Recent in Recipes

Should You Wash Your Turkey? Here’s What You Need to Know

Preparing the ingredients for your Thanksgiving feast is an hours-long process. You’ll want to scrub potatoes, soak the broccoli in salt water and re-wash the pre-washed lettuce. Because washing fruits and vegetables is the right way to avoid unwelcome bacteria, it only makes sense that you should wash your turkey as well, right?

It turns out washing your turkey is not the proper way to avoid bacteria. In fact, it actually makes the situation a whole lot worse.

Why Is Washing a Turkey So Dangerous?

It may seem like a clean process, but washing a 15-pound turkey causes a lot of splashing near the kitchen sink. The backsplash coming off the turkey could mean contamination of food that will be placed on the counter later.  According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), any raw poultry can cross-contaminate other food with harmful bacteria and potentially cause food poisoning.

How to Prep Turkey Safely

Your Thanksgiving turkey doesn’t have to put the family at risk. It’s important to make sure your turkey is handled safely. The USDA makes the following recommendations:

  • Disinfect your countertops with hot, soapy water before you prep the bird. Learn how to clean granite countertops.
  • Wash your hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds before and after handling the turkey. Use this expert-recommended hand-washing technique.
  • Use a separate cutting board for raw turkey and follow guidelines for cutting board care.
  • Remove the giblets from the bird and pat the cavity dry with paper towels.
  • Check for any feather quills that may still be connected to the turkey’s skin and pluck them out.
  • Never place cooked food or fresh produce on a plate, countertop or other surface that previously held raw turkey.
  • Wash cutting boards, utensils, dishes and countertops with hot, soapy water after preparing the bird.

It’s also smart to keep raw turkey away from other foods you are buying at the grocery store, and keep it separate from other foods when defrosting in the refrigerator. If you’re still itching to clean your turkey before roasting it, patting it dry with paper towels will also work.

How to Cook Turkey Safely

It’s simple—cooking the turkey to the right temperature is the best way to keep people safe from food poisoning. Use a meat thermometer to make sure turkey is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F, which is high enough to kill the germs that would make people sick.

Make sure you test the turkey at its thickest part (usually the thigh), and if the bird is not quite cooked, make sure you wash your meat thermometer in hot, soapy water before testing again.

Still have questions about the bird? Follow our step-by-step guide to cooking a turkey!

Clever Ways to Use Turkey Leftovers
1 / 49
https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Portobello-Pasta-Bake_exps160802_TH2379801C06_29_2bC_RMS.jpg?resize=348,348 348w, https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Portobello-Pasta-Bake_exps160802_TH2379801C06_29_2bC_RMS.jpg?resize=700,700 700w, https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Portobello-Pasta-Bake_exps160802_TH2379801C06_29_2bC_RMS.jpg?resize=400,400 400w, https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Portobello-Pasta-Bake_exps160802_TH2379801C06_29_2bC_RMS.jpg?resize=180,180 180w, https://www.tasteofhome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Portobello-Pasta-Bake_exps160802_TH2379801C06_29_2bC_RMS.jpg?resize=10,10 10w" title="Portobello Pasta Bake" width="640">

Portobello Pasta Bake

I always plan to use this recipe right after Thanksgiving Day. Leftover turkey never tasted so good. — Preci D'Silva, Dubai
Sesame Turkey Stir Fry Exps150560 Sd143203c10 25 5bc Rms 2

Sesame Turkey Stir-Fry

I really like the rich taste of sesame oil in this Thai-inspired dish. If you don't have it, canola oil does the trick, too. To get a similar nuttiness, toss in a handful sliced almonds before serving. —Kelli Whiting, Fortville, Indiana
Turkey Gnocchi Soup Exps54304 Sd142780d08 20 2bc Rms 2

Turkey Gnocchi Soup

While trying to find a creative use for leftover turkey, we decided to add gnocchi instead of noodles. My 8-year-old daughter always asks for more. If you don't have leftover turkey, a rotisserie chicken works just as well. —Amy Babines, Virginia Beach, Virginia
Turkey Mushroom Sandwich Bowls Exps135075 Th2257746a07 07 2bc Rms 4

Turkey Mushroom Sandwich Bowls

My grandmother was an amazing cook, who brought new life to leftovers. I've tried to do the same here in these creamy, mushroom-packed sandwiches.—Angela Leinenbach, Mechanicsvlle, Virginia
Turkey Alfredo Tetrazzini Exps142215 Sd2401786b02 10 3bc Rms 2

Turkey Alfredo Tetrazzini

I speed up my mother-in-law’s tetrazzini by using jarred Alfredo sauce, canned mushrooms and onion powder. —Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Turkey Mashed Potato Chimis

Turkey Mashed Potato Chimis

A little creative recycling will take your post-holiday morsels from boring to brilliant. A homemade sauce of pumpkin puree and chipotle peppers gives these delicious chimis a spicy-sweet finish.—Sherri Gordon, Olmsted Falls, Ohio
Stuffing Crust Turkey Potpie Exps Cwon18 135855 C05 24 7b 2

Stuffing Crust Turkey Potpie

Here's a wonderful, stick-to-the-ribs dish that slices well since the filling is thicker than that of traditional potpies. Prebaking the crust makes it crunchy.—Tamara Furda, Naperville, Illinois
Turkey Pinto Bean Salad With Southern Molasses Dressing Exps Fbbz19 135882 B04 10 3b 7

