Micro-Cooked Turkey
A quick and flavorful microwave turkey recipe featuring a seasoned, browned exterior and moist interior, perfect for busy families or last-minute gatherings seeking a tender, juicy main dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Shake flour in a large (14 x 20-inch) Reynolds oven cooking bag. For an 8 to 9-pound turkey, place the bag in a 13 x 9 x 2-inch microwave-safe baking dish.
- Place onion and celery slices in the bag.
- Remove the neck, giblets, and excess fat from the turkey.
- Rinse, drain, and pat the turkey dry.
- Do not stuff the turkey and do not secure the neck skin to the back with a skewer. Tie the legs together with string.
- Combine vegetable oil and browning and seasoning sauce; brush the mixture over the turkey for color. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place the turkey in the bag. Close the bag with a nylon tie and make six 1/2-inch slits in the top.
- Insert a microwave-safe meat thermometer through a slit in the bag into the center of the thigh, next to the body, but not touching the bone, or use a quick register meat thermometer at the end of cooking.
- Microwave on Medium (50%) power for 7 to 9 minutes per pound, rotating the dish every 15 minutes.
- Cook until the thermometer registers 180°F.
- Let stand for 15 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful turkey, consider marinating it overnight with herbs and spices before cooking. You can substitute the vegetable oil with olive oil for a healthier option. If you don’t have browning sauce, a mixture of soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce can provide a similar color and taste. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as microwave wattages can vary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the micro-cooked turkey alongside classic sides such as mashed potatoes, green beans, or cornbread. For a refreshing touch, consider pairing it with Turkey Or Chicken Apple Salad. This dish is perfect for gatherings and can be complemented with a rich gravy or cranberry sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover turkey in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place slices in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power until warmed through. For optimal texture, avoid overcooking during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Micro-Cooked Turkey contains roughly 401 calories, with 12g protein, 80g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (27% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I ensure my turkey is juicy?
To ensure a juicy turkey, avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Cooking it to 180°F is key, but you can also let it rest for 15 minutes after microwaving, allowing the juices to redistribute for a moist result.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).