Heres a simple way to prepare your turkey like a pro before roasting: Tuck the wings to enhance the presentation while ensuring even cooking.
Securing the wings behind and close to the body tightens up the appearance, but it also prevents them from overcooking or burning in the oven or on the grill. This method is particularly useful when roasting or grilling, as it helps the turkey cook more uniformly, allowing all parts of the bird to reach the ideal temperature without any risk of charring.
Tucking in the wings of your turkey before roasting is a small but important technique for ensuring perfectly cooked, great looking birds. While an untucked turkey will still taste delicious, taking the extra minute to neatly tuck the wings provides both practical and aesthetic benefits. Don’t let this simple cooking step intimidate you. With just a bit of practice, you’ll be an expert at turkey wing tucking for all your holiday feasts.
Why Should You Tuck Turkey Wings?
Securing the wings serves several helpful purposes:
-
Prevents burnt dried out wings. The wings cook faster and can burn. Tucking provides insulation.
-
Allows even cooking. You can roast the turkey thoroughly without the wings overcooking.
-
Gives a tidy uniform shape. Wings tucked underneath looks neater and more appetizing.
-
Holds wings in place for easier handling when basting and carving.
-
Lets seasonings and smoke penetrate evenly if smoking,
Step-By-Step Instructions for Tucking Wings
Tucking the wings on your turkey is simple. Follow these directions:
Prepare the Raw Turkey
-
Remove giblets and neck from cavities. Pat the outside dry with paper towels.
-
Season the inside cavities and outer skin as desired.
-
Position turkey breast side up on a roasting rack or rimmed baking sheet.
Lift and Tuck the Wings
-
With one hand, gently lift up one side of the turkey.
-
Using your other hand, grasp the whole wing and tuck it under itself, pressing it into the breast.
-
Repeat on the other side, tucking the other wing completely underneath the breast.
Secure the Wings (Optional)
-
Take a 12-inch piece of kitchen twine or unwaxed dental floss.
-
Starting at the breast, wrap it around the entire turkey, pulling the legs together.
-
Tie it securely to hold the wings in place.
-
Trim off any excess string.
Handy Tucking Tips
Keep these extra pointers in mind for perfectly tucked wings:
-
For easier tying, use any plastic or metal leg holder already on the turkey.
-
Stuff the cavity just before cooking so stuffing stays chilled.
-
Truss legs even if not stuffing to prevent wings from slipping out.
-
Add aromatic herbs, citrus, or vegetables in the cavity for extra flavor.
-
Start breast down if roasting then flip halfway for browned skin.
-
When smoking, keep breast up and monitor temperature.
-
Insert a meat thermometer in deepest thigh meat, not touching bone.
Troubleshooting FAQs
Still worried about getting those wings tucked? Here are answers to common questions:
Does tucking affect flavor?
Nope, it just prevents direct heat overexposure. Seasonings and smoke will still penetrate evenly.
Can you cook an untucked turkey?
You can roast an untucked turkey but the wings may burn and it won’t have a tidy shape. Tucking is highly recommended.
Should you truss as well as tuck?
Trussing ties the legs and wings for a compact shape. You can truss after tucking wings if desired.
What about pieces like drumsticks?
For bone-in parts like wings or drumsticks, tucking isn’t needed. Just season well and cook.
Enjoy Perfectly Cooked Tucked Turkey
With these simple steps, you’ll be ready to tuck wings like a pro. Your holiday turkeys will cook more evenly, look gorgeous on the table, and carve up beautifully. Just be sure to use a meat thermometer for doneness, no matter how tidy it looks! Once you master this easy technique, you’ll wonder how you ever roasted turkeys any other way.
How To Ready Your Turkey For Cooking
Now that youre ready to get started, heres a simple guide to help you achieve the most wow-worthy turkey:
- Step 1. Prepare the turkey: Before you start, make sure your turkey is completely thawed if it was frozen. We have some recommendations for how to best thaw your bird before cooking. Remove the giblets and any packaging from the turkey cavity, and thoroughly pat the turkey dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Step 2. Locate and tuck the wings: Locate the joint where each wing meets the body of the turkey by gently lifting the wings. Now imagine youre laying back on the grass with your arms tucked behind your head. Youll want to treat the wings in the same way: Gently fold them back behind the birds body so that the tips are tucked under, hiding them underneath the bird.
- Step 3. Truss the bird: While optional, you might want to use twine to further secure the wings and legs of the bird before cooking to keep them in place. Cut a piece of kitchen twine and tie the legs together at the drumstick ends. Take another piece of twine, loop it under the birds body across the tucked wings, and tie securely. Check that all twine is tightly secured, cutting off some of the excess of twine if needed.
If you tucked the wings of the bird back but didnt use twine, reconsider. Its best to tie a piece of twine around the bird to keep the wings in place. If you dont have twine, use metal or bamboo skewers to pin them in place, or unwaxed dental floss to get the job done.
Tools And Materials Needed
Before you begin tucking your turkey wings and otherwise preparing your bird, youll need some essential tools and materials on hand:
- Roasting pan: A sturdy pan with high sides will help catch the drippings of the turkey and provide a stable base for the bird.
- Kitchen twine: Used to tie the legs and wings to keep them in place during cooking.
- Scissors: For cutting the kitchen twine.
- Turkey: The star of the show! The size of the turkey doesnt matter here—this method will work for any size bird.
- Oven or grill: Whichever method you prefer for cooking your turkey.
