Cooking a turkey crown is a popular way to prepare turkey for a smaller gathering or for those who prefer white meat. A crown is the turkey breast with the bone in and typically weighs between 2-5kg. In this article, we will explore the different methods for cooking a turkey crown and provide tips for achieving a delicious and juicy result.
Understanding Turkey Crown
Turkey crown is a popular Christmas meal, and cooking it can be challenging, especially for first-timers. Turkey crown is a boneless turkey breast that typically weighs between 2-4kg. It is a healthier option as it contains less fat than the whole turkey. However, cooking turkey crown requires some expertise to ensure it is juicy and tender.
Misconceptions About Turkey Crown
Many people assume that cooking turkey crown is an easy task that requires minimal effort. However, this is not true. Cooking turkey crown requires careful preparation, cooking, and resting, and any mistake can lead to a dry or overcooked meal. Therefore, it is essential to have a deep understanding of the process to achieve a perfect meal.
Preparing Turkey Crown
Before cooking turkey crown, you need to prepare it. The preparation process involves defrosting, seasoning, and trussing.
Key takeaway: Cooking turkey crown requires careful preparation, cooking, and resting, and any mistake can lead to a dry or overcooked meal. Preparation involves defrosting, seasoning, and trussing, and roasting and slow cooking are the most common cooking methods. Resting the turkey for at least 20-30 minutes before carving is crucial to allow the juices to settle and ensure it is moist and tender.
Defrosting Turkey Crown
Defrosting turkey crown is crucial to ensure even cooking. You can either defrost it in the fridge or at room temperature. Defrosting in the fridge takes longer, but it is safer as it prevents bacterial growth. Defrosting at room temperature is faster, but it can be risky as it exposes the turkey to bacteria.
Seasoning Turkey Crown
Seasoning turkey crown is essential to enhance its flavor. You can use any herbs and spices of your choice, but the most common ones include thyme, rosemary, sage, salt, and pepper. You can either rub the seasoning directly on the turkey or create a seasoning butter by mixing the herbs and spices with softened butter.
Trussing Turkey Crown
Trussing turkey crown is optional, but it helps to keep it in shape during cooking. You can use twine to tie the turkey’s legs and wings together and create a neat package.
Cooking Turkey Crown
Cooking turkey crown requires precise timing and temperature to ensure it is cooked evenly and retains its moisture.
Key takeaway: Cooking a turkey crown is not an easy task and requires careful preparation, cooking, and resting to ensure a juicy and tender meal. Understanding the defrosting, seasoning, and trussing process is important to achieve a perfect result. Proper timing and temperature are also crucial during the cooking phase, whether you choose to roast it in the oven or use a slow cooker. Resting the turkey crown for at least 20-30 minutes before carving is essential to allow the juices to settle and ensure it is moist and tender.
Roasting Turkey Crown
Roasting is the most common method of cooking turkey crown. Preheat the oven to 190°C/375°F/gas mark 5 and place the turkey in a roasting tin. Cover the turkey with foil and roast for 20 minutes per 500g, plus an additional 20-30 minutes.
Using a Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker is a convenient way of cooking turkey crown. Place the turkey in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, depending on the size. You can add vegetables and herbs for extra flavor.
Resting Turkey Crown
Resting turkey crown is crucial to allow the juices to settle and ensure it is moist and tender.
Resting Time
Rest the turkey for at least 20-30 minutes before carving. Cover it with foil to keep it warm.
Carving Turkey Crown
Carving turkey crown can be tricky, but it is easy once you know how. Use a sharp knife to slice the turkey thinly against the grain. Serve it with gravy and your favorite side dishes.
FAQs for Cooking Turkey Crown
What is a turkey crown?
A turkey crown is the breast part of a whole turkey. It is without the legs, wings, and the rest of the bird’s carcass.
How long should I cook a turkey crown for?
The cooking time for a turkey crown depends on its weight. As a general rule, cook it for 20 minutes per kilogram at 190 degrees Celsius.
How do I prepare a turkey crown before cooking it?
The turkey crown must be thawed before cooking. Remove any packaging and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight or for at least 8 hours. If you brine your turkey crown, prepare and soak it in the brine solution a day before cooking.
Can I stuff my turkey crown?
It is not recommended to stuff your turkey crown as it can lead to undercooked stuffing potentially harmful to your health. Instead, you may place herbs and aromatics inside the cavity to enhance the flavors.
Should I cover my turkey crown while cooking it?
Cover the turkey crown with foil for the first half of its cooking time to prevent the skin from browning too early. Remove the foil for the remaining half to allow the skin to crisp up.
How do I know when my turkey crown is cooked?
Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. The reading should be at least 68 degrees Celsius in the thickest part of the meat before it can be served. Also, the meat should be tender and the juices should run clear when pricked with a fork.
How do I store leftover turkey crown?
Allow the turkey crown to cool before transferring it to the fridge. You may store it in a container with a lid or wrap tightly in foil or cling wrap. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the turkey crown within 2 hours after its cooked. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
