To cook a turkey without a roasting rack, place it directly on a bed of vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions, or use aluminum foil to form a makeshift rack by scrunching it into a coil and placing the turkey on top.
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To cook a turkey without a roasting rack, there are a few alternative methods to consider. One option is to place the turkey directly on a bed of vegetables such as carrots, celery, and onions. According to celebrity chef and restaurateur Wolfgang Puck, “The vegetables will give flavor to the turkey and prevent the bottom of the bird from sticking to the pan.” Another option is to use aluminum foil to form a makeshift rack by scrunching it into a coil and placing the turkey on top.
Here are some additional interesting facts about cooking a turkey:
Depending on the size of your turkey, you’ll need to cook it for approximately 13-15 minutes per pound at 350°F (175°C).
To ensure that your turkey is cooked to a safe temperature, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the turkey reaches 165°F (74°C).
If you’re looking for a way to add flavor to your turkey, try rubbing it with a mixture of butter, herbs, and spices before cooking. Food network personality Alton Brown suggests using a mixture of softened butter, fresh rosemary, thyme, and sage, along with salt and pepper.
If you’re short on time, you can also use a pressure cooker to cook your turkey. The website Pressure Cooking Today has a recipe for a 5-pound turkey breast that can be cooked in just 35 minutes using a pressure cooker.
Need some inspiration for side dishes to serve with your turkey? Consider classics like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and stuffing, or try something new like roasted Brussels sprouts or sweet potato gratin.
To help you determine the cooking time for your turkey, here’s a helpful chart:
Turkey Size
Cooking Time
8-12 lbs.
2.75-3 hours
12-14 lbs.
3-3.75 hours
14-18 lbs.
3.75-4.25 hours
18-20 lbs.
4.25-4.5 hours
20-24 lbs.
4.5-5 hours
Remember that these cooking times are just estimates, so be sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure that your turkey is fully cooked before serving. Happy cooking!
See related video
This video provides two solutions to roasting a turkey without a roasting rack. The first method involves molding aluminium foil into a figure-eight shape and placing it under the bird, while the second approach involves placing root vegetables, such as potatoes and carrots, under the bird. Both methods provide makeshift solutions for people who do not wish to purchase another kitchen appliance.
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What to do if I don't have a rack for my turkey?
As a response to this: Or throw a bunch of root vegetables like potatoes. And carrots under the bird to prop it up.
How do you cook a turkey without a rack pan?
Response will be: But if you don’t have an oven-safe rack on hand, don’t worry: you can easily create your own rack using aluminum foil. Scrunch up a long piece of foil into a thick rope and sculpt it into a spiral or a figure eight, high enough to lift the bird away from the cooking surface.
What kind of pan can I cook a turkey in?
The answer is: 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.
Do you put water in bottom of roasting pan for turkey?
The reply will be: Place roast, skin side up, on a flat roasting rack in 2-inch deep roasting pan. Do not add water to pan. Roast uncovered according to Cooking Schedule or until meat thermometer in center of breast roast reaches 170° F and in center of turkey roast reaches 175° F.
Can you roast a turkey without a specialized pan?
The reply will be: Picking the right vessel for the job is key when you want to roast a turkey or other meat without a specialized pan. Depending on the size of your protein, you may be able to roast it in a: But for a larger turkey or a big-ass brisket, you’ll be better off with a sheet pan. Make sure it’s a rimmed sheet pan — the kind with raised edges.
Do you need a roasting rack to cook a Turkey?
In reply to that: However, you can also try using a Dutch oven, skillet, or baking dish. You don’t need a roasting rack, but it helps to keep your turkey raised. It might come out a little stewed otherwise. You can use a wire cooling rack if you have one.
How to cook a Turkey in the oven?
As a response to this: Instead, slowly pull the oven rack out just far enough so that you can reach the turkey and keep the pan level. Set another rimmed baking sheet on the open oven door and use two clean oven mitts to transfer the turkey (with the rack if possible) to the second baking sheet.
Do you need a broiler pan to roast a Turkey?
Answer will be: You can grab that broiler pan that came with your oven and make an amazing centerpiece of a turkey. You’ve all heard the phrase, “use the right tool for the job” so naturally, it would seem logical the right tool to roast a turkey would be a roasting pan, right? Well, I disagree.
How do you cook a Turkey in a roasting pan?
The reply will be: When you set the turkey on the roasting rack in the pan that comes with it, the pan comes about midway up the turkey’s thighs or higher. The roasting pan ends up shielding the bottom part of the turkey from the heat of the oven.
Can you roast a turkey without a specialized pan?
As a response to this: Picking the right vessel for the job is key when you want to roast a turkey or other meat without a specialized pan. Depending on the size of your protein, you may be able to roast it in a: But for a larger turkey or a big-ass brisket, you’ll be better off with a sheet pan. Make sure it’s a rimmed sheet pan — the kind with raised edges.
Do you need a roasting rack to cook a Turkey?
However, you can also try using a Dutch oven, skillet, or baking dish. You don’t need a roasting rack, but it helps to keep your turkey raised. It might come out a little stewed otherwise. You can use a wire cooling rack if you have one.
How do you lift a turkey without a rack?
Answer to this: There are a number of ways to lift your roast without the use of a rack. You can always place your roast atop a bed of hearty vegetables, such as carrots, potatoes, celery, and onions. Not only will this keep your turkey raised from the base of the pan, but it will also add a whole new layer of flavor to your roast.
