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The best part of Thanksgiving is undoubtedly the leftovers. You can make a lot of different dishes with Thanksgiving leftovers. For example, Ree Drummond’s recipes for turkey tetrazzini, turkey shepherd’s pie, and turkey soup all use up turkey. If you want to keep things simple and eat a lot of leftovers, though, you may be wondering how to heat up turkey.
If you’ve ever put a piece of leftover turkey in the microwave and it came out disappointingly dry, you know that there are right and wrong ways to reheat turkey. If you do it right, your turkey will still taste great days after Thanksgiving! Also, did you know that you can cook your Thanksgiving turkey ahead of time and then reheat it on the big day? That’s a lifesaver! Here’s how to keep your turkey juicy for the Turkey Day feast and beyond.
Fried turkey is a delicious, moist, and crispy treat for holidays and special gatherings But the question often comes up – how do you properly reheat those tasty leftovers? Fried foods can quickly go from crispy to soggy if you don’t know the right techniques
With a few simple steps, you can reheat fried turkey to be just as crispy and juicy as when it first came out of the fryer. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn expert tips and methods to revive your leftover fried turkey.
Gathering Your Materials
Before reheating fried turkey gather
- Oven and oven mitts
- Baking sheet or roasting pan
- Aluminum foil
- Meat thermometer
- Tongs for handling the turkey
Prioritizing Safety
When handling any leftover meat proper food safety is crucial.
- Avoid the microwave, as it can make the skin soggy and rubbery.
- Don’t refry the turkey, as it may lead to overcooking.
- Refrigerate all leftovers within 2 hours and reheat within 3-4 days.
The Oven Method
The oven allows you to reheat the turkey evenly without overcooking the meat.
- Preheat oven to 325°F.
- Place turkey on a foil-lined baking sheet or roasting pan.
- Loosely cover with foil to prevent drying out.
- Heat 25 minutes per pound, until 165°F internal temperature.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify temperature.
- Remove turkey carefully with tongs once fully heated.
Reviving Crispiness
If the skin loses its crunch, use these tips:
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Broil the turkey for a few minutes at the end to help crisp the skin. Watch it closely to avoid burning.
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Consider crisping just the skin by separating it from the meat and broiling for 2-3 minutes.
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Brush the skin with a small amount of oil before reheating to help it re-crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Once reheated, fried turkey makes for amazing leftovers. Try:
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Drizzling gravy over the turkey if it seems dry.
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Serving with classic sides like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
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Using for sandwiches with cranberry chutney and brie.
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Dicing for turkey casserole or soup.
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Adding to salads for a protein boost.
Storing Leftovers
Properly stored leftovers maintain safety and quality.
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Allow turkey to cool completely before refrigerating.
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Store in shallow airtight containers within 2 hours.
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Use refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days.
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Freeze extra portions for longer storage. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
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Do not reheat turkey more than once. Discard any leftovers after reheating.
Common Questions
Can you reheat fried turkey in the microwave?
No, the microwave can make the skin soggy and ruin the texture. Oven reheating is best.
Is it safe to re-fry leftover fried turkey?
It’s not recommended. Frying again could lead to very dry, overcooked meat.
How long does reheated fried turkey last in the fridge?
Leftovers should be eaten within 3-4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator.
The Takeaway
With proper techniques, you can enjoy leftover fried turkey that’s almost as delicious as the freshly fried original. Low, slow oven heating helps retain moisture in the meat while optional broiling or separate crisping of the skin brings back the signature crunch.
Follow these tips for reheating fried turkey success at your next holiday or gathering. Your guests will be amazed that they’re eating leftovers!
How do you reheat turkey without drying it out?
Quicker is not always better, and thats especially true when it comes to reheating turkey. The best way to keep leftover turkey moist and delicious is reheating it low and slow. Yeah, that means no microwaves! Microwaves may heat turkey very quickly, but they dry out the meat and make the skin chewy, which is not good. Instead, turn to your oven return your Thanksgiving turkey to hot, juicy, just-baked perfection. Put the carved meat in a baking dish and heat your oven to 300 degrees. Then, add some chicken broth or turkey stock to the pan. The meat will absorb some of the liquid as it heats, making it nice and juicy. Place the pan in the oven and tightly cover it with foil. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the meat is hot. Before you know it, youll have fresh turkey once again!.
Can you cook a turkey the day before and reheat it?
For those who don’t want to roast a bird on Thanksgiving, you can cook the turkey the day before. This simple tip will not only help you save time on Thanksgiving, it will also make the day smoother. Best of all, no one will ever know! Just roast your bird as usual, let it cool down, and then cut it up into big pieces. Remove the wings, drumsticks, thighs, and breasts, keeping the pieces whole with some skin attached. Place the carved turkey pieces back into the roasting pan, cover well, and store in the fridge.
To reheat, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Pour some chicken, turkey, or vegetable stock or broth over the turkey while it’s still in the roasting pan to make it more tender. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes to an hour, or until the turkey is warmed through. Then carve the turkey into slices and serve!.