Did you see Jacques Pepin’s recipe for Steamed and Roasted Turkey in the November 12, 2012, issue of the New York Times? It caught my eye, and I was thrilled to learn that my nephew was going to try it for Thanksgiving dinner with our family. The turkey was excellent, with a crispy skin and breast meat that wasn’t too dry. (Here’s an interesting article by Jeff Gardinier about the steam and roast method. ).
After Christmas I decided to give the Steamed and Roasted Turkey a try myself. I had inherited a huge pot from my mom and it easily held my 12-pound turkey.
We had Jacques’ sauce on Thanksgiving, along with traditional gravy. The sauce was great, but I chose to use the broth to make the gravy I always make for my turkey dinner after the holidays.
If you have a pot that’s large enough, I definitely recommend this method. No need for a big pot for my Holiday Roast Turkey. It’s simple and always turns out well.
Steaming a whole turkey may seem unusual, but it’s actually a great way to cook a moist, tender bird. While roasting in the oven is the traditional method, using a steamer produces incredibly juicy results. If you have a steam oven or steamer, steaming your turkey is easier than you think. Here’s a complete guide to steaming turkey with tips for success.
The Benefits of Steaming Turkey
Compared to roasting steaming offers some key advantages
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Turkey stays incredibly moist and tender. The steam keeps it from drying out.
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Seasonings and aromatics directly infuse the meat.
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Gentle steaming allows turkey to cook evenly.
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You avoid crispy dried-out skin from oven roasting.
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It’s simple and hands-off once the turkey goes in the steamer.
Equipment You’ll Need
To steam a whole turkey, you’ll need the following:
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A steam oven, steamer basket, or dedicated turkey steamer large enough to fit the bird.
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A deep roasting pan or vessel to hold the turkey and collect drippings.
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Poultry shears and kitchen string to truss the turkey.
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Basting brush and turkey baste (butter, broth, wine).
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Instant-read meat thermometer.
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Oven mitts and utensils.
How to Steam a Whole Turkey – Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps for steaming turkey perfectly:
1. Prepare the Turkey
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Thaw turkey completely over 24-36 hours in the refrigerator.
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Remove giblets and neck from the cavities. Discard or use for gravy.
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Pat turkey dry inside and out with paper towels.
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Truss turkey by tying drumsticks together and tucking wing tips under body.
2. Season the Turkey
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Generously season the cavity and outer skin with salt, pepper, fresh herbs.
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Stuff turkey cavity with aromatics – onions, garlic, citrus, fresh herbs.
3. Prepare the Steamer
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Place turkey breast-side up on a rack in a roasting pan. Add 1 cup broth or water to the bottom of the pan.
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Transfer pan to a steam oven, or place in a steamer basket in a large stockpot with 2-3 inches of water.
4. Steam the Turkey
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Steam turkey at 212°F for approximately 2 hours for a 10 lb bird, adding more hot water as needed.
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Use an instant-read thermometer to check temperature – 165°F in breast, 175°F in thighs.
5. Finish and Brown Turkey
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When fully cooked, transfer turkey to a baking sheet and broil 8-10 minutes to brown.
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Baste frequently with melted butter or turkey broth to add color.
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Or glaze with sauce and broil to finish.
6. Rest, Carve and Serve
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Allow turkey to rest 20 minutes before carving.
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Carve turkey and serve with pan juices for moist, tender sliced meat.
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Enjoy your deliciously steamed turkey!
Tips for Steaming Turkey Success
Follow these tips when steaming a whole turkey:
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Choose a small 12 lb or less turkey which will steam more quickly and evenly.
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Truss turkey tightly so it cooks compactly.
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Use a rack in the roasting pan to elevate turkey above steaming liquid.
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Check and replenish steaming water regularly to prevent drying out.
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Use a meat thermometer for perfectly cooked meat – no guessing!
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Let turkey rest before carving to allow juices to redistribute.
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Add color and crisping with a final quick broil or glaze.
Common Questions About Steaming Turkey
Can you steam an unstuffed turkey?
Yes, steaming an unstuffed turkey is recommended for food safety. The stuffing won’t get hot enough steaming.
How long does it take to steam a turkey?
Figure 15-20 minutes per pound, so a 12 lb turkey will take 3-4 hours steaming. Larger birds may take longer.
Is steamed turkey safe to eat?
Yes, steaming poultry to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F kills any potential bacteria making it safe to eat.
What size turkey can you steam?
For even cooking, steam 10-12 lb turkeys or less. Larger birds can be steamed but may cook unevenly.
What seasoning is best for steaming turkey?
Salt, pepper and fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme and sage season a steamed turkey nicely. Citrus and aromatics also add flavor.
Steaming a whole turkey may seem unconventional, but it produces super moist, tender and healthy results. With the right technique, you can enjoy delicious steamed turkey for your next holiday meal.
Old favorites…New discoveries. Fresh and easy!
Did you notice Jacques Pepin’s recipe for Steamed and Roasted Turkey in the New York Times on November 12, 2012? It caught my eye, and then I was excited to learn that my nephew was going to try it for our family’s Thanksgiving dinner. The turkey was excellent, with a crispy skin and breast meat that wasn’t too dry. (Here’s an interesting article by Jeff Gardinier about the steam and roast method.)
After Christmas I decided to give the Steamed and Roasted Turkey a try myself. I had inherited a huge pot from my mom and it easily held my 12-pound turkey.
We had Jacques’ sauce on Thanksgiving, along with traditional gravy. The sauce was great, but I chose to use the broth to make the gravy I always make for my turkey dinner after the holidays.
If you have a pot that’s large enough, I definitely recommend this method. If you don’t have a large pot, my Holiday Roast Turkey is easy and I’ve always had good results with it.