Cooking a turkey on a cast iron skillet is a great way to get a delicious, crispy bird with juicy meat. Cast iron skillets are known for their excellent heat distribution, perfect for cooking large meats like turkey. However, how long to cook a turkey on a cast iron skillet can be tricky, depending on several factors. In this article, we will explore the best practices for cooking a turkey on a cast iron skillet and provide some guidelines for cooking times.
The cooking time of a turkey on cast iron will depend on the weight of the turkey. As a general rule of thumb, you can estimate about 12-15 minutes of cooking time per pound of turkey. For example, a 12-pound turkey would take approximately 2.5 – 3 hours to cook on a cast iron skillet at 325°F (165°F). It is essential to use a meat thermometer to check the turkey’s internal temperature to ensure it is fully cooked.
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Cook a Turkey on Cast Iron
Cooking a turkey on a cast iron skillet is a great way to achieve crispy skin and juicy meat. Here is a recipe for cooking a turkey on a cast iron skillet:
Ingredients:
- 1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cups of chicken broth
Equipment needed:
- cast iron skillet
- roasting rack
- meat thermometer
- oven mitts
- basting brush
- cooking twine
- aluminum foil
- carving set
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Rub the turkey with olive oil and season it with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Make sure to season the inside cavity as well.
- Place the minced garlic, diced onion, and lemon slices in the skillet
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet around the turkey
- Cover the turkey loosely with foil and place the skillet in the oven.
- Cook the turkey loosely with foil and place the skillet in the oven.
- Continue to cook the turkey for another 2-3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Baste the turkey with juices from the skillet every 30 minutes.
- Once the turkey is done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
- Serve and enjoy.
Always practice food safety when cooking turkey, including properly thawing the turkey before cooking, washing hands and surfaces thoroughly, and avoiding cross-contamination.
How Long should I cook Turkey on cast iron
Check the turkey’s internal temperature about an hour before the estimated cooking is up. If the temperature has not reached 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part of the turkey, continue cooking and check the temperature every 15 minutes until it’s finally cooked.
What is the perfect cooking time for Turkey on cast iron?
When cooking a turkey on cast iron, the perfect cooking time will depend on the weight of the turkey and the temperature of your oven. A general rule is to cook your turkey for 13-15 minutes per pound at 350°F (175°C).
To ensure that your turkey is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey. The turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part of the meat.
Let the turkey rest for at least 15-20 minutes after it comes out of the oven because it helps the flavor spread throughout the bird and retains moisture.
| Turkey | Cooking Time |
| Whole turkey | 2 to 3 hours at 350°F (176°C) |
| Turkey breast | 6 to 8 pounds will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours at 350°F (176°C) |
| Turkey legs | 1 to 1.5 pounds each will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour at 350°F (176°C). |
| Turkey wings | 1-2 pounds each will take approximately 30-45 minutes at 350°F (176°C). |
| Ground turkey | 10-12 minutes to cook over medium-high heat of 200 – 250°F (93°C – 121.11°C) |
| Turkey tenderloins | 1-2 pounds will take approximately 25-35 minutes at 350°F (176°C). |
| Turkey thighs | 2-3 pounds will take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours at 350°F (176°C) |
| Smoked turkey breast | If you have a smoked turkey breast and want to reheat, it will take about 20-25 minutes over low heat until it’s warmed through. |
| Turkey sausage | 10-12 minutes, at approximately 200°F (93°C) |
| Turkey cutlets | Turkey cutlets weighing around 6-8 ounces each will take approximately 3-4 minutes. |
What is the doneness level for a Turkey cooked on cast iron?
The best doneness level for turkey cooked on a cast iron skillet will depend on personal preference and the cooking method used.
If you are roasting the turkey in the cast iron pan, you can aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°F) in the thickest part of the bird. This will ensure that the turkey is fully cooked and safe to eat.
If you are searing on the cast iron pan and finishing it in the oven, you can aim for a slightly lower temperature of 160°F (71°C) in the thickest part of the bird.
Regardless of the cooking method used, it is important to let the turkey rest for at least 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving
How long do I need to cook a turkey on cast iron?
Generally, it would help if you planned on cooking the turkey for 15-20 minutes per pound at 350°
Can I cook a whole turkey on cast iron?
Yes, you can cook a whole turkey on a cast iron skillet. However, the skillet size needs to be large enough to accommodate the turkey.
Do I need to season my cast iron skillet before cooking a turkey?
Yes, seasoning your cast iron skillet before cooking a turkey is always a good idea. This will help prevent the turkey from sticking to the skillet and also improve the flavor of the turkey.
How do I season my cast iron skillet?
To season your cast iron skillet, wash it with hot water and dry it thoroughly. Then apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or melted shortening to the skillet, making sure to coat the entire surface of the skillet. Finally, bake the skillet in a preheated oven at 350°F
Can I use a lid when cooking a turkey on cast iron?
Yes, you can use a lid when cooking a turkey on cast iron. This will help keep the turkey moist and prevent it from drying out.
Should I baste the turkey when cooking it on cast iron?
Basting the turkey can help keep it moist and add flavor. However, it is not necessary when cooking a turkey on cast iron. The juices from the turkey will naturally baste the meat as it cooks.
Can I use an iron skillet to make gravy from the turkey drippings?
You can use a cast iron skillet to make gravy from the turkey drippings. Heat the skillet on the stovetop, add the turkey drippings, and whisk in flour to create a roux. Then, slowly whisk turkey broth until the gravy reaches your desired consistency.
Step-By-Step Guide on How to Cook a Turkey on Cast Iron
Equipment
- cast iron skillet
- Roasting rack
- Meat thermometer
- Oven mitts
- Basting brush
- Cooking twine
- Aluminum foil
- Carving set
Ingredients
- 1 whole turkey (10-12 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon of dried rosemary
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 cups of chicken broth
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Rub the turkey with olive oil and season it with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. Make sure to season the inside cavity as well.
- Place the minced garlic, diced onion, and lemon slices in the skillet
- Pour chicken broth into the skillet around the turkey
- Cover the turkey loosely with foil and place the skillet in the oven.
- Cook the turkey loosely with foil and place the skillet in the oven.
- Continue to cook the turkey for another 2-3 hours or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Baste the turkey with juices from the skillet every 30 minutes.
- Once the turkey is done, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for 15-20 minutes before carving.
- Serve and enjoy.
Video
Notes
Conclusion
Cooking a turkey on cast iron can be a delicious and satisfying experience for any home cook. The time it takes to cook a turkey on cast iron will vary depending on the size of the bird and the temperature of your oven. However, a good rule of thumb is to cook your turkey for 12-15 minutes per pound at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s important to note that cast iron provides even heat distribution, making it an ideal cooking surface for a large bird like a turkey. Plus, it’s versatile enough to be used on the stovetop or in the oven, making it a convenient and practical tool for any home cook.
When cooking a turkey on cast iron, it’s important to watch the bird and check its internal temperature frequently to ensure it’s cooked through. Once the turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s safe to eat.
