What kind of pan do you cook a turkey in
What Size Roasting Pan Do I Need? Here's How to Choose.
What size roasting pan will deliver the most delicious turkey? What other factors should you consider? We've put together a simple buying guide to help you choose the perfect pan.
If you’re like most people, the only time you think about your roasting pan is the night before Thanksgiving when someone is tasked with searching the basement or hall closet for the pan that cooked last year’s bird. But guess what: Roasting pans are surprisingly versatile. They’re great for cooking all kinds of meats and vegetables, even baking up big batches of lasagna. A roasting pan’s high walls also make it the ideal vessel for custards or cheesecakes that require a water bath. Regardless of what you plan to cook in it, there are several factors you should consider when purchasing a roasting pan. Here are the top things to keep in mind.
If you’re new to roasting, check out our step-by-step guide on how to cook a turkey.
What Size Do You Need?
Though it might seem silly, make sure you know the internal measurements of your oven, particularly if it is a smaller model. When looking at roasting pan sizes, be sure to take into account the thickness of the walls and the height of the handles, especially if they are permanently extended. In general, you want to choose the smallest roasting pan that fits your needs—too big and the juices can burn; too small and constricted airflow won’t allow for even cooking.
In general, when cooking turkeys:
- A small (14-inch) roasting pan works for birds up to 12 pounds.
- A medium (16-inch) roasting pan is ideal for birds up to 16 pounds.
- A large (18-inch) roasting pan can fit turkeys up to 20 pounds.
If you don’t want to keep a variety of roasting pans on hand, a medium-sized pan works best for most needs. And if there is excess room around the meat you are roasting, just cover the bottom of the pan with roughly chopped vegetables to prevent the juices from browning.
Then serve those roasted veggies as a side dish.
Pick a Good Depth
Most cooks agree that three inches is the ideal height for a roasting pan. Too deep and you’ll end up steaming your ingredients rather than roasting them. Too shallow and braising becomes quite a messy endeavor, as does trying to pull the pan out of the oven without spilling anything.
Choose the Right Material
The two best materials for a roasting pan are stainless steel or copper. While enameled cast-iron roasting pans are beautiful to look at, they can also be incredibly heavy. Add a 20-pound turkey to the mix, and you’re going to need some extra muscle to maneuver it. Stay away from aluminum roasting pans: The metal can react with any acidic ingredients, such as lemon juice. Many roasting pans are made from anodized aluminum. However, its darker color can affect how quickly your food cooks.
Learn more about cookware materials with this handy guide.
Consider the Handles
Take a good look at the handles when purchasing a roasting pan.
In general, the type of handle you choose depends on your own preferences. Some handles are permanently extended. This makes them easier to grab from the oven, but it also takes up more space and can reduce the overall cooking size of the roasting pan. However, pans that have handles that fold down when not in use can be difficult to grab onto when pulling the pan from the oven.
Add a Rack
A roasting pan should ideally come with a rack. This feature keeps the bottom of your roast out of its juices, keeping the skin crispy. A rack also promotes air circulation, allowing for more even roasting.
Now that you know which pan to buy, learn how to roast a chicken for Sunday supper.
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Best turkey roasting pan: for the perfect Thanksgiving dinner
(Image credit: Getty)
A perfectly roasted turkey is the key to a standout Thanksgiving dinner, so it's essential to invest in the best turkey roasting pan for the big day. A turkey roasting pan needs to be large enough to cater to the entire family, and sturdy enough to support the heftiest bird you can find.
A well-designed model will also provide perfect heat distribution to keep your turkey meat moist and tender.
Featuring major brands such as De Buyer and Made In, our guide includes a mix of the best turkey roasting pans we've tried, and a few that we're working on reviewing in the next few months, but which come highly recommended by users and professionals alike.
Unlike the best Dutch ovens, these turkey roasting pans are made of steel and designed to be used without a lid, to achieve that perfect crispy skin. There is a mix of carbon steel and stainless steel pans, with a number of options that we'd be proud to display on our table come Thanksgiving or even Christmas Day.
