How Long to Cook a 22 lb Spatchcock Turkey: A Comprehensive Guide
Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, food. And no Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without a perfectly cooked turkey. But if you’re cooking a large turkey, like a 22-pounder, it can be difficult to know how long to cook it for.
Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about cooking a 22 lb spatchcock turkey, including how to prepare it, how to cook it, and how to carve it. So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a Thanksgiving newbie, you’ll be able to cook a perfect turkey this year.
What is Spatchcocking?
Spatchcocking is a method of preparing a turkey (or other poultry) by removing the backbone and flattening it out. This allows the turkey to cook more evenly and quickly than a traditional roasted turkey. Spatchcocking also makes it easier to carve the turkey, as the bones are already removed.
How to Spatchcock a Turkey
To spatchcock a turkey, you’ll need a sharp knife and a pair of kitchen shears. First, remove the turkey’s neck and giblets. Then, place the turkey breast-side up on a cutting board. Using the sharp knife, cut along either side of the backbone, starting at the neck and ending at the tail. Remove the backbone and discard it.
Next, use the kitchen shears to cut through the cartilage that connects the breastbone to the ribs. Be careful not to cut through the skin. Once the cartilage is cut, you’ll be able to flatten the turkey out. Place the turkey skin-side up on a baking sheet and press down on the breastbone to flatten it.
How to Cook a Spatchcock Turkey
Now that your turkey is spatchcocked, it’s time to cook it. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Rub the turkey all over with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs and spices. Place the turkey on a roasting rack set inside a large roasting pan.
Roast the turkey for 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the turkey rest for 15 minutes before carving.
How to Carve a Spatchcock Turkey
Carving a spatchcocked turkey is easy. First, remove the legs by cutting through the joint where the leg meets the breast. Then, remove the wings by cutting through the joint where the wing meets the breast. Finally, slice the breast meat into thin slices.
Tips and Expert Advice
- If you don’t have a sharp knife, you can use a poultry shears to cut the backbone and cartilage.
- If you’re roasting the turkey on a baking sheet, be sure to line the sheet with parchment paper to prevent the turkey from sticking.
- If the turkey starts to brown too quickly, cover it with foil.
- Let the turkey rest for at least 15 minutes before carving to allow the juices to redistribute.
FAQs
- How long does it take to cook a 22 lb spatchcock turkey? It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to cook a 22 lb spatchcock turkey at 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
- What is the internal temperature of a cooked turkey? The internal temperature of a cooked turkey should be 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- How do I know when the turkey is done cooking? The best way to tell if a turkey is done cooking is to insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The thermometer should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- How do I carve a spatchcock turkey? To carve a spatchcock turkey, first remove the legs and wings. Then, slice the breast meat into thin slices.
Conclusion
Cooking a 22 lb spatchcock turkey is easy and straightforward. Just follow the steps outlined in this article and you’ll have a perfectly cooked turkey that will be the star of your Thanksgiving feast.
So, are you ready to cook a spatchcock turkey? Let me know in the comments below!