Turkey Pinto Bean Salad with Southern Molasses Dressing

This salad is a welcome alternative to the usual post-Thanksgiving fare. It's a tasty main dish loaded with good-for-you protein.—Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Gobble Up Strata Exps172169 Th132104c06 20 2bc Rms 7

Gobble-Up Strata

I always look forward to making strata after Thanksgiving. We invite our neighbors, and they think it’s neat that I prepare another whole meal. — Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Black Bean N Pumpkin Chili Exps41384 Th132767c05 10 1bc Rms 14

Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili

My family is crazy about this slow cooker chili because it uses ingredients you don't usually find in chili. Believe it or not, I discovered that pumpkin is what makes the dish so special. Cook up a big batch and freeze some for later; it tastes even better reheated. —Deborah Vliet, Holland, Michigan
Spicy Mustard Turkey Pizza

Spicy Mustard Turkey Pizza

A unique take on traditional pizza, this is an instant family favorite thanks to the tangy sauce and crisp crust. If you're not a fan of Swiss cheese, substitute provolone or mozzarella.—Keri Cotton, Lakeville, Minnesota
Thai Turkey Salad Pitas

Thai Turkey Salad Pitas

Here’s a quick and easy way to use up leftover turkey. My son likes to try foods from different nationalities, and he really enjoys these pitas. —Renee Dent, Conrad, Montana
Italian Turkey Skillet

Italian Turkey Skillet

It's a challenge to find imaginative ways to use leftovers, especially for turkey after Thanksgiving. Here's a favorite of mine that you can easily make ahead for another dinner option. Prepare the recipe as directed, then transfer to a casserole dish and freeze up to three months. —Patricia Kile, Nokomis, Florida
Stuffing Dumpling Soup Exps134957 Th2257746a07 06 1bc Rms 6

Stuffing Dumpling Soup

I've always loved turkey, dumplings and stuffing, so I combined them and added a punch of Creole flavor. My family loves it, even my little ones. It's got some kick, but a dollop of sour cream can mellow that out. —Relina Shirley, Reno, Nevada
Mediterranean Turkey Potpies Exps134558 Thhc2377564b07 13 4b Rms 8

Mediterranean Turkey Potpies

Your clan will love these wonderful, stick-to-the-ribs potpies with a Mediterranean twist. I always use the leftovers from our big holiday turkey to prepare this recipe. I think my family enjoys the potpies more than the original feast! —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Chipotle Turkey Chilaquiles

Chipotle Turkey Chilaquiles

As a frugal mom, I try to use leftovers in a way that provides good nutrition. This recipe does just that and it’s also a great way for my children to learn to enjoy the flavors of their Mexican heritage. —Aimee Day, Ferndale, Washington
Triple-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Triple-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

My kids go for sweet potatoes stuffed with leftover turkey and dressing. We enjoy being in the kitchen together, each of us making our own potato boats. —Ane Burke, Bella Vista, Arkansas
Holiday Stromboli

Holiday Stromboli

At our house, we wrap holiday leftovers in pizza crust as a yummy way to finish them off. Here’s to getting the flavor, without the all-day cooking. —Alia Slatton, Boulder, Colorado
Turkey & Vegetable Pasta

Turkey & Vegetable Pasta

This recipe freezes beautifully and is a wonderful way to use up leftover holiday turkey and vegetables. —Veronica McCann, Columbus, Ohio
Exps150596 Thca153054c12 03 5b 5

Gobbler Cakes

I watched a chef make crab cakes and decided to try it with turkey and stuffing. Now the kids request them year-round, so I buy cooked turkey. —Suzee Krebs, Brielle, New Jersey
Exps461 Tgcb163937d03 09 5b 4

Mexican Turkey Roll-Ups

This is the perfect recipe when you're hungry for a dish with Mexican flavor and want to use turkey. These roll-ups are fun and so tasty, even kids like them. It's a different use for leftover turkey. —Marlene Muckenhirn, Delano, Minnesota
Exps39121 Thca163696d08 27 5b 5

Hearty Turkey 'n' Rice Soup

Use the leftover cooked turkey in the fridge to speed up dinner. You'll be ladling up bowlfuls of goodness in only 30 minutes. —Maggie Brewer, Canandaigua, New York
Turkey-Stuffed Acorn Squash

Turkey-Stuffed Acorn Squash

We stuff acorn squash with leftovers like turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce. Make as much or as little as you need to use everything up. —Cindy Romberg, Mississauga, Ontario
Turkey Tortilla Soup

Turkey Tortilla Soup

My wife created this recipe as a healthy way to use up Thanksgiving leftovers. It’s a nice alternative to the typical fare, and it’s so easy. Our family looks forward to this soup every year. —Matthew Szyndler, Maumee, Ohio.
Day-After-Thanksgiving Turkey Stir-Fry

Day-After-Thanksgiving Turkey Stir-Fry

I work for a priest, Fr. Leo, who loves to cook and shared this recipe with me. Perfect for the day after Thanksgiving, the dish encompasses the holiday spirit, while adding a twist. —Stefen Lovelace, Marriottsville, Maryland

The post Should You Wash Your Turkey? Here’s What You Need to Know appeared first on Taste of Home.



source https://www.tasteofhome.com/article/do-not-do-this-to-your-turkey/

Subscribe to receive free email updates:

Related Posts :

0 Response to "Should You Wash Your Turkey? Here’s What You Need to Know"

Post a Comment