The best turkey roasting pans for Thanksgiving
Why you can trust Homes & Gardens Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
(Image credit: Made In)
1. Made In Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan
The best turkey roasting pan for most people
Specifications
Item weight: 5.
56 lbs
Shape: Rectangular
Baking cooking surface: Nonstick
Features: Carbon steel build, rack included
Care & Cleaning: Hand Wash, requires seasoning, oven safe to 1200F
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
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Large enough for a 12lb turkey
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Rack included for stovetop sauces
+
Safe up to 1200-degrees
Reasons to avoid
-
Hand wash only
Bring on big family roasts, turkeys, hams, and more with this super functional and easy handling Made In Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan.
We love how this model proves you don't have to break the bank for the best turkey roasting pan, and the carbon steel design will ensure that you can use it for years to come - once it's been seasoned, that is.
When we tested the Made In Blue Carbon Steel Roasting Pan it seriously wowed us with its lightweight design and naturally nonstick carbon steel build.
It also claims to be oven safe up to an astounding 1200F.
This versatile turkey roasting pan can be used in more ways than one; sure, it will cook your Thanksgiving turkey, but it's also suitable for large cuts of meat and poultry on any night. Featuring a reversible rack, this pan keeps food from falling, and creates a crisp, even brown layer. You can even transfer it to the stovetop to make trivet sauces using your turkey juices.
(Image credit: De Buyer)
2. De Buyer Affinity Stainless Steel Roasting Pan
The best premium turkey roasting pan
Specifications
Item weight: 5lbs
Shape: Rectangle
Baking cooking surface: Stainless Steel
Features: Sturdy riveted handles, flared edges
Care & Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe, rounded corners for cleaning
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
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A stunning option for stove-to-table
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Very large and deep build
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Dishwasher-safe design
Reasons to avoid
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No rack included
The De Buyer Affinity Stainless Steel Roasting Pan is an expensive choice that's worthy of the center spot on your Thanksgiving table.
Made of multilayered steel with a bright and shiny exterior but brushed, matt interior, we felt that everything about this product screamed of high quality.
One of our favorite features was the riveted handles which will ensure you're always confident when lifting your turkey in and out of your oven. We also loved the curved edges and rounded corners, ensuring that the build is fluid enough for pouring without being tricky to clean. And when it does come to cleaning, the dishwasher-safe design will make sure that it's always looking good as new.
Most importantly, we were wowed by the capacity of this roasting tray, which is 16 inches in length and very deep. It doesn't come with a rack for catching drippings, but you could easily add one from any good homeware store if you wish. For large show-stopping meals, look no further.
(Image credit: All Clad)
3. All-Clad Stainless Steel Roasting Pan With Nonstick Rack
The best large turkey roasting pan
Specifications
Item weight: 8lbs
Shape: Rectangular
Baking cooking surface: Stainless Steel
Features: Oven-safe up to 600F
Care & cleaning: Dishwasher-safe, with a lifetime warranty
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Heavy-duty stainless steel
+
A non-stick roasting rack is ultra-durable
+
Warp-resistant strength
Reasons to avoid
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Not compatible with induction stovetops
The All-Clad large roaster with a rack is an essential buy for those looking to cook a larger-sized turkey.
With the capacity to hold up to 25 pounds, the heavy-duty stainless-steel model is ultra-durable.
This turkey roasting pan is exceptional for holiday cooking but also could work on a regular basis. Suitable for use with electric and gas stoves, the lidless model has a V-shaped nonstick rack that promotes even heating and makes it easy to collect natural juices. Plus, when not in use it will safely and seamlessly store in any cabinet or shelf due to its smart shape.
As we previously mentioned, the stainless steel construction gives this roasting pan a strong, durable base that's elevated with tall V-shaped sides to prevent spilling and upright handles to ensure secure holding. With wrap-resistant strength and a polished finish, it is a terrific investment for anyone.
