Roasting a turkey in a plastic oven bag is a great way to achieve a moist and tender bird with minimal effort. The oven bag traps moisture, allowing the turkey to cook evenly while keeping it juicy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to roast a turkey using a plastic oven bag:
### **Ingredients & Supplies:**
– 1 whole turkey (12-14 pounds is a common size)
– 1 plastic oven bag (large enough to fit your turkey)
– 2 tablespoons of flour (to prevent the bag from bursting)
– 1/4 cup of melted butter or oil
– Seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage)
– Aromatics (optional, such as onion, garlic, lemon, or herbs to stuff inside the turkey)
– Roasting pan (large enough to hold the turkey and the oven bag)
### **Instructions:**
#### 1. **Prepare the Turkey:**
– **Thaw the Turkey:** If you’re using a frozen turkey, be sure to allow ample time for it to thaw in the refrigerator, usually 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds.
– **Remove Giblets and Neck:** Take out the giblets and neck from the cavity of the turkey, rinse the bird under cold water, and pat dry with paper towels.
#### 2. **Season the Turkey:**
– Rub the turkey all over with **melted butter** or **oil** to promote browning and flavor.
– Season generously with **salt, pepper**, and your preferred herbs and spices. You can rub the seasonings directly on the skin, inside the cavity, and under the skin (especially the breast area for more flavor).
– If desired, stuff the cavity with **aromatics** like quartered onions, garlic cloves, halved lemons, or sprigs of fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage.
#### 3. **Prepare the Oven Bag:**
– Sprinkle **2 tablespoons of flour** inside the oven bag. This step is important because it helps prevent the bag from bursting during the roasting process. Shake the bag to evenly coat the inside with the flour.
– If desired, you can also add some seasonings or aromatics into the bag for extra flavor, such as a handful of chopped onions or garlic.
#### 4. **Place the Turkey in the Oven Bag:**
– Carefully place the seasoned turkey inside the prepared oven bag. Make sure the turkey fits comfortably inside the bag without stretching it too much.
– Close the bag securely by tying the provided tie around the opening, but leave a little space for air to circulate. Cut a few small slits (about 4-6) in the top of the bag to allow steam to escape.
#### 5. **Prepare the Roasting Pan:**
– Place the oven bag with the turkey into a **roasting pan**. The pan should be large enough to accommodate the turkey and the bag without the bag touching the sides of the oven.
– For extra flavor and moisture, you can add a cup of **broth** (chicken, turkey, or vegetable) to the bottom of the pan.
#### 6. **Roast the Turkey:**
– Preheat the oven to **350°F (175°C)**.
– Place the roasting pan with the bagged turkey into the oven on the middle rack.
– Roast the turkey for about **13-15 minutes per pound**, so a 12-pound turkey will take around 2.5 to 3 hours. Check the turkey’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The turkey is done when the internal temperature of the **thickest part of the thigh** reaches **165°F (74°C)**.
#### 7. **Baste (Optional):**
– If you like, you can carefully cut open the oven bag during the last 30 minutes of roasting to allow the turkey skin to brown and crisp up. Be cautious of hot steam when opening the bag.
– If you want extra golden skin, you can also baste the turkey with its juices (but note that the bag will trap the moisture, so it won’t dry out as much).
#### 8. **Rest the Turkey:**
– Once the turkey reaches the proper internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest in the bag for about **20-30 minutes**. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist.
– After resting, carefully cut open the oven bag (be careful of hot steam) and transfer the turkey to a serving platter.
### **Tips for Success:**
– **Don’t skip the flour in the bag.** It’s essential to prevent the bag from tearing or bursting in the oven due to the steam buildup.
– **Cooking time may vary.** Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey is fully cooked.
– **For a crispy skin:** If you want the skin to be crispy, open the bag during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking or for the last 15 minutes of roasting.
– **Avoid overstuffing the bag.** The bag needs enough room for air circulation and to allow steam to escape.
### **Conclusion:**
Roasting a turkey in a plastic oven bag is an excellent method for ensuring a moist and tender bird. It locks in flavor, reduces the need for frequent basting, and helps the turkey cook evenly. You’ll enjoy a juicy, perfectly cooked turkey with minimal effort and cleanup. The oven bag method is especially useful for novice cooks or those who want to make their holiday turkey preparation simpler and more foolproof.