Roasting a whole turkey is a festive centerpiece for holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. But those floppy wings can lead to uneven cooking and burn easily. That’s why it’s important to learn how to properly tuck in the wings of a turkey before roasting.
Tucking the wings is a simple process that takes just a minute or two. With a few basic steps, you’ll have those wings neatly folded under the bird for even cooking.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to easily tuck in turkey wings:
What You Need
- A whole raw turkey
- Kitchen twine, unwaxed dental floss, or silicone bands
- Sharpened knife (for cutting twine)
- Clean workspace like a cutting board
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey
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Take the raw turkey out of the packaging Remove the giblets if they are inside
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Pat the turkey dry thoroughly inside and out with paper towels.
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Place the turkey breast side up on a clean cutting board or plate. Have ready your twine or bands for tying
Step 2: Locate the Wings
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Look for the wings sticking out from the sides of the breast.
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Grab one wing in each hand. They should be easy to maneuver.
Step 3: Tuck the Wings Under
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Keeping a firm grip on one wing, gently lift that side of the turkey up 2-3 inches.
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Use your other hand to tuck the wing neatly under the bird, close to the body.
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Press the wing into the cavity so it stays tucked.
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Lower that side of the turkey back down and repeat the process on the other side,
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Check that both wings are now fully tucked under the turkey.
Step 4: Secure the Wings
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With the wings tucked under, take your twine or bands to tie them in place.
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For twine, cut a length about 1.5 times the circumference of the turkey.
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Wrap the twine around the turkey width-wise, crossing over the breast.
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Pull it snugly over the tucked wings.
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Tie it securely on the bottom around the legs.
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For bands, simply stretch one over each end of the bird to hold the wings in place.
Step 5: Roast the Turkey
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With the wings neatly tucked and tied down, your turkey is ready for roasting.
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Roast the turkey breast side up according to your recipe instructions.
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The tucked wings will promote even cooking and prevent the wingtips from burning.
And that’s it! Just follow these simple steps before roasting to get those turkey wings tucked neatly under the bird. It makes for a beautiful presentation and prevents any uneven cooking. Enjoy your holiday turkey with perfectly browned wings.
Tucking Turkey Wings (Turkey Jiu-Jitsu )
FAQ
Do you tuck the turkey legs?
Do you clip both wings on a turkey?
How do you get wings off a turkey?
How do you Tuck Turkey wings?
In a forward motion, pinch the wing tips and tuck them under the front breast meat. The weight of the turkey should hold down the wings and stop them from popping back out. Once you have tucked the wings we need to secure them with twine. – Estimate the length of twine you will need to wrap around the entire bird with the wings tucked.
How do you lift a turkey wing?
Place your turkey on a pan or cutting board, breast side up, this will keep your counter clean as you prep your turkey. Grab one of the turkey’s wings in one hand, and with your other hand, lift the bird. As you lift the bird, pull the tip of the wing beneath the turkey. Lower the turkey, the wing should stay in its new position.
How do you keep Turkey wings tucked?
To keep the wings securely tucked, you can use kitchen twine or butcher’s string. Tying the wings will ensure they stay in place during roasting. Where should I place the turkey on the roasting rack? When the wings are tucked and tied, place the turkey on the roasting rack. Optimal placement will ensure even cooking and a beautifully roasted bird.
Should you Tuck Turkey wings behind the neck?
Tucking the wings behind the neck is a more effective method for ensuring even cooking and crispy skin all over the bird. Another important aspect of tucking turkey wings is ensuring that the bird is properly prepared before roasting. Be sure to pat the turkey dry with paper towels to help the skin crisp up nicely during cooking.
How do you Tuck a turkey wing in a crock pot?
Place the turkey breast-side up on a cutting board, roasting pan, or rack. Season the outside all over with salt, pepper, herbs, oil, and any other rub ingredients. Lifting up slightly on one side of the turkey, use your other hand to gently tuck the wing underneath the bird so it lays flat against the back.
Should Turkey wings be tucked?
Properly tucked wings will result in a more compact and evenly roasted turkey. Some recipes suggest tucking the wings under the turkey’s back, but this can lead to uneven cooking. Tucking the wings behind the neck is a more effective method for ensuring even cooking and crispy skin all over the bird.