How to baste a turkey like a professional

Basting a turkey can bring out the savory flavors of your favorite herbs or oils while helping to keep your bird moist and ready for your family to enjoy. Basting your turkey using seasoned marinades helps create a crisp exterior to your meat while also creating a tender bite. Read on to learn how to baste a turkey and what to baste a turkey with. Once you try it, you’ll love the taste and texture it brings to your turkey.

What is basting?

Basting is a method to add flavor and moisture to meat or poultry using hot oils, sauces or juices as it cooks. These hot liquids are applied with basters, brushes or spoons, among other tools. This technique can give your turkey a deep golden color, indicating a crisp texture and a juicy bite.

Basting a turkey like a professional

Basting like a pro is about choosing the right method for your family, creating a tasty herb oil and basting your bird once every hour. Keep in mind that every time you open your oven you lose heat, so it’s a good idea to remove the turkey and close the door during every basting session. There are a number of tools that offer different application techniques for basting your bird. Choose one ahead of time to help keep basting times quick and efficient.

When to baste a turkey

It is recommended to baste a turkey approximately every hour as it cooks in your oven. Refrain from basting more often than that, as opening and closing your oven too frequently results in a loss of heat.

Is it better to baste a turkey with butter or oil?

Deciding whether to baste with butter or oil primarily depends on your own preferences. However, butter is the preferred choice in many recipes due to its flavor. If you choose an oil, consider a high-heat compatible oil such as vegetable or canola oil.

Always practice caution when handling oils and butters for basting. Spillage and stains from grease and oil can be tough to remove from aprons or clothing.

Turkey basting recipe tips

• Consider the oven rack placement in order for the turkey to cook evenly and give you quick access to baste.
• Experiment with herbs and other options in your pantry. Some basting recipes call for chicken broth while others prefer a butter and herb mixture. 

• Have a plan. Minimize the number of times you open the oven to baste. Each time you open it, the oven loses heat, which can lead to longer cook times. Have your basting oils and tools ready when itʼs time to baste.
• You can make a gravy with extra liquid you have leftover in your pan.

• Allow for your turkey to cool after cooking. Juices often redistribute when you allow your meat to rest. Carving too soon can cause the juice to end up on your carving board and could lead to dry meat.

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