When friends and family are gathered around the Thanksgiving table gazing at a perfectly roasted turkey, you might wonder how to slice up perfect portions. This guide shows you how to confidently carve your bird in just a few steps!
Here’s Your Go-To Guide for Carving Turkey!
Any size! Use this guide to carve a cooked roast turkey or a spatchcocked turkey. Consider carving the turkey in the kitchen instead of at the table. This means fewer eyes and less stress on you (whew!). NOTE: There’s still time for a photo op (see below)!
Tools for Carving Turkey
Before preparing any food, always know your mise en place (French for being organized)! This is especially true during the holidays when entertaining can be stressful.
Knife: I love my electric knife but a good carving knife works just as well. You’ll also want a carving fork. Optional: kitchen shears. Cutting board: A large cutting board with grooved edges to catch juices. TIP: A bath towel folded in half will keep the cutting board steady and also soak up any spills. I also keep an extra, smaller cutting board (with a kitchen towel underneath) for slicing the pieces once they’re removed from the carcass. A serving platter for the sliced turkey with some trimmings and garnishes.
How to Carve a Turkey
It doesn’t take long to get a perfectly carved turkey on the table with these step-by-step directions! Remove Wings: Cut through the joint where the wings meet the backbone. Kitchen shears are perfect for this step!
Carving the Meat
BONUS VIDEO: Learn how to spatchcock a turkey with this step-by-step video!
Turkey Tips & Tricks
Let the turkey rest a good 20-30 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to recirculate back into the meat keeping it moist and juicy. Knives should be clean and freshly sharpened. If using a cordless electric knife, charge it the night before so it’s ready. Don’t forget to save the juices for gravy! New to carving? Practice on a smaller bird before the big day!
Leftover Turkey?
Proper handling and storage of leftover turkey ensures the safe enjoyment of leftovers! Always remove the meat from the carcass before refrigerating to prevent food contamination. The carcass can immediately be used to make turkey stock along with the leftover fresh herbs for turkey soup. Leftover turkey can be kept in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and made into delicious game day sandwiches, or a hearty white turkey chili. Or you can organize freezer bags by white or dark meat and freeze for up to 6 months. Did you try this step-by-step guide? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! © SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
