Turkey Upside Down
The most common criticism of turkey is that it is dry, but this technique addresses that issue. The turkey breast isn’t directly exposed to the heat when it’s roasted upside down. In fact, the fact that it is inverted indicates that the rest of the turkey is insulating and protecting it. Instead, the dark meat is exposed, and in this position, the thighs cook more quickly.
In short, here’s why I love roasting turkey upside down:
Several additional benefits come with exposing the thighs over the breasts. The fatty dark meat of the turkey’s thighs renders fat and juices as it roasts, which drip down onto the breast meat and slowly baste the bird throughout the entire cooking process.
Since there is no need for basting, the thighs cook more quickly when they are placed directly on the heat source. In addition to guaranteeing juicier breast meat, an upside-down turkey also cooks a little quicker.
Flipping your turkey can take away from your unveiling.
We’ve discovered that the roasting rack can leave unsightly marks and indents on the turkey’s breast if you cook it upside down. Or even worse, if you try to flip it, you might rip the skin.
For the most beautiful bird, stick to roasting right-side up. Check out our ultimate Thanksgiving turkey recipes for everything from a fried bird to a spice-roasted breast if you need some inspiration.
FAQ
Which way is right-side up to cook a turkey?
We’ve discovered that the roasting rack can leave unsightly marks and indents on the turkey’s breast if you cook it upside down. Or even worse, if you try to flip it, you might rip the skin. For the most beautiful bird, stick to roasting right-side up.
What side of the turkey goes up in the pan?
1. Clean and dry the turkey, then place it in a roasting pan with the breast side facing up. Butter the inside and outside of the turkey. Pour the water into the pan and cover with foil.