(Image credit: Cuisinart)
4. Cuisinart Chef's Classic 16-Inch Stainless Steel Roaster
The best turkey roasting pan under $100
Specifications
Item weight: 16-inch rectangular
Shape: 1 piece
Cooking surface: Stainless steel
Features: Riveted handles, curved rack
Care & cleaning: Dishwasher-safe
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Evenly distributes heat
+
Stainless steel construction
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Holds up to a 20lb turkey
Reasons to avoid
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Roasting rack looks a little flimsy
When it comes to the Cuisinart Chef's Classic 16-inch Stainless Steel Roaster, versatility reigns supreme.
This turkey roasting pan is sensational for Thanksgiving use, but will also come in handy when used in day-to-day life. Users can cook meat or kinds of pasta, large roasts, and casseroles anytime, anywhere.
With its stainless steel construction, like All-Clad's roasting pan, this model also fits into standard ovens and can hold a turkey up to 20lbs.
The solid cast stainless steel side handles are contoured for comfort and balance and riveted for strength. Its durable construction is microwavable-safe and Includes a U-shaped stainless steel rack. With a lifetime warranty guaranteed, it's a low-lift risk when opting for this roasting pan.
(Image credit: Analon)
5. Anolon Triply Clad Stainless Steel Roaster
The best turkey roasting pan for affordable quality
Specifications
Item weight: 10.54lbs
Shape: 20.3 x 16 x 5.95 inches
Cooking surface: Stainless steel
Features : Three-ply with an aluminum core
Care & cleaning: Dishwasher-safe
Today's Best Deals
Reasons to buy
+
Durable three-ply construction
+
Aluminum Core
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Easy grip handles
Reasons to avoid
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Handles for the roasting rack are small
There's a lot to love about the Anolon Tri-Ply Clad Stainless Steel roaster, but primarily that it prides itself on optimal heat distribution and comfort.
Compared to most turkey roasting pans, this model is broiler and oven safe up to 500-degrees, higher than the rest. With a nonstick roasting rack to release roasts effortlessly, we also are privy to the easy-lift handles.
This turkey roasting pan features durable triple-layer construction, with an aluminum core surrounded by layers of stainless steel for optimal heat distribution; ideal for all stovetops, including induction. With comfortable stainless steel handles (for long-lasting durability and comfort) with stain-proof stainless steel rivets.
How to pick the best turkey roasting pan
It's not that finding a turkey roasting pan is difficult, the issue is finding one that's worthwhile and lives up to your expectation. Finding the 'best' model boils down to nothing more than what your specific needs are and will be.
For instance, if you are hosting a larger-sized family fathering over the holidays, you'll want to consider the thickness of the roasting pan's walls and the height of its handles.
This ensures that you can maintain a firm grip when putting the turkey in and taking it out of the oven.
What size turkey roasting pan do I need?
- A small (14-inch) roasting pan works for birds up to 12 pounds.
- A medium (16-inch) roasting pan is ideal for birds up to 16 pounds.
- A large (18-inch) roasting pan can fit turkeys up to 20 pounds.
What type of turkey roasting pan is best?
The most important factor when selecting the best turkey roasting pan is finding the proper type of material. Most roasting pans are made of copper or stainless steel. These materials are durable and remain light enough to get the turkey in-and-out of the oven.
Our top pick is made of carbon steel, which is oven-safe to high temperatures and resembles cast iron with its seasoned exterior to bake in flavor.
Round up of today's best deals
De Buyer Affinity stainless steel
£207.
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Millie Fender is Head of Reviews on the Homes and Gardens Ecommerce team. She specializes in cooking appliances, such as the best kettles, and also reviews outdoor grills and pizza ovens. Millie loves to bake, so she will take any excuse to review stand mixers and other baking essentials. When she's not putting products through their paces in our dedicated testing kitchen, Millie's reviews are conducted at home, meaning she uses these products in her own day-to-day life.
