Turkey in Meat & Seafood(152)

What are the benefits of substituting turkey for ground beef?

Turkey is sometimes used in place of beef in dishes like burgers and casseroles because it's often lower in fat. The leaner turkey is thought to be better for heart health. Turkey's other benefits include being high in protein and B vitamins, as well as being rich in minerals, like selenium, zinc, phosphorus, and iron.

What size turkey do I need for Thanksgiving?

The standard rule for choosing a Thanksgiving turkey is to opt for 1.5 pounds of meat per person. So, if you're serving 12 people for dinner, you'll want a turkey that is at least 18 pounds. When in doubt, always go bigger. It's better to have leftovers than not enough food for all of your guests.

What is the best way to thaw the turkey before cooking?

The best way to thaw a turkey is in the refrigerator. You should allow it to sit in the fridge for 24 hours for every 4 to 5 pounds of meat. So, a 10-pound turkey would generally need to sit for 48 hours. To speed up the process, submerge the turkey (in its packaging) in cold water or use your microwave's defrost settings.