You should take your turkey out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before roasting.
Allowing the turkey to sit at room temperature for this short period before cooking helps the bird cook more evenly, resulting in juicier meat. This is because it reduces the temperature difference between the surface and the center of the turkey, leading to more consistent cooking.
Here's why letting your turkey rest is beneficial:
- Even Cooking: A slightly warmer turkey cooks more evenly throughout.
- Juicier Meat: More even cooking helps retain moisture, preventing dryness.
- Reduced Cooking Time (Potentially): Although the impact is minimal, a less-cold turkey might cook slightly faster.
Keep in mind that while allowing the turkey to sit out is beneficial, it's crucial to not let it sit out for too long, as this can increase the risk of bacterial growth. The 30-minute timeframe is recommended to allow some temperature equalization without significantly increasing the risk of contamination.