Turkey fillet in a frying pan recipe with photo step by step and video
Turkey fillet in a frying pan
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Composition/ingredients
3
Change composition
servings:
Cooking steps
Cooking time: 40 min PT40M-
Step 1:
How to fillet a turkey in a pan? Rinse the turkey fillet in running cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
Cut the turkey into large pieces, approximately the same size. -
Step 2:
Put the pan on the fire and heat until hot. Pour in some vegetable oil. Put the chopped meat and fry over high heat until golden brown. Periodically stir the meat with a wooden spatula.
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Step 3:
While the meat is cooking, work on the onions. Peel the onion from the husk and rinse in cold water. Finely chop it.
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Step 4:
Add chopped onion to the pan with the meat. Fry everything together for another 2-3 minutes.
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Step 5:
Add some soy sauce. Add dry spices and a little salt to taste. When adding salt, consider the presence of soy sauce, as it is quite salty on its own.
-
Step 6:
Then pour some hot water into the pan and cover with a lid. Reduce the heat and simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes. The finished dish can be served as an independent snack or diversified with any side dish.
When serving, I recommend sprinkling the meat with a little sesame seeds. Enjoy your meal!
Turkey meat in terms of its nutritional value is not inferior to other types of meat, but, nevertheless, it belongs to a dietary product. Yes, and it cooks much faster.
Turkey meat does not cause allergies, and the amount of vitamins it contains significantly exceeds the composition of chicken meat. Yes, and it is much easier to digest.
Dishes from this bird are quite popular in many countries. And in some countries, the turkey is an obligatory attribute of the festive table.
For those who are on a diet, it is recommended to use turkey fillet, since it contains the least calories.
This dish may well become traditional on your table. When cooking, you can supplement it with vegetables and stew everything together. Onions, carrots, broccoli or bell peppers are best. In any case, a tasty and satisfying meal is provided to you.
Important! The wrong pan can ruin even the best recipe.
Read all the details on how to choose the perfect frying pan for different dishes here.
Any oils are useful only up to a certain temperature - the smoke point, at which the oil starts to burn and toxic substances, including carcinogens, are formed in it. How to determine the frying temperature and choose the best oil for frying, and which one is better not to use at all, read here.
Turkey can be substituted for chicken or any other meat of your choice. But keep in mind that in this case, the cooking time and calorie content of the dish will change.
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Vegetables in a pan
Stewed vegetables
meat with onions
turkey with vegetables
meat in soy sauce
TUSHENE TUNDEN
Recipes without butter and margarine 9000 41 kcal/100g
How long to fry a turkey in a pan (fillet, slices)?
Frying is a method, albeit not a dietary one, but the most delicious.
Therefore, let's forget about proper nutrition for a while and talk about how much to fry a turkey in a pan. Fried turkey pieces are a real delicacy that deserves to be on the holiday menu.
Contents
- 1 Roast turkey: how long to cook?
- 2 Turkey in a hurry: how to fry it, but not dry it?
- 3 Tender and ruddy battered turkey: an easy recipe
- 3.1 Ingredients:
- 3.2 Cooking:
Roast turkey: how long to cook?
It is unlikely that anyone will be able to fry the whole carcass of this large poultry at home, it is too large, it is preliminarily cut into pieces. How long to fry a turkey in a pan in pieces? 15 minutes on moderate heat is enough.
How long to fry turkey chops? In a pan, they are fried for 10 minutes on one side and the other (also over medium heat). Pulp in large pieces will be ready to eat in 20-25 minutes.
Turkey legs are stiffer. They are fried for 35 minutes.
Usually, the drumsticks are not put into the pan as a whole, but cut into pieces in the transverse direction. Pieces of pulp are fried over high heat until crispy (3-5 minutes each) and simmer under the lid for another 10 minutes in the marinade.
Tip! Turkey meat is considered the most environmentally friendly, so even after 10 minutes of frying in a pan, it can be eaten. If you want to make it more tender and soft, then cover the pan with a lid and simmer for an additional 4-5 minutes!
You can also fry a turkey in the slow cooker (in the frying or baking program) for 7-10 minutes on both sides.
Turkey in a hurry: how to fry it, but not dry it?
A roast turkey doesn't take as long to cook as it does to roast in the oven. How long to fry a turkey in a pan, of course, depends on the size of the piece, but in any case, this will not make you stand at the stove for more than 30 minutes. Nevertheless, some housewives are afraid to cook it in this way.
After all, dietary meat after frying can become completely dry. To prevent this from happening, use the practical recommendations of experienced chefs.
Roast turkey details:
- If you want the dish to be juicy, focus not on the cost of the turkey, but on the quality of the product. Fresh meat is easily recognizable by its white color with a yellowish tint.
- To make fried meat even more delicious, it is better to hold the turkey for at least a quarter of an hour in a marinade made from sour cream, kefir, mayonnaise, yogurt, mustard, olive oil, white wine with honey, garlic, ginger, paprika, dried apricots and others spices.
- You can fry any part of the turkey. The main thing is to choose it correctly. Do not buy meat that has lost its elasticity, emits an unpleasant odor, is covered with mucus or a layer of too yellow fat.
- Give preference to chilled rather than frozen meat.
- If you have frozen meat, let it thaw on the refrigerator shelf before frying.
- Meat must be warm before cooking. You can not throw the product just out of the refrigerator into the pan!
- In order not to overdry the turkey, do not keep it in the pan for more than 20-30 minutes!
Note! If you have homemade turkey meat, fry it without adding oil, because it is very fatty.
Tender and ruddy battered turkey: a simple recipe
Juicy meat hidden in a crisp! Can you think of something tastier? Let's cook the turkey flesh in batter. For breading, both semolina and croutons are suitable. Choose what you like best. Let's take the most "difficult" part of the carcass (which many consider dry) - fillet, and cook it juicy.
Let's immediately determine how long it will take to fry the turkey in a pan. Approximately 8 minutes. But the meat must first lie down in the marinade for at least half an hour.
Tip! It is recommended to take the fillet from the chest. It has a homogeneous structure, and it has few calories.
The stores also offer meat cut from the drumsticks. This is also an acceptable option, but it has more calories!
Ingredients:
- turkey (fillet) - 800 g - 1 kg;
- flour - 200 g;
- eggs - 2 pieces;
- sour cream (mayonnaise) - 50 g;
- lemon - 1/2 citrus;
- mustard - 1 tsp. a spoon;
- semolina - 1/3 of a glass;
- salt;
- vegetable oil;
- black pepper.
Preparation:
- Rinse the fillets in cool water. Pat it dry with a napkin. If it remains undried, then in the process of frying, it will begin to “shoot” with fat!
- Cut the fillet into thin slices (up to 5 mm thick). Beat them with a culinary mallet (not too hard). To prevent splashes, cover the meat with cling film!
- Prepare marinade ingredients: favorite spices, mustard, pepper, mayonnaise or sour cream, salt. Wash the lemon and squeeze out the juice.
- Mix all these ingredients, pour the resulting sauce over the fillet pieces and leave for 30 minutes - 1 hour.
- When the meat is well marinated, beat a couple of eggs in a small bowl.
- In another bowl, mix the sifted flour and semolina.
- Dip each piece of meat alternately into the egg mixture (turning them from one side to the other) and the dry breading mix.
- Heat oil in a frying pan (choose the amount yourself, but it should be no less than three millimeters of the height of the pan).
- Grill (medium heat) turkey for 4 minutes on each side.
- Put the finished meat on paper towels to “leave” the excess oil and make them crispy. Serve with a side dish or as a savory snack.
Roast a turkey like in trendy fast food restaurants at home. Moreover, it will be more useful, because you will not use repeatedly overcooked oil. The secret of this dish is in a special batter. It is made with eggs, Tabasco sauce, water, salt and pepper.
